ovarian cysts and cancer

[coaster]

I am a 35 year-old who just had a laparotomy with a large ovarian cyst along with my left ovary removed.  Two years ago I had another large cyst removed along with my left tube.  The first was laprascopic.  This time however I was told the biopsy showed borderline cancer.  I was also told that the normal coarse of treatment is a hysterectomy along with removal of lymph nodes and possible chemo. I don't understand why that is.
If it is borderline does that mean most likley?  I don't really want to have a total hysterectomy. I don't know if anyone else has had this same situation but I would like to know if there are any other options.

[MickeyVicki]

Your symptoms of pain from mid-cycle on sound like those of endometriosis.  I had no symptoms of the condition, yet when I had surgery to remove my cyst, the doctor discovered that I have a terrible case of it.  My cyst, which was described in one exam as a "complex cyst with solid components" was an endometrioma, which is a cyst filled with old endometrial tissue (in other words, blood.)

[finngirl]

I am amazed by the number of people that have (are) experiencing the same symptoms/problems as myself.  On one hand, I feel elated that someone else understands the pain.  On the other, I'm still frustrated, because NONE of the doctors that I have seen know what is going on and they don't seem to take it seriously.  Like so many of you, I have had severe abdominal pain, frequent need to urinate, bloating and constipation for several years.  At times I'm convinced that I have a bladder infection because of the need to urinate and pain, but generally the test comes back inconclusive.  At other times the pain seems more centered around my inability to have normal bowel movements.  Lately, I have deep throbbing pain over my back right hip area.  I've seen a gyn and internist.  After much begging, I was finally scheduled for an ultrasound.  The results show an ovarian cyst with "matter" inside the cyst.  What does this mean?  I'm scheduled for a repeat exam.  My pain tends to be cyclical.  It generally starts mid-cycle and lasts through my period.  If I am lucky, I will have 2 weeks pain free, but the bloating always persist.  Also, my mother took DES while pregnant with me.  Do any of you know of any "later in life" (I'm 47)complications found to associated with DES?
Generally, what questions should I ask the doctors?  What other follow-up should I insist on?  Frankly, I don't trust doctors and feel the need to drive this on my own.  I'd appreciate any advice.

[cannuck]

I had a similar situation. At 36 I had a cyst removed and found to be cancerous - but it took an pathologist specializing in gyn-oncology to come to this conclusion.  Like you, I wanted to avoid a hysterectomy.  I had follow-up keyhole surgery to take some biopsies in my abdomen and so the doc could have a look around.  Since it all came back negative, I have had no further treatment.  
Every situation is different, but in some cases - if the cancer is confined to one ovary (stage 1a) and is not aggressive (the type and grade of the cancer will indicate this) - it is possible to simply remove the tumour and monitor the situation.  This is a fairly unusual combination, but it does happen.  (I was one of the lucky ones. I hope you are too.)
If you do not already have one, do try to get a gyn-oncologist to treat you as they have more specialized knowledge and are better able to differentiate which treatment is appropriate and safe in which situations.

[dragonfly2000]

I just went in for my annual exam and things have gone downhill since. First my pap came back with atypical cells and i was scheduled for a colopscopy and biopsys, also at the appt the dr noticed a hardening on my right side which showed a growth on my overy, i wish i oculd tell you what it is but my hearing seemed to go when he statred talking.The biopsy on my cervix now shows dysplasi and i have requested that rather than an exploritory lap and cyst removal i want a total hysterectomy including the cervix.  I have a history of cervical and endometrial cancer with both my mother and grandmother and the terror, for lack of better words isnt worth me keeping any of it.  I m scheduled for surgery on the 16th and we will see from there

[dana anne]

hi
A poster on this site "chelan2" had borderline cancer.  Post to her.