Can a complex cyst on ovary be removed without having open surgery?

[Bizzymom43]

Hi, I'm new to this site. I am 44 and was just informed that I have a 6cm complex cyst on my right ovary. The Dr has already told me she is removing my ovary along with the cyst. I have my preop in two weeks so I honestly don't know what to expect. Has anyone had experience with this type of surgery and if complex may be a possibility that it is cancer? I had a leep performed last year for stage 3 precancerous cells of the cervix. I was all clear and this year I have another scare. I am really scared and so happy I found this forum. I just hope this surgery will be simple and the pain goes away soon! After reading some of the post here, you all inspire me on how strong you are. I hope I can be just as strong to get through this soon! God bless you all.

[old_before_my_time]

Although the risk of cancer is VERY LOW, if there is concern a gynecologic oncologist should be doing the surgery. But also, I would be concerned about any doctor who says he/she has to remove the ovary because that is SELDOM necessary as detailed on this website authored by some highly respected women's health experts including Dr. William Parker, author of the book "A Gynecologist's Second Opinion" - http://www.ovaryresearch.com/ovarian_cysts.htm.

Keep in mind that removing the ovary is easier and some surgeons do not have the skills to do the more delicate surgery of separating (shelling out) the cyst from the ovary. However, it seems that instead of admitting their surgical limitations, they will tell patients that removal of the ovary is necessary.

[Bizzymom43]

I plan on asking for a copy of the ultrasound report. I'm glad you gave me an insight on this because I'm going to be more proactive about getting better answers and not just a briefing of what's wrong with me. She is a great doctor but I have been frustrated with the waiting game. I'm a single mom and I can't afford to be off of work for a long time because I had a surgery I really didn't need. I know the cyst needs to come out because my pain is getting worse lately and ibuprofen has become my best friend lately. Do you have any suggestions as to what questions I should ask at preop? Thanks again for your reply. You have helped me a lot!

[old_before_my_time]

A tennis ball size ovarian cyst usually is painful but that does not mean it is cancerous. You are right to be concerned about losing an ovary and should not need to if you have a surgeon that has good cystectomy skills. I wish I had listened to my inner voice that told me I should not need to lose any organs and sought out another surgeon.

Have you requested a copy of the ultrasound report that describes the cyst? There are certain characteristics that are more concerning for cancer. But even still, MOST ovarian cysts even complex ones are benign.

[Bizzymom43]

Hi,thank you for your reply. I hope I find out more at preop also. I have had a leep done in November of last year and she was amazing. I do hope she is skilled enough. All I was told after my ultrasound was that I have a tennis ball size complex cyst on my ovary and she is doing surgery to remove both. She hasn't stated which type of surgery but told me they will do a biopsy at surgery. This confused me as to if my doctor is going to remove a mass then is she saying it is suspicious and they will still do a laparoscopy. I read if it is cancerous and it burst that those cells would spill and chemo would be needed. I honestly can't wait to find out what is going on so I know what to prepare for. Thank you for the link also. I have been keeping myself up at night researching all of this because I'm scared it maybe cancerous or she will do unnecessary removal of my ovary. I have had problems for two weeks now and the pain gets worse and worse with each period plus I wake up in a pool of sweat. She's currently got me taking my mini pill twice a day to keep from having a period because I've had them every two or three weeks and very painful. I'm actually making a list of questions to take in on my preop. Thank you again for your advice!

[old_before_my_time]

Yes, in MOST cases ovarian cysts can be removed laparoscopically versus abdominally (open surgery) IF you have a surgeon with those skills.

But more importantly, you should not need to lose your ovary IF you have a surgeon with good cyst removal (cystectomy) skills. Both our ovaries are vital to our health. They are not just needed for fertility. Removal of one ovary can cause impaired fertility and can even cause failure of the other ovary.

A frozen section done while you are in the operating room can tell if the cyst is benign or cancerous. And if benign, there should be no need to remove the ovary or any organs.

The ovaries of women who have all their parts produce hormones their whole lives which are essential to good health and well-being.

This site is helpful - http://ovaryresearch.com/ovarian_cysts.htm.

My organs were unnecessarily removed for a 9.5cm benign ovarian cyst. I wish I had understood how often women lose healthy organs and why. And I wish I had not trusted my gynecologist of 20 years.

I hope this helps!