Was just told I have a benign mucinous cystadenoma..what the doctor suggested..

Ok my gyn did an ultrasound after i ended up in ER this past week and thought it was appendix. Come to find out by catscan I had a large cyst. Well when my gyn. did the ultrasound he said he believes it is a mucinous cystadenoma due to the fluid and septates(sp?). He said it looks benign but wouldnt no for sure til my surgery next week. It is atleast 12cm and is covering most of right ovary and tube. He is recommending and saying we need to take my right ovary and tube out as well being as it is so large and connected to them. I am only 21 years old....is this the best choice?? He said it would not hinder me from having kids, is this true? I have my whole life ahead of me and while I know I need to do the best for my health, I want to be able to have kids one day when I get married. I have read a lot about reoccurances when the ovary and tube wasn't removed....any help/advice would be appreciated...

[Annekathryn Goodman, M.D.]

Dear Miranda,
it sounds like you are in good hands. You are getting the correct advice and it sounds like you are set up for the right treatment.

At the time of surgery, your doctor will know for sure what is going on.
The most common situation at your age is to develop a benign tumor that replaces the ovary.
But there are benign tumors that an be separated from remaining normal ovarian tissue. Your doctor will be able to determine that at surgery.

You can get pregnant with one ovary.
good luck with the surgery. Please let us know what happens.
take care