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Just found out I have a complex cyst on my right ovary - am completly freaked out....

Hello, at 32, after having sevaral ultra sounds over the past few years (and having some simple cysts found, come and gone), my last ultrasound just came back with a complex cyst diagnosis. This just happened this morning and I am completly freaked out... I am a hypochondriac so of course the darkest of thoughts are circling in my mind.... My family doctor is referring me to a gynecologist next week and after reading some of the posts, I am considering asking for my right ovary to be completly removed. I am not affraid of the surgery but I am absolutely terrified that this may be cancer.... What are the chances of this spreading?
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Avatar universal
You will be fine. As they said, 95% are not cancerous. I had a complex cyst removed as well, but mine was removed because it kept growing. They watched it for four months. It went from a 2cm to 4.5cm, but I was already having another tumor out, so they decided to take the ovary and complex cyst out as well.

Don't be surprised if they tell you they will wait and see what happens in a month or two. Sometimes they wait to see if it goes away on its own without surgery.

Don't be in a rush to get the ovary out if you do not need to....
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Avatar universal
Hi Julia,
I am on week 4 now since my surgery and feel that I have recovered really well. I would say that it was 2 weeks before I could get in and out of a chair without difficulty. It wasn't that I couldn't walk around but I still felt sore. Now at 4 weeks I can do pretty much anything although if I have been lifting baskets of washing or shopping then when I walk I can feel a little discomfort - not a pain as such, just an uncomfortable feeling like an ache. Of course everyone is different and I know some ladies are feeling pretty good after just a week and are back at work by 2 weeks.
I got signed off by my doctor for 4 weeks in total, but then I am a larger lady and I think that's meant it has taken me a little longer than perhaps someone in a better condition before surgery.
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Avatar universal
Thank you all for taking the time to reply to my post. I truely appreciate your kind words of encrouragement - it makes this difficult situation easier by knowing that other women have gone through this and understand what I am going through. At this point I feel that I just want this "mass" out regardless of whether that includes taking out my ovary or not. PinkAngel - how long did it take you to recover from your surgery?
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Avatar universal
I am more on the fence about complex cysts after reading more about them.  If they have solid features, it is difficult for a doctor to intepret what it means. It may be better in the long run to remove them than it is to take a lengthy wait and see approach.  Or get a second opinion from a gyn/onc if a gyn seems very indecisive.
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Avatar universal
Hi Julie,
I agree with the feeling that is terrifying.  I tend to battle some health anxiety myself so when something is found that's "abnormal" it really sends us into orbit.  I have a 5 cm. complex cyst on my left ovary (found in August).  Unlike many posters, I am not in any pain and am currently in the "wait & see" mode until Sept. 22nd when I have my 3rd TVU scheduled.  I already made a follow up app't. with my dr. for discussing it - I'm not even waiting for her to call me.  I have been reassured by the great moderators and others on this discussion board that most cysts (even complex) are benign and that sometimes our  reproductive tract gets a little "off kilter" (hence cysts, fibroids, irregular periods, etc.).  Keep the Faith and keep the board posted as to how it's going.  It's nice when there are a lot of posts that show that these things are benign.  It goes a long way in helping to relieve some of the anxiety of others until everything is actually resolved in each of our individual cases.
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Avatar universal
Hi Julia,
I had a 10cm complex cyst removed along with my ovary just over 3 weeks ago now. I was only diagnosed after my 4th emergency admission to hospital in incredible pain, and they found it on a CT scan. Two young doctors came to see me and closed the door - immediately I thought it must be bad news. They used the words 'large mass' and after that I don't remember what they said as I freaked out. My husband and I sat in silence for 45 minutes before I started crying again.
Anyway, as it turns out I had my surgery by laparoscopy, all went well and best of all my cyst was benign! It's true what Trudie says, that over 95% of cysts are benign - I just wish they told you that in hospital. Even with complex cysts it is very rare for it to turn out to be cancer.
I will be thinking of you, and do keep us updated.
Angie
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483733 tn?1326798446
Julia, I totally understand your panic as we have all been there.  Even with complex cysts over 95% are benign.  Your doctor is taking all the right steps.  If your gyn has any concerns about malignancy then do ask to have a gyn/onc involved.  You are fortunate to be in Toronto (I'm an hour away) and having so many good doctors and hospitals there for you.  

When they remove a cyst there is a chance they will also remove the ovary and tube if it has been damaged.  During surgery (and insist that this happen) they can do a frozen section and determine malignancy while you are still on the table.  If there is a malignancy then the benefit of a gyn/onc ensures that all is handled properly in one surgery.  

One ovary doesn't tend to be the cyst ovary over the other.  So removing one does not mean you won't get another cyst on the remaining ovary.  If you are concerned about future cysts, and especially due to your age, going on birth control pills may be a solution to stop ovulation and the forming of cysts.

Do take a look at the health pages (top right) for more info on cysts.  Please keep us posted.
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