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Ovarian cysts

I have larger cysts about the size of a large grapefruit apparently.  I have recently had a vaginal ultrasound and only one cross hatch on the cyst so they don't think it is cancerous.  I have, however, recently been having very bad back pain and weight gain.  My doctor said that the cysts are not the cause of this but these posts indicate that the cysts may cause these symptoms.  Should I get the cysts out and if so, the ovaries too?  I am 49 and can't have kids.  What awaits me if I get the cysts and ovaries out.  Will menopause be any worse than the lower back pain with the cysts?  Thanks for any help.  
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Avatar universal
I have the same symptoms of weight gain and back pain and generally feeling fatigued. I am very weight conscious and work out a lot with proper diet, but in the last 2 months have gained around 5 pounds that refuse to come off....i have one 6 cm cyst and potentially another one and constant bloating specially on the lower stomach. the sensation of a cramp is also present most of the time..so i think the symptoms you are experiencing are similar.
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187666 tn?1331173345
Perhaps "cross hatch" refers to septated?
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390532 tn?1205370938
Hi.
I don't understand the term 'cross hatch' and it's pertinence to cancer rule out.
But I can tell you that ovarian cysts do go along with the symptoms you speak of.  Certain kinds of cysts can even throw off your bodies hormonal balance, block other organs from working properly, even cause constipation and shortness of breath.
I think a more open minded physician might be in order.  Try to find a female, who understands what a womans pains really feel like.
Some older docs might not be keen to the recent campaign on ovarian health awareness.  Now women are being told not to ignore that constant bloated feeling, or the weight that doesn't go away, no matter how hard the diet.
No matter what kind of cyst, a cyst over 6cm is usually removed by laparascopy...a little larger might need laparotomy.  The first surgery uses smaller wounds and a camera to remove the cyst.  The second surgery is open surgery, but recovery is not much different.  Diagnosis is better with laparotomy.
During surgery, they will freeze and slice your cyst for a preliminary diagnosis.  Depending on what they find, and what options you have agreed to with your doctor, this information will help point the way.  You might loose one ovary.  If you have high risk factors, and request it, they can give you a total hysterectomy. This will throw you into menopause and tradtionally requires hormone replacement therapy.
Sometimes a cyst, even as large as this, can be removed while leaving the ovary intact.  But if you are done having kids, and don't want to worry for later, doc might suggest taking out at least the affected ovary.
Good luck
Nursemommy34
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