diggerbell

Hi, I am British but have lived permanently  in Spain for 4 years.  I am just 48 and have a 5cm Ovarian cyst that has been diagnosed using a doppler ultrasound scan.  Reading the sonographjers report he recommends a biopsy and says it's consistant with ******* (i couldn't read never mind translate).  I have experienced dark 'old' dark blood loss around ovulation and this has gone on for years (since I was 40).  I saw Gynaecologists in the UK before I came over here and everything was OK and put down to perimenopause. I also had a full Gynae MOT December '06, including scans, just over a year before this cyst was found.  My main question is does anyone know what biopsy procedures are likely to be used here as they don't even do Hysterectomys using Keyhole surgery and the consultant was ammazed I have had 4 sections plus a sterialisation reversed all using the same scar. She even showed grave concerns about doing a hysterectomy unless it was medically necessary, despite my recurrting problems and my disability (Thalidomide - I don't have any arms and I am becoming more and more dependent on my husband).  She really seemed concerned at the thought of operating whereas in the UK I was offered the op just before we moved over here, but unfortunately I move came quicker than we expected.  What is the likely hood of finding a malignant tumour at my age.  Incidently she was quite clear that the cyst was too small to cause the symptoms I have been experiencing.  I also have concerns over surgery here as there have been problems with GA's in the UK with Thalidomiders being overdosed, although no fatalities, also the Spanish government refuses to accept the drug was prescribed here during Franco's 'reign', hence most doctors have little more than an awareness that the Thalidomide damage exists to so many people and no knowledge of our difficulties as we get older  When calculating drugs for aneathesia a straight bodyweight/drug ratio gives too high doses and reduced circulation  from  missing / shortened limbs needs to be included into the equation.

Spain seems so behind the UK in many surgical procedures and yet ex-pats are full of praise of the Health System here.  I'm so confused, worried etc that any advice / info would be appreciated.  I am being treated by the hospital in Alicante, Southern Spain., just in case anyone has inside knowledge of this hospital.  Thanks for reading my ramblings!!!

[survivor_susie]

Hi
I'm so sorry that you're having these concerns and that the medical system where you are is not meeting your expectations. Is there anyway that you can go back to the UK for a visit and see the docs there?  If you're still a citizen, it might be possible.
I don't think that many of us had a discharge with ovarian cancer, but I had a slight discharge and was found to have uterine cancer, very early stage.  Can you find anyone there who can do a laparoscopy to check things out?
Finding a malignant tumour at your age (48) is quite possible.  Sorry.
I hope that others in the forum will have more knowledge about your area of Europe and where to get good care.
Please keep the forum updated.  Best of luck to you.