Aa
Remove 1 ovary or total hysterectomy?
I am 49 yo - I have a complex cyst size of a tangerine on my rt ovary. Doctor is suggesting doing a total hysterectomy because of my age and my mom had ovarian cancer? Any thoughts? I am unsure what to do? My husband does not want me to go thru multiple surgeries.
have a total hyst. i have a rare form of ovarian cancer (low malignant potential) and my doc at the mayo clinic suggested that i have a total hyst. no regrets. besides you won't constantly worry about every gas pain being the other ovary causing problems. I was only 44 at the time of my surgery and done with having children. Most gals go through menopause at about age 50 anyway. if your cancer is not estrogen receptive, then you could use a low dose estrogen patch until you're 50 if you have severe menopausal symptoms. I'm doing the low dose patch and sometimes have hot flashes if I don't drink lots of green tea (I use the one with broccoli from John Hopkins--Brassica Tea and eat lots of veggies, then I have hot flashes. when I turn 50, no more patch.
Thanks for you opinions - I am going for a second opinion today from a ocn gyn Dr. Have any of you regreted your decision?
Good luck figuring this out! For me the deciding was more stressful than the operation.
Like you I have a hard time with the idea of taking out anything healthy just because, especially since the risk of my complex cyst being cancerous was according to doctors maybe 3-4%. I had an gyno-onco do the operation because of the risk, but asked for the cystectomy to save as much as possible in case it was benign (which it was).
(I figured if it was cancer, my life would change, and one more surgery wouldn't be my big concern.) If the idea of ovca was going to tug on me all the time I might have decided otherwise. But I kept thinking of how frustrated I'd be to loose stuff because of something benign that wasn't causing any symptoms.
Just to add more data...
As I went though this I noticed my mom beginning to question having her ovaries removed when she had a hysterectomy for a fibriod. I'm not sure why she's questioning it, but without the HRT drugs she's had a hard time.
I also had a diagnosis of a polyp or subcutaneous (in the wall) fibroid that couldn't be distingished on US. The procedure for removal was a D&C through the vaginal canal and not a laparoscopic procedure with incisions.
I found doctor's gave me very, very varied views. It depended a lot on their age, skill levels, and even sex. My gyno talked about taking out the ovary like it was what an efficient woman would do and no big deal. At later conversations I realized she just didn't have the skill level to do a cystectomy. A few older doctors also assumed ovary removal and didn't even consider keeping it (although they both suggested first choice of just watching it which really threw me). If I'd been a few years older I'm sure I'd have heard a lot about hysterectomies. The young, more highly skilled gyno-ono understood and saw no problem with trying for a cystectomy and doing more as the case warranted while inside me. (My now new gyno who an older woman also assumed a cystectomy, so it wasn't just one lone opinion.) What I'm trying to get at (and rambling a bit -- must be time to take a rest) is that other doctors opinions may give you the very different perspectives. After several second opinions I went back to one of the first people I talked with, but with more certainty in my choice and in her.
I've noticed my opinion seems different than most on this question. I guess that's the great thing about forums - a chance to get different people's perspectives and experiences. Truly, good luck and sorting this through for myself. I drove my mom crazy figuring it all out for myself.
Cheri
Like you I have a hard time with the idea of taking out anything healthy just because, especially since the risk of my complex cyst being cancerous was according to doctors maybe 3-4%. I had an gyno-onco do the operation because of the risk, but asked for the cystectomy to save as much as possible in case it was benign (which it was).
(I figured if it was cancer, my life would change, and one more surgery wouldn't be my big concern.) If the idea of ovca was going to tug on me all the time I might have decided otherwise. But I kept thinking of how frustrated I'd be to loose stuff because of something benign that wasn't causing any symptoms.
Just to add more data...
As I went though this I noticed my mom beginning to question having her ovaries removed when she had a hysterectomy for a fibriod. I'm not sure why she's questioning it, but without the HRT drugs she's had a hard time.
I also had a diagnosis of a polyp or subcutaneous (in the wall) fibroid that couldn't be distingished on US. The procedure for removal was a D&C through the vaginal canal and not a laparoscopic procedure with incisions.
I found doctor's gave me very, very varied views. It depended a lot on their age, skill levels, and even sex. My gyno talked about taking out the ovary like it was what an efficient woman would do and no big deal. At later conversations I realized she just didn't have the skill level to do a cystectomy. A few older doctors also assumed ovary removal and didn't even consider keeping it (although they both suggested first choice of just watching it which really threw me). If I'd been a few years older I'm sure I'd have heard a lot about hysterectomies. The young, more highly skilled gyno-ono understood and saw no problem with trying for a cystectomy and doing more as the case warranted while inside me. (My now new gyno who an older woman also assumed a cystectomy, so it wasn't just one lone opinion.) What I'm trying to get at (and rambling a bit -- must be time to take a rest) is that other doctors opinions may give you the very different perspectives. After several second opinions I went back to one of the first people I talked with, but with more certainty in my choice and in her.
