ovarian septated cyst and swollen lymph nodes

[armysoldier]

Hi, I am 29 and a mother of three. I complained to my doctor about pain in the lower right abdominal area along with painful intercourse, lower back pain and unexplained weight gain.  He ordered a CT scan w/contrast and it showed a 2.9cm septated cyst within the right ovary. Now, I have an untrasound in a couple of days to get a better look. I have read up on ovarian cyst and they seem to be pretty common. But, along with the cyst I have around 10 enlarged lymph nodes. One on the side of the head, one under both arms, some in lower abdominal area, one in groin, and one behind both knees. Plus I just had one lymph node removed for a bisopy. The results were inconclusive. And if that wasn't enough I have sever swelling in the lower extremities with bone pain. Now, because I am in the Army and stationed over seas there are not alot of options for me on getting second opinions or seeing a specialist with out an act of congress,(if you know what I mean).  My doctor has put in a request for me to see an oncologist and a hemotologist.  But, I can't get in to see them for a couple of months. Should I be concerned about this septated cyst?  Are septated cyst common in someone my age?  And How do they know it is septated just from a CT scan?  Any quidance on this would be appreciated. Oh did I mention my mother had ovarian cancer at the age of 31.

[AAA66]

Thank you to both of you for posting and answering.  The information is very helpfull and answered my questions about a septated cyst.

[MickeyVicki]

Septated cysts can grow at any age.  A "septated" or "complex" cyst simply means the cyst has walls that form separate chambers within the cyst.  The walls of the cysts can clearly be seen in certain imaging tests.  While a complex cyst can be said to have a higher risk of being malignant, it is not certain to be cancer.  I myself had a large, painful "complex cyst with solid components" removed, and it was benign.  Has your doctor ordered a CA-125 bloodtest?  The CA-125 test measures a cancer antigen.   While not conclusive in determining if there is or is not ovarian cancer present, in some cases the results can be helpful in making a diagnosis.  The swollen lymph nodes are of concern; however, if I understand your post correctly, these swollen nodes are found all over your body.  In most cases, but not in all cases, ovarian cancer spreads in the abdominal area (through the abdomen into areas like the liver, spleen, and lungs.)   I assume that your doctor has given you bloodtests to cover such conditions as the leukemias and lymphomas.  Is "inconclusive" all that they can tell you?   This experience must be very frustating for you.

Unfortunately, time is of the essence in situations like yours.  Even with my cyst, which my doctor and my test results indicated would not be cancer, we scheduled tests and surgery as quickly as possible.   Aside from any need to remove a malignancy asap, there is always the possibility that even a benign cyst can rupture, causing infections or scarring.   Is there no option to speed the process?