complex ovarian mass: follow-up

[Shari36]

Thanks for all your help everyone. I got my report today and it said I had a 1.4cm right complex ovarian mass. I am going to a oncolo gyn for follow-up. I am so scared. I had thyroid cancer 2 yrs ago. My friend who is recovering from ovarian cancer said the word "complex" is what is most concerning. What do you all think?

[gaile66]

My understanding from my doctor is that functional cyst can sometimes produce extra hormones and that can be the cause of nausea when you have ovarian cyst. I have done the watch and wait thing several times and when the cyst gets smaller this is a good thing, a good indication that what you have is a  functional cyst. The reason they watch the cyst is to make sure it is not getting bigger which would be  one of the reasons they may become more concerned that the cyst is suspicious for cancer.
That being said I wouldn't just let it go. I would insist on follow up to make sure that it has resolved completely.

[boys2mom]

I know I have cysts on my ovaries.  All the reading I've done is scary because the symptoms for cysts and OVCA are very simular.  When did you all decide to have surguries to remove your cysts?  I've been in pain and nauseated for 3 months now.  Last time I saw my gyn was about 4 months ago for pelvic pain, when I showed her my family history for cancer she had me wait in the office until she was able to do ultrasound.  Cysts were smaller than they were 2 months before so she said we really didn't need to worry.  

[thankfulmom]

I am sitting here post surgery for complex cysts on an ovary that was supposed to have been removed in 2004 and so far all tests are coming back benign.  I too was, extremely, scared by the word complex. I was so scared that I jumped off the hospital bed going into a scheduled surgery with a local gyn. because I felt he was not taking the possibility of cancer seriously.  This website helped me understand the need for a oncolo-gyn.  I am so thankful that I let the oncolo-gyn. do my surgery.  You have to trust your doctor and his path team to be qualified to handle whatever they find when they get in there during any surgery -so make sure you do your homework on your doctor and any hospital you may find yourself having lab work at.    

[jms_9967]

I recently had a complex ovarian mass (they also will use the terms "cyst" or "tumor" to describe it) removed on my right ovary along with the ovary itself and fallopian tube.  They thought it was 8 cm, but ended up being 12 x 8 x 5 when it was removed.  All was benign so don't get yourself too upset at this stage.  You'll see from many women on this forum that most cysts are benign.  It's good you're following up with a oncolo gyn for follow up simply because they have more experience in this area.

Let us know what the doctor says after you see him/her.

[debnevada]

had a 16 x 9 cm complex cystic left ovarian mass. by the time it was out it was 20 cms.
the ct scan report said "rule out CA" and it turned out to be totally benign.

Don't worry until you have to worry. I went to the Women's Cancer Center for my surgeon. he was great.