I've noticed my opinion seems different than most on this question. I guess that's the great thing about forums - a chance to get different people's perspectives and experiences. Truly, good luck and sorting this through for myself. I drove my mom crazy figuring it all out for myself.
Cheri
Lgp, a mass with solid and cystic material is usually --NOT --cancerous. It has more risk than a simple fluid filled cyst, but it's still a very low percentage. On the US report they may have guessed on what type of cyst it is which can also help narrow down the possiblities.
There are a low of comments about the CA125 on this forum, worth browsing through too.
Cheri
There are a low of comments about the CA125 on this forum, worth browsing through too.
Cheri
thank you all for your input - I am still very much undecided - I am having a hard time trying to justify removing potentially healthy organs. Of course I will not know until I am in surgery is the complex cyst is cancerous or not. I am just trying to make the best decision for now and the future.
I too am uncertain about the the subject. I am 30 years old with two children,ages 4 and 2. My doctor discovered a large pelic mass on my right ovary and after a sonogram, determined that it was a mass with cystic and solid material. When normally, I am never at a loss for words or questions, I was silent with shock. I have not had the usual abdominal pain or other symptoms associated with my condition and I was only at the doctor's office for my annual visit. I regret that I missed my annual last year, and hope that it is not too late for me.
Through my research, I am discovering that a mass with solid and cystic material is usually cancerous..is this true? I also read that doctor's are now doing a blood test called CA125 to determine if there are signs in your blood that predispose you to cancerous cells. However, my doctor did not mention this and said that the mass is too large to let go on much longer...so I am scheduled for surgery next Friday. He also said that if the biopsy of the mass indicates cancer, he is going to perform a total hysteretomy of my reproductive system.
I am only 30 and want more children. I am also extremely scared at the thought of cancer b/c of my young children and b/c ovarian cancer is said to be the most aggressive of them all. No one in my family has ever had a cancer of this nature and I am generally in good health.
I just need some direction or to know if someone has gone or is going through the same thing.
Thanks for listening.
Through my research, I am discovering that a mass with solid and cystic material is usually cancerous..is this true? I also read that doctor's are now doing a blood test called CA125 to determine if there are signs in your blood that predispose you to cancerous cells. However, my doctor did not mention this and said that the mass is too large to let go on much longer...so I am scheduled for surgery next Friday. He also said that if the biopsy of the mass indicates cancer, he is going to perform a total hysteretomy of my reproductive system.
I am only 30 and want more children. I am also extremely scared at the thought of cancer b/c of my young children and b/c ovarian cancer is said to be the most aggressive of them all. No one in my family has ever had a cancer of this nature and I am generally in good health.
I just need some direction or to know if someone has gone or is going through the same thing.
Thanks for listening.
Dear ladies.
I had tremendous pain in my pelvic area and my doctor GP told me that my small ovarian cyst had raptured, how he knew I don't know maybe my eyes showed symptoms of it(just kidding)to this day I try to figure it out..After sonogram confirmed large cyst 6.5 cm in diameter...I almost fainted and new right away something is wrong.My gyno told me that we should wait untill January of this year with surgery because it is not so important to remove a simple cyst it was not emergency to him.
Well, after insisting on removal of my cyst (had surgery on Nov15/05) he discovered that part of my cyst was solid and part of it was liquid.Had to have total hysterectomy.
Pathology reveiled "transitional cell carcinoma stage 3 cancer".
If I did not insisted on surgery I would have spread to pelvic area by now and other organs.
So my advise to you is "take charge of your OWN health" .You have to tell some doctors what you want from them and insist on explanation ...you know your body the BEST and NEVER GIVE UP.
My surgical menapouse is almost nonexistent. I have few hot flashes a day tha't it....BUT I take lots of antyoxidants and immune boosting supplements, digestive enzymes eat lots of veggies and some fruits.. do not use any white sugar, white flower , dairy especially...and refined foods and I believe that's why I don't suffer as much.
I refused Cheemo and I am doing well.
Love to you all, Ela.
I had tremendous pain in my pelvic area and my doctor GP told me that my small ovarian cyst had raptured, how he knew I don't know maybe my eyes showed symptoms of it(just kidding)to this day I try to figure it out..After sonogram confirmed large cyst 6.5 cm in diameter...I almost fainted and new right away something is wrong.My gyno told me that we should wait untill January of this year with surgery because it is not so important to remove a simple cyst it was not emergency to him.
Well, after insisting on removal of my cyst (had surgery on Nov15/05) he discovered that part of my cyst was solid and part of it was liquid.Had to have total hysterectomy.
Pathology reveiled "transitional cell carcinoma stage 3 cancer".
If I did not insisted on surgery I would have spread to pelvic area by now and other organs.
So my advise to you is "take charge of your OWN health" .You have to tell some doctors what you want from them and insist on explanation ...you know your body the BEST and NEVER GIVE UP.
