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Suspected Ovarian Cyst - But Very Frightened
Hi, I am 33 years old, no kids, and went to see my doctor 2 weeks ago as I had noticed that my stomach was swollen and sometimes I was getting pains there.
My doctor sent me for an ultrasound which I had yesterday. He phoned me to day to say that he's got the results from my ultrasound and I have an ovarian cyst. He is referring me to a gaenacologist and also sending me for an MRI scan.
I am totally petrified that it could be ovarian cancer. There is no history of it in my family and I have never had any other gaenacological problems in the past. My periods have been normal although I have noticed a slight increase in facial hair around my lower cheeks and chin and last year I was referred to a dermatologist as a small bald patch appeared on my right temple (which has now grown back). I know that an increase in body hair can be sign of an ovarian cyst. My appetite hasn't changed, not feeling tired or lethargic, haven't lost/gained weight.
I was on the birth control pill until about 3 years ago when I was taken off it (by my previous doctor) as I had high blood pressure and was given blood-thinning tablets which I was on for almost 2 years, after which time my blood pressure was back to normal.
How likely is it that it could be ovarian cancer? I'm so scared. I hate hospitals and any sort of medical procedures and I'm so soft when it comes to things like this.
Please, is/has anyone in/been in the same situation and how did things work out for you?
Thanks
Rowdy.
My doctor sent me for an ultrasound which I had yesterday. He phoned me to day to say that he's got the results from my ultrasound and I have an ovarian cyst. He is referring me to a gaenacologist and also sending me for an MRI scan.
I am totally petrified that it could be ovarian cancer. There is no history of it in my family and I have never had any other gaenacological problems in the past. My periods have been normal although I have noticed a slight increase in facial hair around my lower cheeks and chin and last year I was referred to a dermatologist as a small bald patch appeared on my right temple (which has now grown back). I know that an increase in body hair can be sign of an ovarian cyst. My appetite hasn't changed, not feeling tired or lethargic, haven't lost/gained weight.
I was on the birth control pill until about 3 years ago when I was taken off it (by my previous doctor) as I had high blood pressure and was given blood-thinning tablets which I was on for almost 2 years, after which time my blood pressure was back to normal.
How likely is it that it could be ovarian cancer? I'm so scared. I hate hospitals and any sort of medical procedures and I'm so soft when it comes to things like this.
Please, is/has anyone in/been in the same situation and how did things work out for you?
Thanks
Rowdy.
Hi, I have just found out too (on a transvaginal ultrasound I did today) that I have a 2.5cm cyst on my right ovary. My doctor just called me and simply said we will wait 3 months and see if it grows or receeds. He prescribed a painkiller to use if I need. I have done ovary stimulation and gave birth to twins three years ago and had a fantastic pregnancy.
I am positive about it. Very much so. I do not give in easily to worries: my life, my family and children come first. My weapon is information, information, information. Keep positive, face your fears bravely, have faith in yourself, research. I'll come back whenever I find out more.
I am positive about it. Very much so. I do not give in easily to worries: my life, my family and children come first. My weapon is information, information, information. Keep positive, face your fears bravely, have faith in yourself, research. I'll come back whenever I find out more.
Rowdy,
It's been a while since you've posted something. I hope you are well and that your surgery was successful. I'm concerned as well since I have an appointment this Friday with my specialist. I'm 29 years old and don't have children either yet. I missed 2 periods earlier this year and have been feeling some pressure in my abdomen. My intravaginal ultrasound showed that I have sizable cyst in my left ovary. I'm not sure if the technician who did the ultrasound was supposed to tell me but she did say that the cyst looked fluid filled only. My primary doctor wouldn't give me any specifics other than it had grown since my last ultrasound 2 months ago. He referred me to a specialist. I've been combing the web for info and most sites say that birth control should prevent cyst formation but I have been on birth control since my wedding 2 years ago. I'm a bit disheartened. If anyone else out there as a similiar experience please write back.
Thanks,
concerned too
It's been a while since you've posted something. I hope you are well and that your surgery was successful. I'm concerned as well since I have an appointment this Friday with my specialist. I'm 29 years old and don't have children either yet. I missed 2 periods earlier this year and have been feeling some pressure in my abdomen. My intravaginal ultrasound showed that I have sizable cyst in my left ovary. I'm not sure if the technician who did the ultrasound was supposed to tell me but she did say that the cyst looked fluid filled only. My primary doctor wouldn't give me any specifics other than it had grown since my last ultrasound 2 months ago. He referred me to a specialist. I've been combing the web for info and most sites say that birth control should prevent cyst formation but I have been on birth control since my wedding 2 years ago. I'm a bit disheartened. If anyone else out there as a similiar experience please write back.
