13 year old and large ovarian cyst

[Kimbrough]

I'm a worried mom of a 13 year old girl.  We've recently discovered that she has multiple cysts on her right ovary.  After seeing our General Physician, we were referred to an OBGYN specialist, where she had an ultrasound.  They said that the main concern is the largest cyst is 7 cm.  / Apparently, this size is consistent with malignancy, BUT it appeared to be fluid filled, or simple follicular.  I really got mixed signals.  They want to wait 4 weeks to do a follow up ultrasound, rather than drain it and risk injury to the ovary and/or tubes.  Her pain has improved, but she is uncomfortable in the mornings and off-and-on throughout the day.  I HATE waiting 4 weeks.  Should I be doing something else?

[MickeyVicki]

If you are truly uncomfortable with the doctor's decision to wait, then you can always seek a second opinion.  However, I suspect another doctor will tell you the same thing.  Cysts can be normal or "functional" but  still be quite large large.  It is still possible for the cyst to resolve naturally, and the doctors hesitate to put a woman through surgery if the cyst can resolve without intervention.  Often doctors prescribe birth control pills to alter hormone production in an effort to aid the resolution of the cyst.

Cysts by definition tend not to be cancerous. And while cysts containing solid components and septations are 'more often' malignant,  statistically speaking only 1 to 2 percent of cysts are found to be malignant.   By the way, I had a large, grapefruit-sized endometrioma (cyst) that contained solid components as well as septations.  When it was removed last year it was found to be benign despite the fact that it had so many factors that indicated a possible malignancy.

[Kimbrough]

Thanks for your response.  Since they did put a name on it, 'follicular', I know I'm overly anxious about the outcome.

[lil sunshine]

You can read my post about my 11 yr old daughter{now 12 } who had a lg 7.9 x 5.5x5.5 dermoid cyst in her left ovary. This was found in Mar 16 and her surgery was done on Apr 15.The drs were talking complete hysterectomy and had us totaly scared due to her 20 lb weight loss, cancer was thought to be the cause. She also has a benign brain tumor and had kidney surgery on May 31st.
When they got in there they found a smaller cyst on the right ovary but no cancer! They were able to preserve her ovaries and she is doing well. Still not gaining weight and having nausea but we are looking into that.My daughter started puberty at age 7 and her periods at 10 so she the drs were quite worried about her. She showed no symptoms whatsoever of this, it was found thru an ultrasound of her kidneys looking for stones, quite by accident.

I pray that your daughter's cyst will be the functional kind and no surgery will be needed. Best to you both. Any other questions I will be happy to answer. The main thing is to have an OB/GYN ONC to look after her. They know what they are doing and if she needs surgery they are the ones to do the best job.
Bonnie

[Kimbrough]

In case anyone is following up on this case, my daughter had her 2nd ultrasound (after 30days) and the cyst had increased to 8.13 cm.  The radiologist felt it was unlikely that it was a functional cyst, and she was scheduled for surgery.  Her surgery was 2 days ago.  As it turned out, her cyst was on her fallopian tube!  It had twisted several times & a pathologist said it appeared benign.  Her CA-125 test was within normal range.  It was a very frightening time for us, and a good reminder to live every day to the fullest. I wish good health and recovery on all who seek support through this website.

[steph_mb]

I'm really sorry to hear about your daughter Kimbrough. I have to say, i have been really ill with ovarian problems for the last 2 years. I have had 2 surgeries thus far and continue to see numerous specialists. My past ultrasound showed possible malignancy to one of my ovarian cysts. About a year and a half ago was when i first began experiencing this and i had 2 cysts measuring up to a total of about 9.4cm's. These cysts were fluid filled as well. I have a strong history of ovarian cancer in my family; both my grandmother as well as my moms aunt (they were sisters) had ovarian cancer. When this problem first arose, not one of my doctors suggested that the size of the cyst meant possible malignancy (cancer). I wouldn't be too worried,  from what i have experience.. and trust me, i have definitely experienced my fair share of ovarian cysts.. i have not once been told this. i would definitly keep an eye out for your daughter but i would take each day at a time and know that i have had about 14 cysts in the last year and a half and not one of my doctors (i have seen 3 different specialists) has linked the size to ovarian cancer. maybe they are just being cautious? i'm not quite sure. Especially if it is fluid filled, i wouldn't worry. I wish you all the best and i hope that your daughter doesn't have to go through what i am going through. I am going in for my 3rd surgery soon and am scared that the results from my last ultrasound showing possible malignancy will come back showing that my cyst is malignant. I really wish you guys all the best. I would never wish what i have been through on my worst enemy. Take care,

steph

[socal324]

it really ***** waiting on those appointments. i have a 15 yr old daughter and she has an ovarian cyst 25 by 23 by 9 inches...Ive been dealing with all these appointments since September...she's had 2 ultrasounds, 1 MRI, and 2 ct scans. so shes gonna have her left ovary and her appendix taken out in early april. She has a lot of pain but shes on pain medicine, so maybe ask her doctor about pain medicine..but just be patient and good luck =)

[Samanthablack13]

I'm 13 and i have 3 ovarian cyst. I got an ultasound and they wont tell me how big they are, i'm scared. all they did was tell me to take med. for the pain.

[cookiegirl305]

hey, don't worry. I'm 13 right now and had surgery to remove a cyst 2 weeks ago.  My cyst was 7 inches (yeah, inches - about 18 cm) big, and all went okay. If I did okay, I'm sure you will too =)