Surgery Today

45 Yrs old, 3 children and a partial hysterectomy in 2005. Abdominal pain sent me to the Family DR. in March, at that point a abdominal ultrasound found what appeared to be a large cyst on my left ovary. Sent me to my Gynecologist. He performed a trans vaginal ultrasound and said I had a 15 cm mass and then referred me to a gyno/onc. I have had symptoms of back pain, frequent urination, constipation, fatigue and pain during intercourse. Got sent to learning hospital (no insurance) will have chief resident do surgery with gyno/onc assisting. She seems to be qualified said she has completed 100+ of these types of surgeries. She say it will be exploratory surgery to remove the mass and will also take both ovary's. In my two visits with her she has said that regarding my medical history and age there is less than 50% chance there is a malignancy. Did not like the fact that on the consent form listed possible staging. This may be common practice. Any positive thoughts would be appreciated.  

[weeksoc]

I had surgery two weeks ago today.  I had a 17 cm mass on my right ovary.  Ultrasound and CT scan also found fluid surrounding the mass.  The CT said this is most compatible with an ovarian neoplasm (ovarian cancer).  I'm happy to say that the cystic tumor was benign as was the fluid.  I understand from others through this site that most tumors are 97% benign so use this as your "positive" as you going in for surgery today.  Best wishes.

[rmarie]

Sounds like you have a Dr. who has done a number of these surgeries.  When there is a possibility of ovarian cancer your permit is for an exploratory laparotomy, permission to open the abdomen, and removal of the mass and your ovarys.  At the time of surgery the mass will be sent for biopsy to determine if it is cancer.  If it is then they do the staging and what is termed debulking, removal of the omenteum, a laying of tissue that covers the intestine.  The staging consists of alot of biopsies, tissue and lymph nodes up to the diaphram, to determine if the cancer has spread.  Doing this procedure at the time of the initial operation gives you the best chance for survival.  that is why you sign for staging.  Hopefully it will be benign.  good luck to you, let us know how you do.  

[justscore]

I am 6 wks post op today and feel so much better the cysts are gone!  
Good luck and make sure you rest and let your body heal!