Thanks,
concerned too
I am sorry. I did not mean to worry you. When I went into surgery, my doctor felt that my cyst would not be cancerous. She was basing her thoughts on her experiences. However, when we considered all the factors of my condition, factors such as size, rate of growth, location, and solid components, I had a 79% chance of having a cancerous tumor. 79 % chance of malignancy. That is like saying it was cancer, whether my doctor felt that it was or not.
Surgical instructions are subject to liability issues, and it was necessary for me to make decisions on how I wanted my condition treated. I would not be able to make these decision while I was under the influence of anethesia. So, she and I discussed the surgery, all the possibilities good and bad, and all of the options. I made definite instructions for how she was to handle the surgery, depending on what she found inside.
As soon as I regained my senses, I felt for the incisions. I wanted to know right away whether I had cancer or not. I found the four small incisions, which meant that I did not have cancer since my doctor did not have to open me widely for a debulking procedure. When the nurses notified my doctor that I was awake enough to understand her, she returned to the surgical ward to confirm with me that my cyst was not cancer and see how I was doing.
Surgical instructions are subject to liability issues, and it was necessary for me to make decisions on how I wanted my condition treated. I would not be able to make these decision while I was under the influence of anethesia. So, she and I discussed the surgery, all the possibilities good and bad, and all of the options. I made definite instructions for how she was to handle the surgery, depending on what she found inside.
As soon as I regained my senses, I felt for the incisions. I wanted to know right away whether I had cancer or not. I found the four small incisions, which meant that I did not have cancer since my doctor did not have to open me widely for a debulking procedure. When the nurses notified my doctor that I was awake enough to understand her, she returned to the surgical ward to confirm with me that my cyst was not cancer and see how I was doing.
In my previous post I meant to say that my friends cyst WASN'T malignant - typo, sorry.
I'm not sure yet what surgery will be involved. I guess it depends on what they find with the MRI scan.
I was doing OK until I read your post, I was feeling quite positive after what my gyn told me yesterday. I am aware that there is still a very slight risk of cancer but what you said about waking up and noticing that you didn't have a large incision and therefore you knew you didn't have cancer - a bit tactless I'm afraid to say.
I've just found out that my friend had a cyst removed in 1999 - a huge one and she ended up with a scar from her boobs down to her pubic area - and hers was malignant, it was just very big.
Now I am frightened again when I was feeling so much more positive.
I was doing OK until I read your post, I was feeling quite positive after what my gyn told me yesterday. I am aware that there is still a very slight risk of cancer but what you said about waking up and noticing that you didn't have a large incision and therefore you knew you didn't have cancer - a bit tactless I'm afraid to say.
I've just found out that my friend had a cyst removed in 1999 - a huge one and she ended up with a scar from her boobs down to her pubic area - and hers was malignant, it was just very big.
Now I am frightened again when I was feeling so much more positive.
Hi, I've got an update for you.
I went to see my gyn this morning - appointment was at 10.45 but didn't get in to see him until 12 (our wonderful NHS).
Anyway, he felt my tummy and asked me to lie on each side as he tapped it to check for fluid. He said that he highly suspects that the cyst is full of fluid as it is 'mobile' and is not solid. At the moment he can't tell which ovary it's coming from as he can feel it mainly behind my belly button.
Had to have further blood test though as the one my doctor did didn't include the CA-125, only CEA, liver, kidneys etc. I thought the CEA was the same thing, apparently not. I told him my concerns about cancer and he said that he thinks it is very very unlikely to be cancer given that the cyst contains fluid and is mobile - he said only 1% of ovarian cysts in the UK are cancerous and they are mainly found in post-menopausal women.
He is now going to arrange an MRI scan within the next couple of weeks. In order to speed things up he is going to arrange a date for me to go in for surgery and when I go in he will then tell me the results of the blood test and MRI scan. Only after the MRI can he say what surgery I will need - remove the cyst (obviously), possibly one ovary, maybe both and maybe even the uterus in the most extreme case which of course will put me into the menopause. He said that at my age (33) this isn't a decision that should be taken lightly.
Depending on the surgery I could be off work for about 6 weeks, worse case 8 to 12 weeks. This really puts me in a bit of a pickle with regards to the new job I've been offered. However, I am meeting up with my potential new boss on Wednesday evening so I am going to explain the full situation to him to see what he thinks. The timing really couldn't have been worse!
