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Ovarian Cancer (Expert Forum)
Ovarian Cyst after Stage 3 Colon Cancer
Answered by
Annekathryn Goodman, M.D. - Gynecologic Cancers, Complex Gynecologic, Surgeries, Palliative Care, Acupuncture
Massachusetts General Hospital Cancer Center
Boston - MA
Ovarian Cyst after Stage 3 Colon Cancer
by wandasc, Oct 06, 2007 01:15PM
I am a 45 year old who was diagnoed with Stage III Colon Cancer in May 2000. I had a colon resection (left side 15 cm from rectum), 25 lymph nodes removed (11 positve), a liver byopsy and a hysterectomy (ovaries left in place). After 6 months of chemo, I was declared cancer free.
For the last 6 months, I have seen my GP and Gastro Docs for pain, nausea, bloating, fluid retention, heaviness in chest and change in bowels. I have had thyroid scans, gall bladder scans, liver panel, Flex Sigmoidoscopy, EGD and a Cardiac work up. All came back fine.
Gastro doc sent me for and Adomn/Pelvic CT Scan because my liver was enlarged. It showed a 3.5 cm cyst on the left ovary. My GP followed with a CA125 which was within normal range and has scheduled me for a vaginal ultrasound on 10/31.
What questions should I be asking? I don't tend to put much faith in the CA125 results because my CEA results always registered very low. I know that I have to be proactive in my healthcare especially with my history.
For the last 6 months, I have seen my GP and Gastro Docs for pain, nausea, bloating, fluid retention, heaviness in chest and change in bowels. I have had thyroid scans, gall bladder scans, liver panel, Flex Sigmoidoscopy, EGD and a Cardiac work up. All came back fine.
Gastro doc sent me for and Adomn/Pelvic CT Scan because my liver was enlarged. It showed a 3.5 cm cyst on the left ovary. My GP followed with a CA125 which was within normal range and has scheduled me for a vaginal ultrasound on 10/31.
What questions should I be asking? I don't tend to put much faith in the CA125 results because my CEA results always registered very low. I know that I have to be proactive in my healthcare especially with my history.
Doctor's Answer
by Annekathryn Goodman, M.D., Oct 08, 2007 02:37PM
, Oct 08, 2007 02:37PM
Dear Wanda,
I would strongly suggest that you consider having your ovaries removed. It is common for colon cancer to spread to the ovaries. With everything looking good, this might be a good time to prophylactically remove those ovaries. There is no evidence that estrogen causes colon cancer to recur. If you are reluctant to remove your ovaries becasue of concern about estrogen and menopause, it would be safe for you to consider estrogen replacement therapy
best wishes
I would strongly suggest that you consider having your ovaries removed. It is common for colon cancer to spread to the ovaries. With everything looking good, this might be a good time to prophylactically remove those ovaries. There is no evidence that estrogen causes colon cancer to recur. If you are reluctant to remove your ovaries becasue of concern about estrogen and menopause, it would be safe for you to consider estrogen replacement therapy
best wishes
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