Aa
Aa
A
A
A
Close
Avatar universal

Second opinions wanted

30 Year old Mother

I have had a very bad month of June. I apologize that this is so long! I never feel the need to seek a doctor, as I have a HIGH pain tolerance.  

June 11th- I forced myself to an Urgent Care Clinic after several hours of sudden abdominal pain, that I can only describe as those of child birth.  The did blood tests, a UA, and a pelvic X-ray.  The conclusion was Kidney stones.  They also found a bone tumor about the size of a tennis ball on my femur (This turned out to be benign and no surgery is planned.) I was given Vicodin and told to seek a Primary Cate Physician if it did not subside in a few days.  

June 25th- The pain had continued over the last 2 weeks, very severe at times.  I found myself medicating myself to take away the pain. I suffered during the days to be able to work without meds. After being laid up for 2 days I went to a PCP.  Same routine as before, but no blood work, UA had blood in it, and they had me get a CT Scan.  They Refilled my meds and also concluded that it must be kidney stones.

June 29th- Phone call about the CT scan came up with NO kidney stones.  I actually had an 3 cm Ovarian Cyst on my right ovary, which I am told is not a big deal.  I contacted my OBGYN as was requested of me.

July 1st- Vomitting, Diarhea, Chills, and constant pain began for 24 hours

July 3rd-  OBGYN wanted me to wait out the pain for 6 weeks before repeating the Ultrasound (which I never had done).  I insisted to be seen as my symptoms continued to not be good.  They did an Ultrasound.  They found a 1 cm cyst on my left ovary, and to their surprise a clear right ovary.  They did however find a 9 CM mass behind my Uterus that could have been what was seen 1 week prior at 3 cm.  They could do a Laparotomy if I like which they said is a six week recovery.

I have been debating the wait in pain option versus the surgery, but also have a few questions.  

What do they call a mass behind a Uterus of that size, as it is not in the Ovary or Uterus?

I've read thast Ultrasound alone cannot rule out Cancer, is this true?

Why would they want to do a laparotomy over a less invasive laparoscopy?

Will it for sure burst on its own, and what complications could that cause?

What approach would you take if you were in my situation?

Thanks for any help you could be!

Kami
3 Responses
Sort by: Helpful Oldest Newest
146110 tn?1247150090
As I have been told:

You can not tell if a cyst is malignant until it is removed and checked.
You wold want to have a laparotomy instead of a laproscopy when the cyst is large.  There are other reasons to have a laparotomy.  If a cyst ruptures during removal and it is cancer - that is not good.  Even if it is not cancer and it ruptures it can be yucky and cause problems.  If you have had any other abdominal surgeries laparotomy is often better because of scar tissue.

I had a friend that also was diagnosed with kidney stones, then a problem with her bladder and finally they found it was an ovarian cyst.  

Have you had a trandvaginal ultrasound?  Usually they can tell if the cyst is a simple cyst - fluid filled or a complex cyst - having a clear and solid component or a mass.  After the ultrasound if the doctor thinks that the cyst is a simple cyst they will often wait to see if it will go away on its own.  The same goes for a complex cyst but if it is 9cm there is a risk of it rupturing.  

If your cyst is complex or a mass the surgery would probably be a good idea.  Consult with a gynecologist/oncologist.  The odds any cyst is cancer is less than 1% but it is best to go to an expert, especially since you have had this diagnosed wrong already.

Laparotomy is definetly a six week recovery.  I have had two.  Do not push yourself to recover sooner it will only hurt you in the long run.  Use the pain meds and take it easy and you will be fine.  If you have the surgery and have questions about the surgery search this site or post your question.  I am sure you can find the answer.

Best of Luck!
Laura :)
Helpful - 0
187799 tn?1219609573
How your story is exactly the same as mine back in December!  Why these doctors cannot differentiate between a kidney stone and an ovarian cyst boggles my mind!!  And, frustrates me to no end.  I waited 24 hours for a stone to pass only to have the urologist office call me and say all's clear, but you should see your gyno b/c of that cyst on your right ovary!!  I too was in severe pain for quite some time.  That passed eventually, but I continue to have unexplained gyno issues that are worsening.

I am going to pursue it AGAIN when I recover from neck surgery.  I urge you to seek out other opinions, specifically with a gyno/oncologist as they specialize in all gyno issues.  However, please seek out a competent doctor in this field as I'm not very thrilled with the service I received.  

My very best to you.........
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
Cami,

The laparotomy is probably recommended because of the size of the mass. It may be difficult/impossible to remove a 9 cm mass by laparoscopy.  According to my experience, it is true that ultrasound cannot rule out cancer necessarily ... although MRI results can certainly give them more information about what type of mass you are dealing with.  I had a 15 cm mass removed recently by laparotomy and also did not know whether it was malignant or benign, or exactly what it was attached to until after the surgery.  I wasn't given the option to either have or not have the surgery, but in my opinion it would have been a huge weight off my mind to have it regardless.  It is better not to carry around that uncertainty, I think.  Of course, you should listen to your doctors and do as they advise ... but you will be ok if you decide to go for the surgery.  It is indeed a full six week recovery period, but it is worth it to know that you are being proactive about your health.

Good luck!
Jane
Helpful - 0
Have an Answer?

You are reading content posted in the Ovarian Cancer Community

Didn't find the answer you were looking for?
Ask a question
Popular Resources
Learn how to spot the warning signs of this “silent killer.”
Diet and digestion have more to do with cancer prevention than you may realize
A list of national and international resources and hotlines to help connect you to needed health and medical services.
Herpes sores blister, then burst, scab and heal.
Herpes spreads by oral, vaginal and anal sex.
STIs are the most common cause of genital sores.