Aa
Waiting and worring...Alot
Hi everyone!
My name is Jennifer and I am 33 years old. I have had my period for over 7 weeks now so I went to my general practioner to get checked out. Since I have Polycystic Ovaries, I thought that I just had a simple cyst that was causing the bleeding. My dr. put me on birth control to stop the bleeding and sent me for an ultrasound.
The birth control has NOT stopped the bleeding and my ultrasound results show a simple cyst and a solid mass/cyst on my left ovary. The solid mass is 1.8cm. During the ultrasound I saw it very clearly as it was a white blob on the screen (in my ovary). I am also very sore in my lower abdomen and am soooo bloated all the time.
My Dr. said to get into the gyno right away.
I lost my right ovary 2 years ago due to a hemorrohagic cyst that did not resolve/desolve itself and was very painful. I also had a tubal ligation a year ago. This solid mass was not present then.
My grandmother died from ovarian cancer and I am now terrified that I might be facing this cancer as well.
Is abnormal menstural bleeding a symptom of OC?
Should I go straight to an gyn oncologist?
Can a regular cyst just calicify?
Has anyone had this happen to them? If so what did you do and what were your results.
I appreciate any input you can give me, so very much.
Thank you,
Jennifer
My name is Jennifer and I am 33 years old. I have had my period for over 7 weeks now so I went to my general practioner to get checked out. Since I have Polycystic Ovaries, I thought that I just had a simple cyst that was causing the bleeding. My dr. put me on birth control to stop the bleeding and sent me for an ultrasound.
The birth control has NOT stopped the bleeding and my ultrasound results show a simple cyst and a solid mass/cyst on my left ovary. The solid mass is 1.8cm. During the ultrasound I saw it very clearly as it was a white blob on the screen (in my ovary). I am also very sore in my lower abdomen and am soooo bloated all the time.
My Dr. said to get into the gyno right away.
I lost my right ovary 2 years ago due to a hemorrohagic cyst that did not resolve/desolve itself and was very painful. I also had a tubal ligation a year ago. This solid mass was not present then.
My grandmother died from ovarian cancer and I am now terrified that I might be facing this cancer as well.
Is abnormal menstural bleeding a symptom of OC?
Should I go straight to an gyn oncologist?
Can a regular cyst just calicify?
Has anyone had this happen to them? If so what did you do and what were your results.
I appreciate any input you can give me, so very much.
Thank you,
Jennifer
It is NOT recommended to biopsy any ovarian mass/tumor/suspicious cyst as it can rupture and seed the pelvis with cancer cells if that what it turns out to be. Please make sure you have your blood drawn for the following blood tests,Inhibin A&B, CA125 and CEA so at the very least you have baseline blood work.
Since there is now suspicion based on your TV-sonogram I would immediately find a good GYN/Oncologist surgeon. I am not suggesting what you have is cancer but studies have shown that treatment of ovarian cancer by nongynecologic oncologists and by low volume surgeons is associated with suboptimal surgical management. I would reccomend going to a large tiertiary hopsital where they see large volumes of patients. This is not to make you worry even more but to make sure that the Dr who treats you has vast experience with diagnosing and treating various types of GYN / Onc issues if that is what it turns out to be. If the Dr wants to remove the cyst/mass via laprascopic procedure PLEASE make sure they have much experience with removing these INTACT! All too often I read posts from patients who say their Dr thought it was a cyst and removed it haphazardly causing a rupture and seeding of the pelvis with cancer cells, only to be found on pathology post removal.
Next: From experience I would be asking for an MRI of the abdomen/pelvis ,MRI's are very precise when read by a Radiologist that specializes in GYN/ONC
Since there is now suspicion based on your TV-sonogram I would immediately find a good GYN/Oncologist surgeon. I am not suggesting what you have is cancer but studies have shown that treatment of ovarian cancer by nongynecologic oncologists and by low volume surgeons is associated with suboptimal surgical management. I would reccomend going to a large tiertiary hopsital where they see large volumes of patients. This is not to make you worry even more but to make sure that the Dr who treats you has vast experience with diagnosing and treating various types of GYN / Onc issues if that is what it turns out to be. If the Dr wants to remove the cyst/mass via laprascopic procedure PLEASE make sure they have much experience with removing these INTACT! All too often I read posts from patients who say their Dr thought it was a cyst and removed it haphazardly causing a rupture and seeding of the pelvis with cancer cells, only to be found on pathology post removal.
