stupid question

[heather1971]

I have all symptoms of ovarian cancer, with the exception of the urge to urinate often.  I went to gyn.  He LAUGHED.  Told me my newly found "complicated" cyst was small, and that the other doc should have never ordered another ultrasound.  The cyst is only 2cm.  I have 2 small fibroids.  I have been bleeding non stop for months., and have a discharge.  Anyway, he did an endometrial biopsy, is repeating the ultrasound, "for my benefit", and doing a cone biopsy as well. The pap was clean.  Anyone think I should move on to another doc, or stay here and wait?  Will he find ovarian cancer with these tests, if it is there? He says the abdominal pain, gas, burping, back pain, leg pain, etc., all are probably gastro related.  I had some colon polyps removed about 4 years ago.
Any input from those who know is appreciated.  It's all I think about.  I KNOW something is wrong.  Oh, my endometrial lining was 7.45 mm.  Does that help?  Thanks.  Heather

[madgeOwens]

Pap does not tell them anything about ovaries.  If your doc laughs.....find a new one who doesn't think a fear of cancer is amusing.

[heather1971]

Well, thankyou everyone.  You have only confirmed what I was already thinking.  To answer some questions.  I am 36, have 3 kids, and I am finished with childbearing.  I have absolutely no idea what the cone biopsy is all about.
I DID feel uneasy with him.  I am getting a referral for a new doc right away.  God bless all of you strong women. You're all in my prayers.  Thanks for the help.  Heather

[heather1971]

Well, thankyou everyone.  You have only confirmed what I was already thinking.  To answer some questions.  I am 36, have 3 kids, and I am finished with childbearing.  I have absolutely no idea what the cone biopsy is all about.
I DID feel uneasy with him.  I am getting a referral for a new doc right away.  God bless all of you strong women. You're all in my prayers.  Thanks for the help.  Heather

[hatgal]

I was also wondering about the cone biopsy.  I had one back in 1990 before I had children for Stage III dysplasia (like quite far along in the process of things).  But that was ONLy cervix related.  This cone biopsy in no way related to my ovaries or anything else in there.  I did have three children following that but the doctor said at the time that I'd best get going if I wanted them.  I really believe that is why all three came a month early (and I began labor with all three at 30-34 weeks).

I wonder why he is doing a cone biopsy as it's not exactly a part of routine either.  Did he give you an explanation for that?

In any event, I would definitely find another doctor; laughing doctors are jerkoffs and you don't need to fuel his paycheck anymore.  I had a couple of those last year - arrrggghhh!

My very best to you........ Elizabeth

[PPhelps]

I have a question. If the PAP was clean, why is he doing a cone biopsy? Endometrial biopsy I can see a reason for, considering the bleeding. I'm asking because I don't know if your done having children or not but the cone biopsy can make carrying a child difficult. You might ask why this is being done? It has really nothing to do with the ovaries.

And just my opinion. Run don't walk to another doctor, preferrably a gyn/onc. A doctor that laughs and makes you feel stupid isn't doing his job.

[cirella]

Hi Heather,
I also have a small 2 cm cyst (as of my last (the 3rd) ultrasound on 11/30/07) and I also have 5 of the symptoms that go along with OC.  My next appointment is 2/15 for my annual and another ultrasound.  I plan to ask my GYN to do a laparoscopy.  I've gone the GI route.  Had endoscopy, stomach emptying scan and CT (which showed the cyst).  Been to an Internist and Family doc.  Everything still points to GYN problems.  In 2006 I had my right ovary and a cyst on it removed so if the left one needs to come out I'm looking at surgical menopause but I would gladly do that if it means being cancer-free.  I'm 48 so I'm done with kids.

Your doctor should not laugh at you.  I would find another.  I'm glad he is at least doing it "for your benefit" but his attitude still makes you feel stupid, doesn't it?  Well, I'd rather be stupid and know for sure it isn't cancer than sit around and worry.  See if you can get a 2nd opinion somewhere else.

ChrisP2236: Thank you for sharing you story.  It scares me but I have to stay on top of this.  I've "lived" with my symptoms since July.  

Take care to both of you,
Lori

[ChrisP2236]

The only way to know if it's ovarian cancer is to have a biopsy of the ovary.  I would recommend seeing an gyn/onc and describing your symptoms to him.  Find someone who takes your symptoms seriously - hopefully it's nothing but you need to make sure.  You'll need to be your own advocate and be pro-active. You know your own body and it is wise to listen to yourself. If it is cancer, the earlier you find out the better your odds are.

My cyst was 2cm X 1.25cm and it was malignant, so size is not an indicator.  I also had gas, bowel habit changes, burning in the lower left ab and was treated for IBS for 18 months. I did not have the urge to urinate either.  I knew something else was wrong and insisted on the ultrasound, which showed the cysts.  My CA 125 was a 6 so the gyn/onc blew it off.  I insisted the gyn take it out rather than wait the 3 months the gyn/onc wanted to wait. My gyn thought the ovary and cyst looked fine, so you can't tell even from looking at it. Diagnosis was Stage 1C granulosa cell tumor.  I found a different gyn/onc who was much more thorough for my follow-up care.

You didn't say your age but if you are menopausal or post menopause the bleeding is a big red flag - no pun intended.  Whether it's cancer or not, your symptoms indicate a problem and you should pursue it until you find out what is causing them.  Best wishes, Chris