Simple Cyst and Ovarian Cancer

Hi-  My best friend is a 7 year bc survivor and was dx with stage 3C ovarian cancer 3 years ago.  With our fingers crossed she has been in remission since July of 2006-  After doing chemo for 2 years-  

History:

She had spotting and pain and her gyn found a simple cyst on her left ovary- (consumed 3/4 of her ovary)  Her gyn found this out by doing an ultrasound. Did not do any follow up as she said it was a simple cyst.  The gyn portocol for simple cyst was 1 year.  Within that year this cyst became stage 3-C  It is a fact that if you have had Breast Cancer that there is a greater risk for Ovarian cancer- they are linked-  

After the fact, genetic testing was done to find out she is positive for Brac 1 gene-

My question-  Why would you not immediately do genetic testing the minute you find a cyst on the ovary?  Why would you not biopsoy and watch this cyst before a whole year knowing that you have already been treated for an aggresive (aggressive) breast cancer?  

My best friend is going to die from ovarian cancer and I would like to be an advovate for simple screening that needs to be done for everyone.

Where do you suggest I start??

[Annekathryn Goodman, M.D.]

Hi There,
Thank you for your comments.
Breast cancer can be linked with ovarian cancer.  The state of knowledge about this is quite new. I do not believe that people routinely recommended removal of the ovaries in women with breast cancer 7 years ago. Today, it is a common recommendation.

Nowadays, a standard recommendation for follow up of an ovarian cyst is to repeat an ultrasound in 6 weeks to 3 months. This too is different from even 3 years ago.

It is good to educate doctors who do not take care of women with cancer about these connections. it is also good to get second opinions with doctors who specialize in the care of women with cancers.
take care

[mellie64]

I had a partial hysterectomy 2 years ago.  I now have 3 cysts on my ovaries.  I small one on my left and 2 on my right, one being larger than the whole ovary.  My right tube is also enlarged.  I am scheduled for surgery at the end of the week.  The dr. will attempt to do a laproscopy, but I have had several already and he said he may have to do an open surgery.  I am nervous about the numerous cysts and especially the enlarged tube.  Are these signs of ovarian cancer?  Are there other reasons the tube would be enlarged? If I have open surgery for the removal of the ovary and the tube, is the recovery long? painful?