ovarian cyst and menopause

[FL123]

Hello, I am 48 y/o, going thru menopause, my last period was 05/2006, after a D&C for abnormal uterine bleeding, which resolved after the D&C (no more bleeding at all). At that time I had 2 small fibroids.  Now one year later, I have another U/S and besides the fibroids, now I have a 2cm ovarian cyst. Since I am entering the menopause stage I am so worried that this could be an ovarian cancer... Can anyone help me??? I am a very anxious person, and I am driving myself crazy here

[Annekathryn Goodman, M.D.]

Dear Minnesota - you should ask your oncologist to remove the ovary. It sounds like it has been giving you trouble for some time. It is unlikely to be malignant but that does not mean it does not cause pain.

Dear FL - 2 cm is small, trace fluid can be just the normal lubrication of the abdomen. Sometimes fluid is related to a leaking cyst after ovulation
best wishes

[MinnesotaNice]

I need your opinion.  For the past 2 1/2 years, I have had intermittent lower back pain (kidney area) and ovary area.  Sometimes severe.  CA125 was elevated (26, then 33, then 35) over this time.   Pelvic ultrasounds and CAT scans showed nothing.  Laproscopy was fine.  Follow up CA125 in August '07 was 52, so OB/GYN referred me to an oncologist.  As luck would have it, the problem finally showed up on a CAT scan and ultrasound as a hemmoraghic cyst, with fluid leaking into the pelvic cavity.  This time, it seems to be staying around as it is quite painful 24/7 and has been present by my account since early August.  It is now almost September.  

I have a follow up with onocologist in 6 weeks.   But I don't understand -- why wait so long?  It is obviously not going away and has been an ongoing problem for 2 1/2 years -- raising the CA125 and bieng a painful issue for me on again/off again.   Now, it is 24/7.    I am uncomfortable, nauseated, and tired all the time.  It is painful.  Possible to function normally, but it takes a great deal of effort.  To take pain killers would mean I would take them daily.     What's the deal?  Do these ever turn into cancer and can this cyst be dangerous in any way since it's not going away?  

[FL123]

Thanks Dr. Goodman for your prompty answer.  On the U/S it was said: 2.1 cm ovarian cyst. Trace free fluid.... What this mean????

[Annekathryn Goodman, M.D.]

Hi there,
most cysts are benign. However, if you find you cannot endure knowing that you have this cyst, you should ask your doctor about removing it. If you have any family history of ovarian cancer, it may be reasonable to prophylactically remove both ovaries at the time of your surgery.
now as I said most things are benign, and tiny simple cysts such as your maybe gone next time you have an ultrasound.
best wishes