Next: From experience I would be asking for an MRI of the abdomen/pelvis ,MRI's are very precise when read by a Radiologist that specializes in GYN/ONC
Thank you everyone for your responses. I went to the gyn today and here is what happened:
He said that the u/s rpt showed a small cyst with shadowing...meaning it was calcified. It also said that I have a concerning amount of free fluid in the pelvis.
So, we have decided to go ahead and do a biopsy (he uses the da vinci machine) and take a CA 125. I will have the results of the blood work tomorrow.
I have had my period for 8 weeks now, so I wonder if the bloodwork will mean anything.
I am relieved to have a roadmap laid out, but am still quite nervous about the outcome.
Thank you all for your input. If you have any more suggestions about what I should do next or request, I would greatly appreciate your input. The Dr. said I was very knowledgable about this and thought it was great. It helped to have talked about it here so I didn't go in blindly.
Jen
He said that the u/s rpt showed a small cyst with shadowing...meaning it was calcified. It also said that I have a concerning amount of free fluid in the pelvis.
So, we have decided to go ahead and do a biopsy (he uses the da vinci machine) and take a CA 125. I will have the results of the blood work tomorrow.
I have had my period for 8 weeks now, so I wonder if the bloodwork will mean anything.
I am relieved to have a roadmap laid out, but am still quite nervous about the outcome.
Thank you all for your input. If you have any more suggestions about what I should do next or request, I would greatly appreciate your input. The Dr. said I was very knowledgable about this and thought it was great. It helped to have talked about it here so I didn't go in blindly.
Jen
I am sorry you have to go threw this, it is very stressfull to have this hanging over your head. Keep in mind most cysts are benign!! Since this has been ongoing for you and TV showed a complex cyst/mass, warrants a very through work up to rule out any other potential issues.
My wife was recently Dx with granulosa Cell cancer( GCT) Jan 2010. Tests like sonograms, Cat scans and MRI's along with blood tests like CA125, Inhibin A&B, MIS and CEA are just used as a guides for the Dr's to help assist in making a diagnoses(Dx). A transvaginal ultrasound (TV) is a valuable diagnostic study in the evaluation of an adnexal or pelvic mass/suspicious cysts.
The blood test CA-125 is a test used by Dr's as a guide to determine if you have the most common form of ovarian cancer, approximately 80% of all ovarian cancers are epitheal ovarian cancer which is cancer of the cells on the surface of your ovary. Please keep in mind that CA-125 can be elevated if your menstruating and some other cuases of inflamation..
There are other types of ovarian cancer that are hormone driven and depending which form a person has there will be excess symptoms of that specific hormone. This is the type my wife was Dx with granulosa cell ca. These group type are called sex cord -stromal tumors. These type of tumors have specific markes that the Dr's use just like ca-125 to aide in their dx of epitheal ovarian ca. They are Inhibin A&B and MIS. Please keep in mind if and only if you have a dx of these form of tumors there is a missconception that these tumors are always benign, which is completely false> They are just slow growing tumors as opposed to epitheal.
Unfortunately with any type of suspected ovarian mass/tumor/ suspicious cyst(s) surgery(biopsy) will be the only way for the Dr's too make a definitive Dx. It is NOT recommended to biopsy any ovarian mass/tumor/suspicious cyst as it can rupture and seed the pelvis with cancer cells if that what it turns out to be. Please make sure you have your blood drawn for the following blood tests,Inhibin A&B, CA125 and CEA so at the very least you have baseline blood work.
Since there is now suspicion based on your TV-sonogram I would immediately find a good GYN/Oncologist surgeon. I am not suggesting what you have is cancer but studies have shown that treatment of ovarian cancer by nongynecologic oncologists and by low volume surgeons is associated with suboptimal surgical management. I would reccomend going to a large tiertiary hopsital where they see large volumes of patients. This is not to make you worry even more but to make sure that the Dr who treats you has vast experience with diagnosing and treating various types of GYN / Onc issues if that is what it turns out to be. If the Dr wants to remove the cyst/mass via laprascopic procedure PLEASE make sure they have much experience with removing these INTACT! All too often I read posts from patients who say their Dr thought it was a cyst and removed it haphazardly causing a rupture and seeding of the pelvis with cancer cells, only to be found on pathology post removal.
