Ovarian Dermoid cycts?

I am 18 years old, 2 weeks ago I went for treatment of a sinus infection and was complaining about sore ribs i had for approx a week and a half. I was advised to have an ultrasound which then led to various other tests, CT scans and Xrays. From the results i have a large abdominal mass of approx 25 cm by 12 cm(they actually think its larger). In the past week i have seen 3 specialists/ surgeons and have been told that it is squashing my surrounding organs and that it has to be taken out ASAP... i've been told that it could be a dermoid cyst of the ovaries- which means i could lose one or both ovaries or it is an abdominal tumor. From the scans etc they are concerned that apart of it may be malignant, even though the chance of having a malignant dermoid cyst is like 3%. After everyone i have seen no actually pin point the actual thing that is wrong with me, thats worrying me. I've been advised that they will know as soon as they perform the operation which is Dec 6th 07.

What is concerning me:

Will the surgery be painful?

What would be the expected recovery period be like?

If i do lose both ovaries is it possible to get eggs frozen?

If it is malignant what will i have to go through?

As an 18 year old female i'm very concerned with scarring, i know its not possible to have keyhole surgery but is there any way of minimising scarring? And will they uses stiches or another method?

I've been researching the inernet to get more information because i don't feel like i've been told everything, so if anyone has any information that could help me out i would be so very greatful.

[Danimatt]

Hi Kath,

I had the surgery and it did leave a scar (I consider it a battle wound:) )  The surgery is not painful, you are a bit sore afterwards and coughing, sneezing or laughing does hurt.  I am 2 weeks out of surgery and feeling better.

My thoughts and prayers are with you.  Let us know how your surgery turns out.  You are not alone.  

[Kath89]

Hi Danimatt,

Thank you for you support.. its been over 2 months now since my surgery.. I do have to say that there was some major complications.. but i got through it.

It was traumatic for me and thats the one of the issues i'm dealing with post surgery still.


Thank you so much for your comments.. It help me prepare a little bit better when I heard a success story.. Thank you.

[Kath89]

My surgery,

I actually had other cysts/tumor and other potential dermoid cysts growing on my left and some starting to grown on my right. With my left ovary the cyst grew so large that it was taking up so much space in my abdomin (abdomen) and stomach. It was so much larger than we thought.. about the size of a large watermelon.. which means it was the easiest and quickest 10 kilo's i ever lost ( however i highly don't recommend it). I haven't yet reciceved the okay as clear for cancer.. so its just constant monitoring. I now have got Both Fully functioning ovaries.. which is a blessing! even though my left ovary was cut in half and cleared from the cyst/tumor and then put back together.

I have got poly cystic ovaries.. so that is the next thing to monitor...