All information helpful

[DINKY1]

I had a transvaginal scan in December which showed multiple fibroids (4 of note which are 6.5cm, 2 x 3cm and 2cm) and a 4 cm cyst on right ovary (probably dermoid).  My symptoms are heavy, prolonged and irregular periods, constant lower back pain, constipation, weight gain (my uterus equivalent to 14 week pregnancy).

Saw Gynaecologist last week who did CA-125 blood test and uterine biopsy (awaiting results) and told me to have another scan in 3 months but to consider hysterectomy.

I am 44yrs old and have never been pregnant.

Presumably I will need to have the dermoid cyst removed, whatever else I decide.  If I opt for a hysterectomy will they recommend taking my ovaries too because of cyst?

My father died of Colon Cancer at age 65, does this increase my chances of ovarian cancer?  I have read that there is a link.  I am also recently diagnosed with hypothyroidism (auto-immune), does this make any difference to my decision?

Anyone out there with similar experiences?

Sorry so many questions, so much to think about.

[DINKY1]

Thank you both for sharing your own experiences, it's so helpful to know how others have been affected by these conditions.

I'm very happy to report that I got the results of blood test and biopsy yesterday and both were normal, that has been a huge relief.

Very best wishes to you both.

[justscore]

For me, after several surgeries and complications, removal of my ovaries is the only thing that brought me relief.  I had a partial Hyst when I was 36 and the ovaries removed at age 38.  I will 40 in March and haven't felt this good in over 20yrs.  It is such a hard decision and because you have not had children, it may be an even more difficult decision............
Get a second opinion if you can and do as much research as you can.  Ovarian cancer is such a strange disease.  It shows differently on so many people.  I don't know what role your father's cancer may play into this situation.  

I hope you find relief soon, sorry you have to deal with this!!

Heidi

[whitehorse34]

Hi..I just have to tell you my experiences.  I was about a decade younger than you when I faced the same questions.  I also though just "removing anything suspicous" would be the best outcome.  I did in fact have early staged ovarian cancer and so I really had no choice.  But, given what I know now, I would NEVER have removed my ovaries unless absolutely necessary.  I used to hear stories of women who claimed ovary loss affected their sex life/quality of life and then I heard other say it didn't.  Well... can tell you...for me it really did affect my life in a negative way. I am still married, a mom, etc. but my quality of life if so much less after having had the TAH/BSO.  All in all, I think in my particular case, I had no choice.  BTW, they thought mine was a dermoid too even though a MRI coudln't diagnose it as that.  I had no family history, no risk factors, etc.  The past two year have been tough. I consider myself lucky.  Please consult a gynecologic oncologist so you give yourself the best chances of  survival should it in fact be cancer.    Just know...the ovarian removal does stink!   I have less drive, less response, and risks for osteoporosis and heart disease due to lack of estrogen.  You only want to go to this place if you are sure it is cancer.  A gyn/onc is your best bet.  So sorry you have to be in this situation.