Next: From experience I would be asking for an MRI of the abdomen/pelvis ,MRI's are very precise when read by a Radiologist that specializes in GYN/ONC, My wife went to a radiology practice that does all types of MRI's and the Radiologist read her MRI as a fibroid. I then took her to Sloan Kettering in NYC to see a GYN/ONC surgeon Dr Carol Brown who had the MRI repeated by a GYN/ONC Radiologist who called her DX to the tee which was confirmed after surgery.
The best advice you see all over these posts is you have to be your own advocate, be aggresive and stay on top of your phycicians. Get copies of all your tests/results. Post with any other questions you have this site has some very knowledgeable people on it. I wish you all the best
Kevin
My wife was recently Dx with granulosa Cell cancer( GCT) Jan 2010. Tests like sonograms, Cat scans and MRI's along with blood tests like CA125, Inhibin A&B, MIS and CEA are just used as a guides for the Dr's to help assist in making a diagnoses(Dx). A transvaginal ultrasound (TV) is a valuable diagnostic study in the evaluation of an adnexal or pelvic mass/suspicious cysts.
The blood test CA-125 is a test used by Dr's as a guide to determine if you have the most common form of ovarian cancer, approximately 80% of all ovarian cancers are epitheal ovarian cancer which is cancer of the cells on the surface of your ovary. Please keep in mind that CA-125 can be elevated if your menstruating and some other cuases of inflamation..
There are other types of ovarian cancer that are hormone driven and depending which form a person has there will be excess symptoms of that specific hormone. This is the type my wife was Dx with granulosa cell ca. These group type are called sex cord -stromal tumors. These type of tumors have specific markes that the Dr's use just like ca-125 to aide in their dx of epitheal ovarian ca. They are Inhibin A&B and MIS. Please keep in mind if and only if you have a dx of these form of tumors there is a missconception that these tumors are always benign, which is completely false> They are just slow growing tumors as opposed to epitheal.
Unfortunately with any type of suspected ovarian mass/tumor/ suspicious cyst(s) surgery(biopsy) will be the only way for the Dr's too make a definitive Dx. It is NOT recommended to biopsy any ovarian mass/tumor/suspicious cyst as it can rupture and seed the pelvis with cancer cells if that what it turns out to be. Please make sure you have your blood drawn for the following blood tests,Inhibin A&B, CA125 and CEA so at the very least you have baseline blood work.
Since there is now suspicion based on your TV-sonogram I would immediately find a good GYN/Oncologist surgeon. I am not suggesting what you have is cancer but studies have shown that treatment of ovarian cancer by nongynecologic oncologists and by low volume surgeons is associated with suboptimal surgical management. I would reccomend going to a large tiertiary hopsital where they see large volumes of patients. This is not to make you worry even more but to make sure that the Dr who treats you has vast experience with diagnosing and treating various types of GYN / Onc issues if that is what it turns out to be. If the Dr wants to remove the cyst/mass via laprascopic procedure PLEASE make sure they have much experience with removing these INTACT! All too often I read posts from patients who say their Dr thought it was a cyst and removed it haphazardly causing a rupture and seeding of the pelvis with cancer cells, only to be found on pathology post removal.
Next: From experience I would be asking for an MRI of the abdomen/pelvis ,MRI's are very precise when read by a Radiologist that specializes in GYN/ONC, My wife went to a radiology practice that does all types of MRI's and the Radiologist read her MRI as a fibroid. I then took her to Sloan Kettering in NYC to see a GYN/ONC surgeon Dr Carol Brown who had the MRI repeated by a GYN/ONC Radiologist who called her DX to the tee which was confirmed after surgery.
The best advice you see all over these posts is you have to be your own advocate, be aggresive and stay on top of your phycicians. Get copies of all your tests/results. Post with any other questions you have this site has some very knowledgeable people on it. I wish you all the best
Kevin
I am sorry to hear you are in limbo...waiting and wondering. That is very stressful!
Since you have only had an ultrasound, I think the next step would be to have a MRI. This will show your mass more clearly and will also show other areas. Sometimes, a worrisome ultrasound finding is ruled out on a MRI...especially with the size mass you are talking about. However, there is just no way to know the content of your mass until it is removed. And with your family history, I completely agree with jun about consulting a gyn/onc. Also, ask for a CA-125 test. If you end up having a malignancy, it can be used to monitor you if your tumor does in fact make this marker. The pre-surgery result is important for monitoring future number changes.
To answer your questions...
1. Any cyst can interfere with menstruation and cause a change in bleeding. It isn't, however, usually a warning sign for ovca.