My surgical menapouse is almost nonexistent. I have few hot flashes a day tha't it....BUT I take lots of antyoxidants and immune boosting supplements, digestive enzymes eat lots of veggies and some fruits.. do not use any white sugar, white flower , dairy especially...and refined foods and I believe that's why I don't suffer as much.
I refused Cheemo and I am doing well.
Love to you all, Ela.
Most complex cysts are still benign, and being pre-menopausal is strongly in your favor for that. Are there any other indications of cancer like a lot ascites? Is there an impression from the US of what type of cyst it is like endometromia?
Other options include deciding during surgery by having them do a frozen section and the removal of everything only if it's frankly cancerous. And for a low grade or low potential malingancy studies have shown the same very high survival (essentially 100% with Stage I and close to that in other stages) with only the removal of the ovary.
If it was me in my life I'd go conservative and base it on the frozen section. I'd like natural hormonal production. I at 43 just had a complex cyst with nodularity (a risk factor) removed, and asked for just a cystectomy if possible. However, I don't have any ovarian cancer in my family, just some colon and breast cancers (which are related risks). On the surgical release form the doctor and I wrote what she would do for each of the possible frozen section results. Though she did say that sometimes the results are incorrect (the later pathology report is different), so that could result in another surgery if it's more malignant than originally shown.
Although your husband counts plenty in your marriage, it is your body, so I hope you feel comfortable deciding what's the best for you.
I also found I got very different opinions for different doctors, so I tend to suggest often, getting a second opinion if you want more information or to see whether other doctors agree.
Good luck. I found the deciding process the hardest part.
Cheri
Other options include deciding during surgery by having them do a frozen section and the removal of everything only if it's frankly cancerous. And for a low grade or low potential malingancy studies have shown the same very high survival (essentially 100% with Stage I and close to that in other stages) with only the removal of the ovary.
If it was me in my life I'd go conservative and base it on the frozen section. I'd like natural hormonal production. I at 43 just had a complex cyst with nodularity (a risk factor) removed, and asked for just a cystectomy if possible. However, I don't have any ovarian cancer in my family, just some colon and breast cancers (which are related risks). On the surgical release form the doctor and I wrote what she would do for each of the possible frozen section results. Though she did say that sometimes the results are incorrect (the later pathology report is different), so that could result in another surgery if it's more malignant than originally shown.
Although your husband counts plenty in your marriage, it is your body, so I hope you feel comfortable deciding what's the best for you.
I also found I got very different opinions for different doctors, so I tend to suggest often, getting a second opinion if you want more information or to see whether other doctors agree.
Good luck. I found the deciding process the hardest part.
Cheri
I guess you are asking from a "if it were you" kind of perspective. With your family history and your age, I would probably opt for taking them out. I will most likely be making the same decision very soon and hate the thought of surgical menopause but also hate the thought of battling this disease. You probably have a few years at best of hormone production. And many women find menopause easier then the ups and downs of peri menopause. Let us know what you decide.
For what it is worth, I will share my experiences of the past year-plus with you.
I am in my early 40s, perimenopausal, and prior to the rough road I've been riding of late, I had never had any problems with my reproductive system.
Then, in 2004, I developed a large, rapidly-growing complex cyst on my left ovary. I had surgery to check for cancer and to remove the cyst along with that ovary/fallopian tube. Fortunately, the mass was benign.
However, one year after the surgery, I was back at the doctor's office for similar symptoms. This time, I was diagnosed with several cysts on the remaining ovary, and a polyp in my uterus. A follow-up ultrasound shows the cysts have resolved, but now I must have a procedure to remove the polyp from my uterus. That procedure is scheduled for March.
In hindsight, it would have been more prudent for me to have arranged a hysterectomy over a year ago at the first surgery. Then I would not be having the upcoming procedure, nor would I be worried in the future about whether I will develop more cysts. I would have a hysterectomy now but for the fact that it would be extremely inconvenient (long story). The last time, a more major surgery would have interfered with my Christmas holiday, but nothing else.
I am in my early 40s, perimenopausal, and prior to the rough road I've been riding of late, I had never had any problems with my reproductive system.
Then, in 2004, I developed a large, rapidly-growing complex cyst on my left ovary. I had surgery to check for cancer and to remove the cyst along with that ovary/fallopian tube. Fortunately, the mass was benign.
However, one year after the surgery, I was back at the doctor's office for similar symptoms. This time, I was diagnosed with several cysts on the remaining ovary, and a polyp in my uterus. A follow-up ultrasound shows the cysts have resolved, but now I must have a procedure to remove the polyp from my uterus. That procedure is scheduled for March.
In hindsight, it would have been more prudent for me to have arranged a hysterectomy over a year ago at the first surgery. Then I would not be having the upcoming procedure, nor would I be worried in the future about whether I will develop more cysts. I would have a hysterectomy now but for the fact that it would be extremely inconvenient (long story). The last time, a more major surgery would have interfered with my Christmas holiday, but nothing else.
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