Complex cyst on left ovary

[anxiety09]

I guess I am here for support.  I am 44 and have been under a lot of stress for quite a few months now (a big move to another state was part of it).  My cycles started messing up in March 09.  I went to the Gyn and had ultrasound, bloodwork, and exam...everything was normal. There was a simple cyst on my left ovary that they said was normal and nothing to worry about.  I've had these before and they always clear up on their own.  Anyway, recently my cycles started messing up again, so  2 1/2 weeks ago I went back to the Gyn, had an ultrasound which found a thick uterine lining and a 4cm complex cyst on my left ovary.  Had uterine biopsy and everything was good there....I am worrying about the cyst. I know that these kinds of cysts could "possibly" be cancerous, though most are not. I am so afraid....I can barely eat or sleep at night because I am worrying.  I get a 2nd ultrasound in about 1 1/2 weeks.  I have been a nervous wreck even though the Dr told me not to worry, these things resolve on their own most of the time...it is possible it could be cancer, but most likely is not.  All I can think about is the possibility that it "could be" rather than focusing on the positive that it most likely "is not".....Can anyone help to ease my mind?  

[Jennyrose]

Hi. I had almost the identical diagnosis and I am 42. Thickened uterine lining. Cyst on ovary. Mine was 6 cm and complex, etc. Caused pain and other issues for me. I had the laparoscopy and it was all benign. I had endometriosis everywhere though and, while my other ovary looked normal on the ultrasound, it was full of cysts also and I lost 1 2/3 ovaries from the whole thing. The doctor tried to get a uterine biopsy in the office before the surgery and my cervix didn't cooperate--I about died from that. Crying, etc. LOL. The surgery was not as bad.... Anyway, take heart in the ladies' responses. Complex cysts are more concerning than simple ones, but most are still benign. I am beginning to think that pretty much everyone has them, but many are symptomless. I stressed soooo much until I got the pathology back. I googled everything. I had anxiety attacks. Try to relax and ask the right questions of your doctor. It sounds like you are in good hands. Oh, and I had a D&C and ablation. So far that is good, but I am only 3 weeks out. I am hoping that resolves the thick lining until I would hit menopause anyway. I wish you well!

Jennyrose

[anxiety09]

Thanks ladies......  I am practicing changing my negative thoughts to be more positive. It's all I can do, right?  I just keep reminding my self that chances are this cyst is just fine.  So many things are going through my mind, it's hard to try and slow it down.  

Worse thing is I have no appetite and have lost weight.  It's not from the cyst.....it's from me worrying so much.  My weight/appetite was just fine until I found out about these problems....and since then I have been worrying so much that I can't eat.  I have a long history with anxiety and panic attacks......I think I might have a little hypochondria thrown in there too...

I'm known for thinking the worst...about everything.  I need to work on that.  I need constant reassurance......I sound like a big baby.

[bren969]

i really wouldnt worry yourself too much. Ive been through the same problems as you at 44. I had 2 complex, solid, irregular cysts on my ovaries. Mine turned out to be dermoid cysts, full of all sorts of ****.
I would imagine that because your uterine lining is thickened that it could mean that you have a period due and they are scanning you again to see if the cyst changes after a period. Dont worry if it doesnt go or change because mine didnt. They probeley will remove it if it doesnt go because they can twist on themselves or become infected so dont presume the worse if they decide to operate. You have had a uterine biopsy and that was ok so if i was you i wouldnt be overly concerned, bet it still wont stop you worring though!!

[MarieMichele]

A cyst is a trouble maker if it causes a decrease in your quality of life.

Bowel/bladder issues
Fatigue
Unexplained weight gain or loss (especially loss)
Bloating
Nausea
Vomiting (especially serious)
Pain (local and referred) in the abdomen, back, legs

Even benign ones can do this.  If you feel your cyst is causing these things for you, then surgery is a good idea.  It might mean loss of the one ovary, too, but you won't miss it if you still have the other one.

Now don't GIVE yourself these symptoms by worrying.  If you don't feel unwell like described above, then try not to worry too much!

[anxiety09]

MarieMichele,

She only used the word "complex" and explained by telling me that it was part liquid, part solid.....that's all.  I asked if there was any way they could tell anything else about it from the ultrasound and she said there wasn't and that we needed to schedule a 2nd ultrasound for 3 weeks (which would make it 4 weeks after the first one). She knew I was freaked out and tried reassuring me that most of the time they resolve by themselves.  Maybe the less I know, the better, or I'd be even more freaked out about it.

When I had my uterine biopsy there was a benign polyp...and the ultrasound did find 2 fibroids....so the bleeding could be from that too. Not sure about anything else because anxiety causes some of the same symptoms.

It's helpful to know that I'm not the only one going through this.  I felt so much better when I got the all clear about the uterine biopsy.  No hyperplasia, no endometrial carcinoma......but I am still waiting to see about the cyst. I can distract myself during the day, but it's at night when my mind races and I can't sleep.

[MarieMichele]

All that stress won't do you much good and could even make matters worse.  Just keep following up with your doctor as you have been doing, and if it does not go away as he suspects, then consider the surgical removal option.  Many of us have been through this and came away with a good result.  The vast majority of us do.  The cancer risk is a RARE one.  Yes, complex cysts are more mysterious and more likely to require surgery if they don't resolve but you are not at that stage yet.  Many of us think the worst until proven otherwise.  It's a normal reaction.  Did you get any further detailed description of the cyst other than "complex"?  Look for words like "solid" and "irregular".  When those words appear, it's a better indicator that surgery should be considered sooner rather than later.  The irregular monthly cycles could be blamed either on the cyst or on age and the premenopause years.  Any other symptoms (other than what the stress is causing) that you think you can blame on the cyst?