Ovarian Cyst with Swollen Stomach

[Laura2]

Hi,

I am 42, and am about 2 1/2 years postmenopause. I recently had about the 3rd episode of pelvic pain in about 7 months. This time, though, it was accompanied by a clear discharge, and most worrisome and odd to me, a swollen stomach and sudden weight gain of about 3 pounds. So, I went to the gyn. who thought it was nothing, but did send me for a transvaginal ultrasound. That found a small, 1-2 cm ovarian cyst.

The pain is much better, but my stomach is still bloated, and strangely blows up like a balloon when I eat. I look pregnant! I am petite, and it is really obvious and very unusual -- I have never gained weight easily, and certainly not 3-5 pounds all of a sudden! Also, a few weeks before the pain and swelling started, my stomach was itchy, which I thought was odd at the time, but didn't pay much attention to.

My gyn called with the results of the ultrasound and dismissed the cyst and my symptoms, saying "Did you ever get a period?" Huh? Of course not! Then, I e-mailed her to ask more about the cyst, and she replied that it is a "simple" cyst, normal for a young, menstruating female! ARGHH!!! Obviously, she's not paying attention.

Does this sound like it could be ovarian cancer? Do you think more tests are warranted, and if so, what would the next step be?

I plan to get the actual ultrasound report, but I don't know if it will say much more than what she already told me.

[weejen]

Hi there I am 22 and I have two kids.  Recently my stomach and my breasts have become awful bloated.  I don't put on weight easily but have been pilling it on arounf the stomach, and have a itchy rash and sores on my stomach and breasts.  Does this sound like something that I should be worried about.  Any advice would be greatly appreciated.

[sejerram]

Hi Heather & Laura,
My name is Suzanne. I am 39 and was diagnosed with having an ovarian cyst two weeks ago. Measuring 8cm. I have been told that I will have to have the whole ovary removed. I am waiting for a surgery date. I also have pelvic pain and bloating when I eat. I also have discharge from the nipples. (only a little). I have'nt breastfed for five years. Also indigestion. My doctor is sending me for a mamogram on Friday just to make sure everything is ok.  My cycle has also changed from 32-35 days to 26-27 days, and is very heavy too. I am very lucky that my doctor is very thorough. I did not realise how common this condition is. I have spoken to quite a few ladies lately who have admitted to having had ovarian cyst's.
I hope everything goes well for you both.

Take care

Suzanne

[jibrielsmommy]

Hello Laura,

I have the same problem.  My stomach is like a blimp especially after I eat. My next door neighbor said "ah, looks like you are expanding your family again" to me just about a month ago.  It was so embarrassing...

I am 24 with two kids. I have an ovarian cyst that is 4.5cm and we are taking the wait and see approach with it.  

With you being post-menopausal, you should pressure your doctor into a CA-125 test just to see, but I have read that some people have had Ovarian cancer with a normal CA-125. I do not know much on this just yet as I am also asking questions to the forum, but I can say that if you feel something is not right then most likely your body is trying to tell you something.  Find a doctor who listens and who is not so dense that they can't take the time to look on your paper where it says you are post-menopausal.

I strongly encourage the use of fiber, it has helped me out a bit.  I have had bad constipation no matter what I eat yet this has helped to ease it.  The best I have found is the kind that has no taste and blends well in water such as Fibersure, you can find it at Walmart, target, grocery store or any pharmacy.  

I hope it gets better.  I know with mine I have anxiety attacks at night from the pain in my stomach, it is driving me nuts.

Hope this helps and know you are not alone.

With hope,
Heather

[Laura2]

Thanks for the reply.

My doctor said in an e-mail that the cyst is so small it could NOT be the cause of my problems, that she could do a follow-up ultrasound in 6 months, and suggested I see my regular doctor. I know I don't want to wait 6 months to find out why I'm continuing to have crampy pelvic pain after over 2 years of no periods, along with this uncomfortably swollen stomach. I don't think the cyst is the cause of the problems, but I think it might be a sign of a further problem -- is that a crazy idea for a doctor to consider?

So, I think I'll give up on her and start new with my regular doctor, whom I have actually never seen (as my previous doctor has left the HMO). Hopefully,  he'll be a little more responsive. I just don't know what I want him to do! I'm thinking a blood test (CA125) and a follow-up ultrasound in 6 weeks. Does that sound reasonable? I will certainly wait to see what he says first, but I want to be prepared to ASK for something if I think I need to! The appointment's tomorrow.

[SimplyStar]

Cysts can mock the same symptoms as OVCA, from the sounds of your doctor I think I would get a second opinion. Maybe a colonoscopy, a CA125 blood test, although they are not too accurate ,  Maybe a repeat UVS,  it could be IBS, but that is what we normally hear  when the doctors don't do a through search to find the cause.  Ask if the was any free fluid in your abdomen, that is the usual cause of weight gain,  the cyst is small,  but I would want to keep following it  to see if it grows any.   follow up on this, 97% of all cysts are benign, but in the rare case it is cancer, to catch it early means a lot.  My daughter was passed on by her doctor for 4 1/2 months, giving her cancer a good head start.  Good Luck