2. You may have to get a referral to see a gyn/onc depending on his rules for accepting patients. I know mine won't see anyone who isn't referred by a gyn and they must have signs worrisome for cancer. Try going to the women's cancer network and search for one in your area. Call the office and find out if you need a referral. Be sure to note your family history. Usually gyn/oncs step in for masses that are 5cm or larger. Your best bet may be to get a gyn to order you a MRI and CA-125 and then go from there if you can't get a timely appt. with a gyn/onc. Here is the link to find a gyn/onc in your area:
http://www.wcn.org/findadoctor/
3. Yes...you can have a normal cyst that looks worrisome yet it is benign. In fact, this is what happens in the majority of cases. Odds are with you that it is benign.
4. I have seen so many women post and know several personally who have had worrisome masses that were benign. I had a 6cm complex mass at age 37 and it was Stage 1 ovarian cancer. That was three years ago and I have not had a recurrence.
I hope all turns out benign and you get more tests and answers soon! :)
Since you have only had an ultrasound, I think the next step would be to have a MRI. This will show your mass more clearly and will also show other areas. Sometimes, a worrisome ultrasound finding is ruled out on a MRI...especially with the size mass you are talking about. However, there is just no way to know the content of your mass until it is removed. And with your family history, I completely agree with jun about consulting a gyn/onc. Also, ask for a CA-125 test. If you end up having a malignancy, it can be used to monitor you if your tumor does in fact make this marker. The pre-surgery result is important for monitoring future number changes.
To answer your questions...
1. Any cyst can interfere with menstruation and cause a change in bleeding. It isn't, however, usually a warning sign for ovca.
2. You may have to get a referral to see a gyn/onc depending on his rules for accepting patients. I know mine won't see anyone who isn't referred by a gyn and they must have signs worrisome for cancer. Try going to the women's cancer network and search for one in your area. Call the office and find out if you need a referral. Be sure to note your family history. Usually gyn/oncs step in for masses that are 5cm or larger. Your best bet may be to get a gyn to order you a MRI and CA-125 and then go from there if you can't get a timely appt. with a gyn/onc. Here is the link to find a gyn/onc in your area:
http://www.wcn.org/findadoctor/
3. Yes...you can have a normal cyst that looks worrisome yet it is benign. In fact, this is what happens in the majority of cases. Odds are with you that it is benign.
4. I have seen so many women post and know several personally who have had worrisome masses that were benign. I had a 6cm complex mass at age 37 and it was Stage 1 ovarian cancer. That was three years ago and I have not had a recurrence.
I hope all turns out benign and you get more tests and answers soon! :)
Thanks Jun,
I am trying not to jump to conclusions...I had to have my thyroid removed for a benign growth and remember stressing myself out over it and don't want to do that again.
I have an appt on monday with a reg gyno, but I think i am going to heed your advise and find a gyno/onco and make an appt.
I thought I would have to have a biopsy.
I am trying not to jump to conclusions...I had to have my thyroid removed for a benign growth and remember stressing myself out over it and don't want to do that again.
I have an appt on monday with a reg gyno, but I think i am going to heed your advise and find a gyno/onco and make an appt.
I thought I would have to have a biopsy.
Sorry about your situation. Please don't jump into worst conclusion without real evidence. In most case the final dx of OVCA is from biopsy. But I would go directly to a gyn/oncologist if i were you, plus your family history. You don't have to have cancer to see them, they have extra training to treat gynecologic problems than regular gyn.
The link is about OVCA symptoms form ACS
http://www.cancer.org/docroot/CRI/content/CRI_2_4_3X_How_is_ovarian_cancer_diagnosed_33.asp?sitearea=
Hope my answer help you to easy your mind a little.
Keep us posted
Best
jun
The link is about OVCA symptoms form ACS
http://www.cancer.org/docroot/CRI/content/CRI_2_4_3X_How_is_ovarian_cancer_diagnosed_33.asp?sitearea=
Hope my answer help you to easy your mind a little.
Keep us posted
Best
jun
Have an Answer?
You are reading content posted in the Ovarian Cancer Community
Learn how to spot the warning signs of this “silent killer.”
Diet and digestion have more to do with cancer prevention than you may realize
A list of national and international resources and hotlines to help connect you to needed health and medical services.
Herpes sores blister, then burst, scab and heal.
Herpes spreads by oral, vaginal and anal sex.
STIs are the most common cause of genital sores.
