Persistent Ovarian Mass with Septation

[mousewhisperer]

I went to the doctor in October for abdominal pain along with nausea and vomiting associated with my cycle. I had a transvaginal ultrasound at the beginning of November which showed a 3.3cm cyst with a thin septation. The doctor advised a wait and watch course of action, and I repeated the ultrasound last week (February 14th). I have yet to receive the report, but the technician did show me the ovary. The mass is still there, and I could see the thin septation mentioned on the other report. There was also Doppler flow imaging that showed part of the cyst as blue, (the part opposite from where it is attached to the ovary). My question is, what is the significance of flow with an ovarian cyst, and if the cyst is causing pain, would removal be a suggestion? Thanks for the help.

[Annekathryn Goodman, M.D.]

Hi thee,
Surgical removal of the persistent cyst is the best choice. As T joyce says, most cysts are benign. Please let us know what happens.
best wishes

[Tjoyce]

Hi,
      Just wanted to let you know that I just had my ovaries removed (27th Feb).  The radiology reports of the last 3 years have been showing persistant cysts,  septations and thick walls. Also, at my age 58 my ovaries were slowly growing in size and my doctor said it was past due for their removal.  I just want you to know that benign tumors were found in both ovaries, not just cysts, but the great news was that they were benign.  I wish you the same, but wanted to let you know that even though I had similar radiology report notations the outcome was great so think positive and good luck.  When I go for my post op I will write down the name of the type of tumors and let you know as well as do some of my own research, but I am very glad to be rid of them before, well, who knows, but glad they're gone.  T joyce

[Neta100]

Hi there.  I was recently diagnosed with ovarian cancer based on an ultrasound and a high CA - 125 (cancer marker) and I have to have surgery.  The oncologist also told me had to remove probably everything and that it implied not being able to have kids.  But I have researched a lot and talked to several doctors who have told me that ovarian cysts and masses in pre-menopausal women like you and I are mostly benign.  I don't have any symptoms, like bloating, pain or bleeding, but the ultrasound indicated that the left ovarian cysts were getting bigger and the only option is surgery.  I know it's hard, but you have to think positive.  Usually doctors give you the whole picture, but let's hope for the best.  

[mousewhisperer]

Well, I went back for another US today, and the mass is still there. The GYN is scheduling me for a laparoscopy to remove the mass. She also thinks I may have endometriosis from my symptoms, and she said that she will laser off any spots she sees. I started my period this week, and I was in AGONY last night trying to have a bowel movement. She mentioned that although very unlikely, she may have to take out the left ovary along with the mass. This would happen if she saw that the ovary was too damaged by the mass. Is this something docs usually say just because patients need to know all of what could happen, or is she saying it because she really might have to take my ovary? Is an endometrioma usually invasive into the ovary? If I am left with one ovary, and end up having endo, should I consider having children soon so that I do not become infertile? How long do you should you stay home after a laparoscopy? Could endo be causing my fatigue? Lots of questions, thank you in advance for the help. (and all the help so far).

[Tjoyce]

Hi again,
             Ok, here's the pathology report.  Both ovaries had serous cystadenoma with benign Brenner tumor, and both fallopian tubes had paratubal cysts.  So glad it's all over and most importantly, all's well that ends well, to coin a phrase.  So, don't jump to any conclusions until you have a diagnosis.  Though, to be honest, I was sweating bullets until my surgery when my doctor told me all benign.  Wishing you the same good luck, T Joyce

[mousewhisperer]

Thank you for your response. I have been transferred to a GYN surgeon, who will perform another US next Thursday. She wants to see the mass, and then she said she will probably do a laproscopy to see what is going on. But the ca-125 was normal, which is good. I know they arent reliable in premenopausal women, but it was a relief. I am sure that it is nothing too serious because of my age (I feel much better seeing this new doc), but I would really like to get rid of this horrible pain I have been experiencing. Thanks again for the encouragement.

[mousewhisperer]

I received the report, and it states the the cyst is still there, (it did not shrink even with the 3mo of birth control) but now with a thick septation. The report says that it may represent a cystadenoma.The doctor is doing a ca-125 test and referring me to a gyn.  

[Annekathryn Goodman, M.D.]

Hi there,
i am not sure flow is that important. Perhaps it means that the cyst is active. A simple cyst with a thin septation is not likely cancer. However if it is giving you symptoms and not going away, surgical removal is reasonable.
best wishes

[mousewhisperer]

Sorry, I forgot to mention my age, I am 22 years old.