Ovarian cyst or ovarian cancer?

[cassieali]

I am 27 years old and have been having lower abdominal pain for the past 3 weeks.  I just went to the doctor today and he told me that I have an ovarian cyst.  My question is;  can a doctor tell just by feeling, the difference between a fluid filled cyst and a solid mass?  I know that cyst are common with women my age but I know two women my age that did have ovarian cancer. I just don't want the possibility of cancer ruled out just because of my age.  It does happen to younger women too.  Should I request to have an ultrasound done?  And, I have been feeling very naseaus?  Is that common with an ovarian cyst?  Oh, every woman on my mom's side of the family has had some form of cancer at an early age.  That might be why I am so worried.  Thank you for taking the time to read this.

[julieshell]

I had a ultrasound September 10th, and I now know that i have a cyst on my right ovary. I have been told that it has a thick lining, and to give it this week and see if I have a period. If not that the next step is to have a endometrium biopsy. All my symptoms started around the 1st of August. My symptoms have included, burping, bloating, ovarian pain that radiates down my thighs. Interesting that both of my ovaries have hurt all along, but only one ovary has a cyst. Frequent urination, costipation, and I was nauseous for the first and second week of first feeling bad, but haven't since. I plan on calling the doctor first thing in the morning and set up an appointment for the biospy. After reading the other comments there is no way I'm going to wait and see.

[Brat4ever]

I just found out today that I have a golf ball sized tumor on my right ovary. The doctor told me that it looks solid in mass.  I am guessing by the postings that I am reading that this isn't a good thing. Has anyone been through this before. I'm 35 yrs. old.

[Pebbles05]

I am scheduled for a laproscopic hysteroscopy tomorrow for a hypoechoic cyst of the left ovary ( with bleeding) and a thickend uterine wall with possible removal of a fibroid within the uterus w/D&C. I have already been through the endometrial biopsy twice in the past 3 years and both bx were negative. Being an Oncology nurse for over 12 years, I know better to "watch and wait" on anything! I have elected to have it removed because this is the only way that we will know exactly what it is! Even though I am a nurse with a lot of experience, I am still nervous and am praying everyday for good news.

[lisapep]

I am sorry to hear bout your husband being so insensative
I have 2 boys a 13 year old (adopted) and a 3 year soon to be 4.  (Biologicaly mine) so i often joke.  I got one that gave me stretch marks and one that didnt.  AS for the day of my u/s that was the eaerliest they had available.  I was a little upset about that.  But my dr. said dont freak out.. that she HIGHLY doubts OVCA.  I have been on the pill for since the birth of my son.  SO that is the only thing that concerns me i thought you could not get cysts on the pill.  but from what i have been told and read this is not uncommon. One a lighter note the painful intercourse had subsided. Thank God!  So i am hoping that is a good sign.  I know we cannot post email addresses but i posted it on 07/23 and it was labeled cysts the pill and what finally made you go to the dr. it is lisapep....  so rop me an email too.  
Please let me know what your dr says

Lisa

[cassieali]

You are so lucky that your husband is so supportive.  My husband is the kind of man that shows very little emotion so sometimes I don't know if he really cares of not.  And, he said that I am only going to cost him money. We have a very high deductable.  So, not only I am worried about what's wrong with me, I am very hurt by what my husband said.

I did pretty good this weekend.  I stayed busy so I almost forgot about it until today, I started spotting and it is not time for my period.  I know that the cyst is good news but I am mostly worried about the thickening of the uterine lining.  That can be an indication of cancer or pre-cancer.  I think they do further testing depending on how thick it is.  But, I don't know how thick it is on me. But, I did read that if that is what it is, it is highly cure-able.  I read that it is often found in women that have cyst too.  Maybe the doctor will call me Monday.  

Yes, I am on the pill.  The doctor didn't say anything about that.  I just started going to this doctor because my old one retired.  He asked me what I was taking, so I told him, and he didn't say anything further.  

Why do you have to wait so long to have your ultrasound?

Do you have any kids?  I have two.  Both boys, one is 8 years old and the other just turned 1.

[lisapep]

That is exactly what distended means.  I did not have that. I know what you mean about having someone to relate to.  My hubby has been very supportive through all of this and very re-assuring that there is nothing seriously wrong with me.  Thank God he has really been my rock.  Otherwise I would lose it.  

I am so very scared but I dont want to let my imagination run too wild.  It is such a slew of emotions.  

Please try not to dwell on it too much.  I know it is easier said then done, but think of it this way your cyst is benign so that should ease your mind a bit.  

Are you still on the pill?? What did the Dr say about that?  

thanks so much for talking to me

Lisa

[Afouger]

Hi guys, my little sister (15 yrs old) was diagnosed with an ovarian cyst and has recently been experiencing bloating, extra gas, pain, and just a general feeling like she's sick.  She's going to a doctor next week, but I read your post about your doctor being worried about burping, and now I'm worried about her, too!! I'd really appreciate it if you posted what your doctor said about that symptom.  Thanks!!