So, that's the update. I have to say that I feel so much better knowing that the cyst seems to be only filled with fluid and not solid.
I hope that you're all keeping OK and I want to thank you very much for all the support you have given to me. I will of course keep you updated with any further news.
Rowdy.
I went to see my gyn this morning - appointment was at 10.45 but didn't get in to see him until 12 (our wonderful NHS).
Anyway, he felt my tummy and asked me to lie on each side as he tapped it to check for fluid. He said that he highly suspects that the cyst is full of fluid as it is 'mobile' and is not solid. At the moment he can't tell which ovary it's coming from as he can feel it mainly behind my belly button.
Had to have further blood test though as the one my doctor did didn't include the CA-125, only CEA, liver, kidneys etc. I thought the CEA was the same thing, apparently not. I told him my concerns about cancer and he said that he thinks it is very very unlikely to be cancer given that the cyst contains fluid and is mobile - he said only 1% of ovarian cysts in the UK are cancerous and they are mainly found in post-menopausal women.
He is now going to arrange an MRI scan within the next couple of weeks. In order to speed things up he is going to arrange a date for me to go in for surgery and when I go in he will then tell me the results of the blood test and MRI scan. Only after the MRI can he say what surgery I will need - remove the cyst (obviously), possibly one ovary, maybe both and maybe even the uterus in the most extreme case which of course will put me into the menopause. He said that at my age (33) this isn't a decision that should be taken lightly.
Depending on the surgery I could be off work for about 6 weeks, worse case 8 to 12 weeks. This really puts me in a bit of a pickle with regards to the new job I've been offered. However, I am meeting up with my potential new boss on Wednesday evening so I am going to explain the full situation to him to see what he thinks. The timing really couldn't have been worse!
So, that's the update. I have to say that I feel so much better knowing that the cyst seems to be only filled with fluid and not solid.
I hope that you're all keeping OK and I want to thank you very much for all the support you have given to me. I will of course keep you updated with any further news.
Rowdy.
What type of surgery is the specialist planning? I had a cyst (an endometrioma) the size of a grapefruit removed in December; my surgery was done by the laparascopic method, and I was more or less back to my normal routine in two weeks. I still could not lift heavy items and picking things up from the floor was a bit difficult (I had difficulty bending over!), but I was good for sitting, standing, walking, and carrying lightweight items. However, if you have a larger incision, or have a complete hysterectomy, then you will indeed require a longer recovery period.
Honestly, I did not know more than you when I went into the surgical ward. Despite all the tests and images, until the doctors get inside, have a look, and take samples for a biopsy in the operating room, then they will not know for certain whether the cyst is cancerous or not. My doctor did not feel that my cyst would be cancerous; however, we did discuss ALL the possible outcomes and what steps she was authorized to make in the event that my cyst was indeed malignant. The first thing I did when I regained my senses in the recovery room was to feel my abdomen. I felt four small incisions, not a large incision, and only then did I know that I did not have cancer.
Keep us updated, please.
Honestly, I did not know more than you when I went into the surgical ward. Despite all the tests and images, until the doctors get inside, have a look, and take samples for a biopsy in the operating room, then they will not know for certain whether the cyst is cancerous or not. My doctor did not feel that my cyst would be cancerous; however, we did discuss ALL the possible outcomes and what steps she was authorized to make in the event that my cyst was indeed malignant. The first thing I did when I regained my senses in the recovery room was to feel my abdomen. I felt four small incisions, not a large incision, and only then did I know that I did not have cancer.
Keep us updated, please.
Hi everyone. I'm so nervous about my appointment with my gyn on Monday.
This is getting me down so much. I feel so very healthy and I'm not even in any pain - just uncomfortable.
Anyway, just to complicate the situation further, I have been offered a new job. I had the interview for the job on the same day that I had my ultrasound so goodness knows how I managed it.
I really really want this job but at the moment all I can think about is this cyst and what the outcome might be. My potential new employers are fully aware of my situation and have said that they will support me 100% with regards to me needing time off to recover from surgery, which is fantastic!
Everybody around me is saying that I'll be fine and that it won't be cancer. I'm trying to be positive but finding it so hard. I just want everything to be back to normal then I can get on with things.
I just hope that my gyn gives me some positive news on Monday so that I can hand in my notice on my current job. I am so confused and very scared at the moment.
Rowdy.
This is getting me down so much. I feel so very healthy and I'm not even in any pain - just uncomfortable.
