ovarian cyst and cancer

[murphy100]

have had ovarian cysst for about 18 months 4 cm at last scan. was told then it was nothing but now another doctor is taking it more seriously. have just had ca125 blood test and am waiting results. have put on a lot of weight around my middle in last year but thought it was just menopausal symptoms. i am going through menopause but have been having frequent periods sometimes every 14 days. at what level would ca125 test be for me to be concerned about ovarian cancer. doctor has said he will do another scan in 3 months but do you think if ca125 result is elevated they will call me back quidker than this.  dont want to wait 3 months if there is a chance this is  a malignant cyst.

[cirella]

Hi, just to add to what Cindy said...In the "related communities" on the sidebar you'll notice an ovarian cyst forum.  You may want to post there where more women can answer your questions.

Take care.

[Cindy809]

Hello ... You are worried.  Have you researched OVCA?  I will post the symptoms.  I went to your profile and you haven't provided enough information so that we can help answer some of your questions.  How old are you? You mentioned "another doctor".  Is that a gyn oncologist?  Was this doctor referred to you by your gyn?  You mentioned that you are waiting for the results of your CA125.  It sounds like you are going through menopause but did your doctor suggest that?  You also mentioned that the new doctor (hopefully gyn onc) is taking this more seriously.  Did he say why?  Did you ask him?  Your  CA125 test should come back within a week.  Call the office if you are concerned and ask them for the results.  If you are seeing a gyn oncologist and he is concerned about the scan he will then do further testing.   A CA125 test alone cannot diagnose Ovarian Cancer.  He will not (should not)  wait 3 months if it is elevated high enough for concern.  It could be elevated if you are going through menopause.  (0-35) one type of CA125 test and (0-21) for another type of CA125 test is normal range for women that are not experiencing any other health problems.  You can google CA125 Test and it will explain it better.  It is a good indicator for some and not others.  You haven't mentioned any other symptoms except weight gain around the middle and frequent periods. The following are the symptoms of Ovarian Cancer.  This is just to inform you about the disease.  I'm not suggesting you have cancer:
Ovarian Cancer Symptoms
There are no obvious symptoms until the disease has advanced. Then the symptoms may include:
Vague but persistent gastrointestinal complaints such as gas, nausea, indigestion.
Frequency and/or urgency of urination.
Any unexplained change in bowel habits.
Abnormal postmenopausal bleeding.
Weight gain or loss.
Abdominal swelling and/or pain; bloating and/or a feeling of fullness.
Pain during intercourse.
If vague symptoms persist longer than 4-6 weeks, insist on a thorough rectovaginal examination.
A Rectovaginal pelvic examination is when the doctor simultaneously inserts one finger in the rectum and one in the vagina.
It is helpful to take a mild laxative or enema before the pelvic exam.
Have a comprehensive family history taken by a physician knowledgeable in the risks associated with ovarian cancer. 5% to 10% of ovarian cancer has a familial link.
Every woman should undergo a regular rectal and vaginal pelvic examination. If an irregularity of the ovary is found, alternatives to evaluation include transvaginal sonography and/or tumor markers. The most common tumor marker is a blood test called the CA-125. Hope this helps.....Cindy