Removal of one ovary and its tube

[Neta100]

Dr. Goodman:
I have posted before in this forum because I was diagnosed with ovarian cancer based on a transvaginal ultrasound and an elevated CA _125 (95 IU/ml).  I have a history of ovarian cysts, but since they haven't bothered me the doctor hasn't given me any kind of treatment.  The ultrasound showed that the left ovarian cyst had grown  up to 83.1 cc and that there was a thin septum with signs of arterial vascularity and with several liquid components.  Also, I have a myoma that has had pretty much the same size and in the back of the sack there was some free liquid (3.8 cc) of unknown origin.  My oncologist told me they had to do a biopsy of that ovary and depending on that, they decided what to remove.  I have done research on line and have found that they could only remove the affected ovary and its tube and leave the rest, but the doctor insists that he probably has to remove everything, and I am only 37 years old with no kids.  So my question is: Can they just remove the affected ovary and give me treatment??  What are the chances that it's not ovarian cancer??

Thank you for taking the time to answer my question.

PS:  I haven't had surgery due to persistant urinary infections and a low fever.

[Mariam13]

Hi,dear , just ask more question from your doc .
I just had laparascopic surgery of the ovarian cyst . My CA 125 was also slightly elevated - 42 . My surgeon removed only the cyst with the peace of the ovary , leaving everything else intact .
I also know that in premenoposal women Ca 125 has a very low predictable value .
There was even 1 study done that suggests that the cut off mark for the premenoposal women should be 55 , rather than 35 .
A lot of other condition could indicate elevated Ca 125 , for example endometriosys, fibroids , or even any kind of inflmation .
During different times of the cycle Ca 125 could vary . For example close to ovulation and your period . What they are concerned though is the elbow pattern of CA 125 rize .
Findings in your cyct are not reassuring , however nobody knows for sure until the biopsy. Even if the cyst showes some malignancy they could still preserve the healthy ovary and the uterus .Ask the surgeon to be as much concervative as possible .
Change your life after , start exersizing ,yoga ,  meditation ... People can do miracle with the help of their own will and mind . Good luck .

[Annekathryn Goodman, M.D.]

Dear Neta,
I completely agree with Mariam's sage advice. You do not know that this is cancer until it is removed. If it is benign, you do not need to have the other ovary or the uterus removed. . It is very important that you have a careful discussion with your doctor before surgery. You will go over a surgical consent form. Be sure that you clearly explain what you are giving consent to.
best wishes

[Mariam13]

First of all , they don't know  for sure if you have OVCA . So may be it is just a bening cyst .
They will probably do everything possible to preseve your healthy ovary .Even if it is not benign and is only in 1 ovary , which is stage 1 , they might remove the affected side  and possibly do some mild preventative chemo .
I would also consider seeing a good Naturopathic doctor . It's good to get a benefit from the sinnergy of different approaches .
Take care and hope that your ordeal will be over soon .

[Neta100]

Thanks for answering.  Yes, I definitively need to talk to my oncologist about the operation.  He is a surgeon and many times they think that the only solution is cutting off everything.  I have done a lot of research and I plan to talk to my doctor in a few days since I am taking antibiotics for a urinary infection.  I have suffered from infections around 18 years without affecting my kidneys, thank God.  The labs have shown that my kidneys are working fine and I try to drink water so I don't have any problems.  My doctor has known me for these many years and knows my history, but it's not quite easy to deal with the fact that I may have OVCA.  I have read in this forum about a lot of women who have gone through the ordeal and that they have lived to tell their story.  I hope that that everything turns out OK.

Thanks again for your help.

Neta