Ovarian Cysts

[rsvp204]

I am postmenopausal and had an untrasound in Oct/05, where they found a cyst under 2 cm on my right ovary.  I had another untrasound in Jan/06 which showed that the same cyst had grown to 2 cm and they found a tiny cyst on my left ovary which the gynocologist said is benign because of its size.  He said that the other one could be cancerous and so has ordered an MRI which I am not scheduled to have until early April.  I am going for a second opinion with another gynocologist.  I am hoping to have a biopsy.  It is possible to have a biopsy for an ovarian cyst and how is the procedure done?  To me makes sense to have a biopsy first; however, I am not a doctor.  My regular doctor (my GP) says that they cannot do a biopsy on ovarian cysts, only for endometreocious.   I am very worried because I know that if I have ovarian cancer that it is imperative that it is caught early. What do you suggest? I understand that cysts are fed by estrogen. For years I had large fibroids and now that I am in menopause they have shrunk, so suddenly getting cysts at this time seems very strange.  I have heard that birth control pills are suggested to get rid of cysts but is this good for postmenopausal women and what effect would this have on the fibroids?  I would appreciate any feedback you can give me.

[rsvp204]

Thank you all so much for responding.  I appreciate it so much, as I am having great difficulty dealing with the emotional aspect of this; however,have always believed that doing your own homework is important. I was not told whether the cyst was simple or complex, so will need to ask.  My GP said that it had fluid in it, which from my own reading seems to be a good thing.  The Gyno said that even an MRI would not be conclusive.  He examined me in his office and I was in tremendous pain when he did, and so that is when he ordered the MRI. I did not think it would be possible to experience that much pain from a 2 cm cyst!!  Anyone have any comments on this?
I have had fibroids most of my life and never had a cyst until I went into menopause. It does not make sense to me since I thought cysts feed on estrogen. My fibroids are now half the size which does make sense. Why I am getting cysts is a mystery. I am also wondering if taking a hormonal drug such as progesteron would shrink the cysts?  I would appreciate any information that you can share.

RSVP

[MickeyVicki]

As you are already post-menopausal, if you take hormonal drugs like birth control pills, then you will likely begin having menstrual cycles again, and your fibroids might enlarge as well.

[Canyon711]

You might want to read my post down below with the subject "Postmenapausal cysts not that uncommon" Was the cyst a simple cyst or complex? And is an MRI better than a CT scan for determining size. I don't know all the answers except what my gyno told me and it is pretty much all there. If mine is a simple cyst they are not going to biopsy it as she feels the proceedure at my age and with my emphysema is more risky than leaving it. It is 2.4 and she said usually they don't do them till they are 5 cm. Now I can't exactly quote word for word but that is what I understood. Yours has grown so that may be a difference but the feeling I got was that if it was complex which the ultrasound should show then she would have to go in. No easy way to do it.