Serous Cysctadenoma

Hi all, well I finally talked to my DR friday night.  I had so many questions about my tumor since I hadn't actually taked to her yet.  My surgery is scheduled for the 24th.  I was concerned w/ what kind of tumor I had (10cm).  She said she thinks it is a Serous Cysctadenoma.  She said that most of the time, those are benign.  I was wondering, has anyone had one of this and one of this size?  If yes, how did it go?  What has your doctor said about this type of tumor.  She said it's not a cysct (as the name would indicate), but rather a tumor with some cysct like qualities.
Any info would be greatly appreciated.  :)

[Cindy809]

Hi Honey!  This is what I found:

General

·         Most common of six types of epithelial tumors which derive from surface mesothelial cells of the ovary
·         70% are benign (serous cystadenoma)
o       10% have low malignant potential
o       20% are malignant (serous cystadenocarcinoma)
·         Transabdominal and/or transvaginal ultrasound is the most valuable diagnostic study in determining area of origin, size, and cystic versus solid make-up
o       Screening finds adnexal cysts in up to 15% of postmenopausal woman
§         Only 3% of ovarian cysts are malignant
o       Doppler color flow imaging can be helpful in differentiating malignant from benign masses
§         Malignancies are rich in neovascularization and therefore have lower resistive and pulsatile indices
o       Gray-scale ultrasound for diagnosis of ovarian malignancy is 62 – 100% sensitive and 77 – 95% specific
·         Treatment involves surgical removal for all serous tumors

Serous Cystadenoma
20% of all benign ovarian tumors
Women usually between 20 - 60 years
Present clinically as cystic adnexal masses
Increasing abdominal girth
15% are bilateral
Imaging findings
Average 5-10cm (frequently grow larger)
May be indistinguishable from simple cysts
Or they may have thin septations and occasionally papillary projections
Tend to be unilocular, but may also be multilocular
Hope this helps....Cindy

[bearx2]

Thanks Cindy!!  That's a lot of info, although I don't understand a lot of it.  So basically, 70% of the time, it's benign?  Is this the "best" kind of ovarian tumor to have?  (if there is a best)

[Cindy809]

Yes, it is hard to understand.  I think the part about Doppler color flow imaging can be helpful in differentiating malignant from benign masses is an important thing to bring up to your doctor before you decide that she does the surgery.  Also the part about     Malignancies are rich in neovascularization and therefore have lower resistive and pulsatile indices
Gray-scale ultrasound for diagnosis of ovarian malignancy is 62 – 100% sensitive and 77 – 95% specific
This could be how to determine if it is malignant or not.  Again, you can print this whole discussion out and talk to her about it.  If malignant, you know what to do!  (((HUGS)))  Cindy

[bearx2]

Thank you for the insight.  You are truly a blessing to the women on this forum!!  :)  THANK YOU!!

[bearx2]

Also, I forgot to mention.  I asked my Dr if she could tell from an ultra sound if there was malignancy, she said no....HOWEVER, there are some characteristics of cancer that would likely show up on the ultra sound.  With that said, she would talk to me more in depth at my pre-op visit.  She said that if for some reason (and it's a BIG IF), it looks suspicious when she removes it, she will get a frozen section and have the results before I woke up from surgery, she would change what she would do in the middle of the surgery (if that frozen section said cancer).  She made me feel very good and said that she in no way would take any chances.  I explained my concerns and said that IF that frozen section comes back positive for cancer, I would like her to remove all and do the debunking surgery because I didn't want to take any chances with this.  She agreed and would be consulting with an gyn onc at that time if needed.  She said that she is very experienced with this sort of thing and has performed many many surgeries over the years on this specific problem.  She followed that up by saying that after further study of my case she really felt like this was a benign case.  I'll talk to her more on the 19th.  :)  I'll keep you posted.

[Cindy809]

Sounds like you are in good hands!!!!  That is great news!  It sounds like it will be benign.  She had a plan with a gyn onc if it is malignant. That should be very comforting to you.  I'll be saying prayers for you and please keep us posted!!!  I guess you took my adivse about putting your "big girl panties" on and was pro active with your health.  I need to take out those "panties" out for Wednesday.  Having a stent replaced or taken out.  So it's time to try and find a vein.  Unfortunately I have no good veins left for an IV.  I use a port for my chemo.  I will be going for pre-testing tomorrow...ouch!...more needles.  I know it is nothing compared to what I go through but it's just another day in the life of me!.....talk soon....((((HUGS)))).....Cindy

[bearx2]

my prayers will be with you tomorrow and thru your surgery.  You are so gracious to comfort others in the midst of your trying times.  :)  Thank you for that, it is not in vain!!

Yes, i did find my big girl panties....they were in the back of my closet and a little dusty, but I got them on and called the doc.  Thank you for that little kick in the butt, it was needed.  :)

[KAY17]

You are a wonderful support to all who ask you questions....we wish you well and hope for a speedy recovery after a successful surgery.

[Cindy809]

Thank you for your support and kind words.  My pre-op went well.  I asked for a pediatric needle.  It worked so well that I smiled at the nurse and asked if she could be there for my procedure on Wednesday and put my IV in.  She said I would if I could.  What a nice nurse!!!!  I'll keep you posted...Love, Cindy