Ovarian Cyst or Tumor?

[tristas]

Hi there,

I was recently in the hospital because I have been have recurrent UTI's and pyelonephritis. When I was there, the doctor's decided to do another CT scan and MRI. On my CT scan, I showed that I have a questionable mass on my right ovary that has doubled in size in 3 months.  The doctor was uncertain whether or not it was a cyst or a tumor.  He had told me that I needed to follow up outpatient with my GYN after discharge. I have been feeling very tired, nauseated, bloated, and having abdominal pain for several months now, and am wondering if this may be the cause of it all. My grandmother was recently diagnosed with Stage IV Ovarian CA with mets to the omentum and colon back in October, so I do have a family history of it.  

I do have a follow up appointment with the GYN, but it is still 10 days away, and it is hard not to think about what might be going on and not have any answers.

So, 3 questions:

1. Is it possible that this could also be Ovarian CA?
2. What can be diagnostically to find out other than that CA-125 blood test?
3. Would surgery be required?

Thank you very much for your time!

[stephlovespeter_xo]

I had a similar situation happen to me Christmas of 2007. It went on for quite some time, the "cyst" just kept growing - one radiologist even wrote on my report 'strong suspicion of malignancy'. Through ultrasound, they weren't sure if it was a tumor or a cyst however after quite a few ultrasounds and a CT scan they figured out that it was a complex cyst - it was part solid part fluid filled. For weeks, I was terrified that I would be given the ovarian cancer diagnosis at 18 after what that report had read but thankfully, after going in laproscopically - it was benign. I personally hate the CA 125 test and so do both of my specialists, they give false positives quite often. My grandmother was diagnosed with ovarian cancer in June of 2006 and her CA 125 came back completely normal - by October of 2006, we lost her. Through scans, she clearly had ovarian cancer but the CA 125 showed it completely normal. Sometimes the doctor will leave it in your hands - if it is causing you pain, or they believe there is cause of concern, like there was for me - they will do it.. and sometimes they will choose to wait a little longer. It really all depends on your doctor and your individual situation. I hope that helps.

best of luck to you! and keep us updated.

[Annekathryn Goodman, M.D.]

Hi There,

You have had a good evaluation.  Cancer is always a possibility but most ovarian cysts are benign.  The only way to make a diagnosis is to remove it surgically.  However since most ovarian cysts are related to ovulation, a follow up ultrasound after your next menstrual cycle is usually the next step.

It is important to review your old scans and make sure that what was seen  3 months ago is the same thing that is seen now.  If indeed, it is, surgery is the enx step.
best wishes