pregnant with large ovarian cyst

[Kaerbear]

Hi,

I was recently told I have a large cyst in my abdomen. They think it's from my right ovary. They found it during my 20 week ultrasound and it measures 25 x 17 x 18 cm. They tell me because of the size and because it looks uncomplicated (unilocular) and probably fluid (serous) or mucus filled (mucinous) that it is highly unlikely that it is cancerous. I have been trying to read up as much as possible on ovarian cysts and for the most part I'm finding that the uncomplicated ones are usually benign or borderline. I haven't been able to find anyone else that has had one this big, much less during pregnancy. I have to have it removed by laparotomy next week (Mar.22/07) to keep it from affecting the growth of my baby. I'll be 22 weeks at that time. I was told I had the option of having ultrasound guided aspiration of the cyst by the radiologist who looked at my ultrasound, but the gyne-oncologist recommended the surgery as he wanted to prevent rupture or leakage of the cyst if it should happen to be mucinous and not drain through the needle. The fluid or mucous inside is most likely caustic and would cause inflammation of the abdomen, not to mention a lot of pain. I would possibly end up having emergency surgery and premature labour anyway. So, instead they want to remove it intact which means a major midline incision because of the sheer size of it. I'm pretty worried about premature labour but they tell me there is little chance of that. I just wish I could talk to someone who'd been through something similar because I would like to know how it turned out.

[pjet]

I don't have first hand information but until you hear from someone who does I wanted to tell you I had a cousin who had a cyst removed when she was pregnant and her lovely daughter is now fourteen years old.  Your doctors sound very optimistic.  I am praying for good results for you on Mar. 22.

[Barcelona]

I just delivered (March 3rd) a healthy baby girl after having a laparotomy at 22 weeks to remove a tumor just a little smaller than yours.  This is my first child and needless to say I was extremely worried about the outcome. Please feel free to contact me directly with any questions you may have. ***@****

It really helped me to talk with someone who had gone through this while pregnant.  It is a unique set of worries, but I can tell you that it is going to be alright!!  

[Kaerbear]

Thank you so much for your comments.  Congratulations on your little one being okay!!  Just knowing someone has gone through it and come out alright is very comforting.  I haven't been able to find anything about having such a large cyst during pregnancy online, and usually you can find anything online!  My doctors have only encountered one other case similar to mine and they decided to treat that one with aspiration.  My greatest concern is my baby being okay.  I know all the other things will be tolerable once they tell me my baby made it through okay.  I feel like there is no point in worrying about scarring and pain (even though I still worry a little - can't quite help it) because those things are inevitable.  This is my first baby as well so I don't have any other children to worry about while I'm recovering.  Plus, it must be a relief to have that big thing out finally.  I didn't even know mine was there for so long but, now that I do, I can't wait to have it out.  I have a lot of support and a lot of people praying for me and my baby, so I'm staying positive.  I'm just so thankful to finally hear from another woman who has been through this and came out the other side with her baby safe and sound.  I'm so happy for you!

[lizcrafts]

My sister had a huge cyst (bigger than a grapefruit) when she was pregnant with her twins.  Because she was on bed rest at the hospital they knew all about the cyst.  She was in danger of premature delivery.  They did not remove the cyst until she had her babies during the c-section.  I saw it myself it was huge.  Her girls were fine(a little preemie- not because of the cyst).  They are 10 now and my sister has not had another cyst since.

Take care

Liz

[julieborch]

HI
I had a 10 inch cyst removed while 16 weeks pregnant, then I had a debulking surgery at 20 weeks.  My daughter was born at 37 weeks, December 29 at a healthy 8 pounds 7 ounces after going through two major surgeries, I have a huge incision from both of the surgeries.....I just finished my chemo.   Your right is hard to find any info, I am 36 years old and she is my third child, so there is not a whole lot of info on OVCA for young women who are pregnant. Feel free to email me, I'd love to talk to you more about it.  ***@****

Take Care
Julie

[Kaerbear]

Thanks to everyone who has posted.  I had my surgery one week ago and I am now at home recovering.  The baby is fine.  The mass was larger than they originally thought.  The doctor said my uterus was actually dented from the weight of it.  It was 30 cm and weighed 20 pounds!!  It was serous and benign.  It had taken my whole left ovary over so there was nothing left of it.  So my left ovary and tube are gone.  The fluid inside the cyst was over 6 litres.  My incision wound is almost a foot in length and I just had 33 staples removed today.  I lost 25 pounds in one week and I feel so light.  It really has been an incredible experience.  I know I'm one of the lucky ones to have this over and done with so easily but I hope that anyone else who may be going through something similar might find this and see that it will be alright.  Good luck and God bless to everyone out there!

[geo75]

I am 12 weeks pregnant and I have a huge ovarian cyst (15 cm) that needs to be removed by surgery during my 14th week of pregnancy.  I am so scared of possibly losing my baby.  The doctor had mentioned my left ovary would be removed since this cyst has pretty much taken over my whole left side.  Does anyone know the odds of losing a baby due to this surgery?  I am so scared and am having the surgery in two weeks.  I would appreciate any advice or knowledge on this topic.
Thanks!