Anyway, just to complicate the situation further, I have been offered a new job. I had the interview for the job on the same day that I had my ultrasound so goodness knows how I managed it.
I really really want this job but at the moment all I can think about is this cyst and what the outcome might be. My potential new employers are fully aware of my situation and have said that they will support me 100% with regards to me needing time off to recover from surgery, which is fantastic!
Everybody around me is saying that I'll be fine and that it won't be cancer. I'm trying to be positive but finding it so hard. I just want everything to be back to normal then I can get on with things.
I just hope that my gyn gives me some positive news on Monday so that I can hand in my notice on my current job. I am so confused and very scared at the moment.
Rowdy.
Hi, went to see doctor for blood test results and ultrasound results.
Blood tests were all normal - liver, kidneys, CA-125.
Ultrasound shows a mass extending from my right ovary to the left up to my belly-button. One thing I did notice on the ultrasound report on his computer screen (which he didn't read to me!!) was "extensive ascetis in abdomen".
That has freaked me out. I know that ascetis can be a sign of cancer but can't it also be a sign of something else?
Apparently, he did an emergecny referral as soon as he got my ultrasound results last Wednesday but I told him that I hadn't heard anything. He asked the receptionist to chase it up. When I got home, I got a call from the receptionist saying that she had checked with the gyn's receptionist and I had an appointment last Friday but I didn't turn up. I told her I didn't know anything about this appointment - nobody had called me to tell me.
His next emergency clinic is on Monday so I am waiting for a phone call to see if they will fit me in for then.
My doctor has also put me on diazepam to calm me down when I get all worked up about it. I took one a few minutes ago and I feel a bit wierd - like I'm on a high.
My doctor couldn't really tell me much more as the specialist will be able to answer any questions I have in more detail. I can understand that really.
So when I got back from the doctors I was a wreck, convinced that I have cancer. I've calmed down a lot now though.
I'm going back into work tomorrow. My doc offered to sign me off for a week or so but I said that it would better if I could go to work then at least I will be occupied and not fretting as much.
Just thought I would give you an update. So the waiting continues.
How are you all doing? Let me know. It's so nice to have someone to talk to about this - even though I have my hubby who, although very supportive, is much calmer about the whole situation then I am.
Rowdy.
Blood tests were all normal - liver, kidneys, CA-125.
Ultrasound shows a mass extending from my right ovary to the left up to my belly-button. One thing I did notice on the ultrasound report on his computer screen (which he didn't read to me!!) was "extensive ascetis in abdomen".
That has freaked me out. I know that ascetis can be a sign of cancer but can't it also be a sign of something else?
Apparently, he did an emergecny referral as soon as he got my ultrasound results last Wednesday but I told him that I hadn't heard anything. He asked the receptionist to chase it up. When I got home, I got a call from the receptionist saying that she had checked with the gyn's receptionist and I had an appointment last Friday but I didn't turn up. I told her I didn't know anything about this appointment - nobody had called me to tell me.
His next emergency clinic is on Monday so I am waiting for a phone call to see if they will fit me in for then.
My doctor has also put me on diazepam to calm me down when I get all worked up about it. I took one a few minutes ago and I feel a bit wierd - like I'm on a high.
My doctor couldn't really tell me much more as the specialist will be able to answer any questions I have in more detail. I can understand that really.
So when I got back from the doctors I was a wreck, convinced that I have cancer. I've calmed down a lot now though.
I'm going back into work tomorrow. My doc offered to sign me off for a week or so but I said that it would better if I could go to work then at least I will be occupied and not fretting as much.
Just thought I would give you an update. So the waiting continues.
How are you all doing? Let me know. It's so nice to have someone to talk to about this - even though I have my hubby who, although very supportive, is much calmer about the whole situation then I am.
Rowdy.
Hi Rowdy, I am so sorry for your worry. I know how you feel as I have been in your shoes. I came to this posting site totally freaked out after my doctor found a large, complex growth after an ultrasound. Many of the wonderful women I met here told me not to worry as worry does nothing. I know, easier said than done, right? Through them and through my doctors I learned that cysts of all kinds and sizes are common, most of them being benign. I went through major surgery after my doc was convinced I had OVCA and that it had already spread. Fortunetly, it was just an endometrioma that was benign. Do your best to calm yourself down and know that you are doing the right thing by having it all checked out. Many times, they won't know what you are really dealing with until they remove it and do a biopsy. This too is normal. Good luck hon and keep us posted.
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