Simple Cyst Now Complex?

[KalleK]

Hi,

I had an ovarian cyst discovered during my routine gyno visit at the end of OCtober. He told me to have an ultrasound at the end of my next cycle. I went at the end of November for the ultrasound and it reported I had a 3 cm simple cyst. My doctor made me go for another ultrasound which I had last week. The cyst is now 1.5 cm but it is now being called complex. My doctor said this was because there appears to be some blood(?) He wants me to go back in 6 weeks and in the meantime have the CA 125. Does this mean he thinks it is cancer? He also mentioned something about an endemetrioma or dermoid? I am very worried and have been having anxiety attacks over this. I just don't understand the point of taking these ultrasounds if they don't show what the cyst is really about. Please help.

[s13]

Results should be less than a few days at most.  Glad I could help.  Let me know if there's anything else I can do.  Peace.

[JulieAM]

I just wanted to let you know that an endometrioma can cause a really high CA-125 level.  I had one and my CA-125 level was 360, and I have read of cases that were in the thousands.  I had laparoscopic surgery to remove the endometrioma, and severe endometriosis was also found at the same time and (mostly) removed.  All my reproductive organs were left intact.  So don't panic even if the result comes back elevated.

[Anna-maria74]

Depends where you are. UK takes about 5 days but you wont be given the results because the interpretation is as important. If you want your results you have to make an appointment with your gyn so he/she can explain what they mean

Anna x

[Anna-maria74]

At 1.5 cms your doctor is really not going to be alarmed. Usually surgery is not considered until/unless the cyst reaches over 5 cm's. Watching and waiting for a cyst your size is the usuall practice and having a scan in 6 weeks is great follow up. I really shouldn't worry 99% of cysts are benign and 95% of complex cysts are benign. The cyst will probably resolve on its own. All woman have cysts its a normal part of ovulation.

I know its scary stuff though - stay with us

Anna x

[marymk]

I've had the same thing happen. My cyst was simple and about 2cm, and then a couple months later it was complex and smaller - 1.2 cm. I've had about 6 sonograms over the past 2 years, and 3-  ca125 tests. I've had about 3 complex cysts, all smaller than 2 cm, and they've all resolved. My Dr. also said they looked blood filled -  which is what makes them complex. All my CA125's were within normal limits. I think my Dr is very careful when it comes to ovaries, since it's not something to fool with, if indeed there is cancer.
I was very releived when she said, Cancer does not get smaller and go awaay. She thinks these cysts are my ovaries 'trying' to ovulate. I'm 48 years old, and peri-menopausal, as my cycles are changing also. I've heard it's common to get these kind of cysts during this time of change.
Since it's shrinking, I wouldn't worry to much.
Hope this helps.

Mary

[s13]

I know how frustrating it can be in the dark, hang in there.  Imagine a simple cyst to be like a liquid filled balloon; a complex cyst has internal walls of solid tissue throughout.  A simple cyst typically goes away w/in a few wks; drs. don't normally recommend surgery for them.  A complex cyst is fairly common & possibly cause for concern, especially after menopause.  I'm assuming from your post that you still have all your repro. organs (you mentioned your cycle, menstrual?); do you have any personal history of gynelogical problems?  The fact that your simple cyst started out lgr. & then became smaller & more complex could be a good sign; when cysts rupture or begin leaking, the internal structure changes & can become more vascular (explaining the walls of tissue) due to external blood flow coming in.  Maybe that's why your dr. wanted to wait post cycle, after the blood was shed; this could allow for a more clear picture.  Your dr. is being thorough, repeating ultrasounds often; they need to be tracking the growth (if any occurs) & anymore changes in the structure of the cyst itself.  Even if you have a family history of Ovarian Cancer, only 10% are genetically inherited; the remaining 90% arise from genetic mutations (due to anything from environmental toxins to benign gynelogical problems).  Your dr. will take all this into account, assuming they're aware; if not, make sure & give them any info. YOU feel necessary.  The CA-125 is a very controversial subject matter (even in this forum); my recommendation is this - limit you intake on a need to know basis.  Yes, this test is used as a marker for Ovarian Cancer.  Many women that have benign gynelogical diseases & conditions present w/ elevated levels on CA-125 results.  Please take into consideration that everyone's genetic make up, chemical balances, & hormone levels are different; you cannot compare your average level of "normal" to those of a 78 yr. old (obviously postmenopausal) woman who's taken 8 yrs. of HRT (hormone therapy)...do you understand what I'm getting at?  CA-125 isn't an accurate marker test & all drs. will have different opinions & suggested levels of the "normal".  More extensive testing is usually done for highly suspected Ovarian Cancer.  The endometrioma & dermoid...a dermoid cyst is the most common type of tumor (tumor is defined only as a solid mass of tissue, whether benign or malignant) that presents in young women.  It is made up of cells that are meant to be fertilized in the uterus.  Once they've been implanted, they develop different types of tissue (teeth & hair for example).  It is VERY rare for Cancer to arise from one of these; that should be excellent news for ya!  An endometrioma is basically another meaning for a noncancerous tumor, that has grown from the endometrium (lining of the uterus); it's sounds alot worse in medical jargon, doesn't it?  I hope this has helped ease your mind.  It sounds like you have a good dr.  If any new symptoms come about, you need to pay attention to them & ask the dr. about it.  Good luck & I'll be thinking about you.  I try to come on at least once a day, so I'll wait to hear from ya.

[KalleK]

Thanks for all your input. Yes, I still have all my reproductive organs and I've never had any sort of gynecological problems in the past. No STD's, my paps have always come back normal, never skipped a period, etc. This is the first cyst that I've ever had. I am going for the CA 125 tomorrow. Anyone know how long for results of that to come in?

[SimplyStar]

Your doctor is being cautious.  95% of all cysts are benign. The CA125 is just one of the many things they use to help in a diagnosis.