Ovarian cyst

Hi, I am a 37 year old female that just finished treatment for stage 1 breast cancer (lymph node negative, er/pr positive, her2 positive).  I went thru radiation and am currently on tamoxifen.  I went in for an ultra sound on my ovaries ( I had a hysterectomy 5 years ago due to fibroids on the lining of my uterus leaving only my ovaries) and they found a cyst on my left ovary about 4.3 in size and my ovary was enlarged to 5.0 cm.  My right was normal.  I went in 5 weeks later and now my cyst is 7.2 and my ovary is 7.3 but there is also a cyst on my right ovary (4.7 cm) and my ovary is also enlarged to 4.3.  Both are "mildly" complex.  I am concerned since having breast cancer of what to do.  My surgeon says they'll probably go away but I need to see a GYN doctor.  I made an appointment but it won't be for a week and a half before I get in.  I am trying to figure out if I should be concerned or is this normal?  I am worried of course about cancer after having cancer but from what I read I have a better chance of reoccurance then I do ovarian...but I don't want to be too laid back about it.  I never had cysts or problems with my ovaries but I wonder if it could be the stress?  Thank you for your time.

[Annekathryn Goodman, M.D.]

Hi There,

tamoxifen can stimulate ovarian cyst formation at your age. In fact, tamoxifen was first developed as a fertility drug to stimulate ovulation.

These cysts from tamoxifen stimulation are benign. However there are otehr reasons for ovarian cysts and if they do not go away, they should be removed.

However, you should talk with your gyn about the option of prophylactic ally removing your ovaries. You should think about what your risks are for ovarian cancer given your breast cancer history. It may be helpful to consider genetic testing to see if you have the BRCA mutation. If you do, that can help you decide to remove the ovaries

[boninclyde]

I am 43. Was diagnosised one year ago today. Had DCIS with 0.09mm invasion. Masectomy. No node involvement. I have been on tamoxifen 8 months. After the  4th month I went for vaginal ultrasound for some fibroids they had been watching for a few years (before breast cancer diagnosis). I had three cyst on my right ovary and one on the left. Never had any female problems before tamoxifen. Even though my onco says this is not a side effect. I have spoken to many women who now have cyst after starting tamoxifen. I am watching and waiting. I go back in September. Dr. says he'll do hysterectomy or wait and see it's up to me. I think I'll wait and see. Have you ever visited the breastcancer.org site? Go to community forum and join the discussion board there. You can read about other woemen going through what we are. Great supportive site.

[smbotts]

Thank you both for responding.  I am seriously thinking about removing my ovaries but my GYN is against if...if they can be saved, save them is her answer.  My oncologist says since they are removing the cyst...remove the ovaries.  I have been waiting on Gene testing because my mother had breast cancer and in the last 3 generations of females there I am the oldest to have ever kept my ovaries....my family has had a history of fibroids, cysts and other complications....breast cancer was a first in my mom....then me.  Its so confusing but I appreciate the answers you shared with me...I just wish sometimes they would TELL me what to do because I feel more confused then ever.  Thank you again