[cassieali]

I had my ultrasound yesterday and the radiologist told me that it was a fluid-filled cyst.  I was begining to feel relieved and then she noticed a part of the uterine lining was very thick.  I am waiting for the doctor to call me and let me know what that could be and if it is something to worry about or not.  I could see it on the screen too.  It was very thin all the way around and then it got really thick in one spot.  I wonder if the burping is unrelated.  I am still waiting on the doctors phone call.

[cassieali]

Hey lisapep.  There is not a chance I'm pregnant.  You have to do something to get that way and I haven't done anything.  My husband isn't always a sweetheart, so it makes me not want to do anything with him.  I'm not sure what you mean by distended.  My belly feels like it's sticking out much more and I can't seem to suck it in and make it flat like it usually is.  Is that what distended means?   I called the doctors office today and they said that they won't have the results until next week.  Now, I'm going to be going crazy all weekend.  It is really nice to have someone to talk to that is going through the same stuff and is about my age.  I can't thank you enough.  My burping didn't seem to be from my stomach either.  That's weird.

[lisapep]

I am happy to hear that it is fluid filled .. You must be so relieved.  Please let us know what the dr. says about the thick spot in your uterus.  Is there any chance that you could be pregnant???

The weird thing when you said about burping i started to burp a lot more.  Like I was swallowing too much air.  Not a belly burp. I think it is psychosomatic (sp?) I am feeling a little better these days.  thank God.  My stomch was never bloated nor was it distended the only "real" I have was pain during intercourse.  However even that has gotten a little better.  Maybe the cyst is gone. I pray that it is.

Anyhoo.. enough about me.  Please let us know what the dr. says and thank you so very much for keeping me posted.  It is very rare that you find someone close to your age that is suffering fronm the same thing.  Especially the sense of anxiety.  So it has definately helped. :-)

thanks again!

Lisa

ps: Just curious  did your tummy become destended?

[lisapep]

PLEASE let me know how was your u/s

[lisapep]

I am glad your dr. has decided to take the proactive approach.  Please keep me informaed about the outcome.

My friend had an ovarian cyst that causes a lot of the same symptoms as OV Cancer.  The nausea, loose stool, back pain, bloating, break through bleeding, painful intercourse.  thank God it was not that.

Were you on the pill when you started to develop these symptoms?

[lisapep]

OOps one more question:

What did your Dr "Feel".  Was it an enlarged ovary, mass, did he even say?

I had just had my annual exam in late march. all was fine ovaries felt fine

In july my left ovary felt fine but my right ovary was "A little FULL" just slightly larger.  And when you say you have a history of cancer is it ovarian cancer. thanks for answering my questions


Lisa

[cassieali]

Yes, I have been on the pill for a long time.  The doctor said that he could feel a tumor in my right ovary.  He explained to me that a tumor could be a cyst or a solid mass.  I guess I'll find out in the morning when I have my ultrasound.  I just really worry because the doctor said that the burping is not consisant with a cyst and that it could be a little more serious than he originally thought.  I just have to get through tonight and maybe tommorow they will have a better idea of what it is.  It's just hard not knowing.  Thank you so much for your support.

[cassieali]

Thank you Lisapep for your reply.  Last night I got so nauseous I couldn't sleep.  I finally did go to sleep and when I woke up I felt bloated and for some reason I kept feeling the need to burp.  That is a little unusual for me, I usually don't burp.  I called the doctor and when I told him about needing to burp a lot he seemed to be concerned then.  I was told that burping is not consistant with a cyst.  So, he is sending me for an ultrasound in the morning because he is worried that it could be more than a cyst.  From what I read on the internet, burping can be a symtom of ovarian cancer.  I am so glad that your doctor is not making you wait for an ultrasound like mine was going to.  That seems like a long time to wait though.  I know it's really hard to not worry and worry and worry about it.  Does staying busy help you?  If anyone has had the burping symptom please let me know your expreience.

[lisapep]

I am going through the same thing I am 31.  My Dr. said that there is no way that she can tell just by a pelvic wether it is a cyst or not.  However she said she highly doubted if it was cancer becuase of my age, the fact that I have been pregnant and breast fed my son (not for long though) and that I have been on the pill.  She ordered an ultrasound scheduled for 08/17 to see what it is.  I was experiencing pain during intercourse this is my biggest symptom.

She said depending on the "cycst" that would determine the course of action.  However I cannot help be afraid and think it is something different.  I have NO history of ovarian cancer in my family on either side and there has only been two cases of breast cancer.  (bot great aunts) you would think I would be at "ease" but I am not ... I am freaking out! Very sad huh? It is the uncertainty.

So in answer to your question.. request an Ultra Sound.  Not only will this rule out any "bad" stuff but it will let the Dr. know wether it is a funtional cyst or not.

Hope this helps!

Lisa