Laparoscopy?

[rikki139]

I was diagnosed with an abnormal cyst on my right ovary. I was given the CA125 blood test which came back normal. My doctor also found polyps in uterus which she wants to remove with a hysteroscopy procedure. I saw an oncologist also for second opinion about the abnormal cyst. In his opinion, I have maybe a 10% risk of cancer. My question is, he suggested I have a laparoscopy to remove entire right ovary and have biopsy OR to leave ovary alone and return 2-3 months for follow up sonograms to check on the abnormal cyst again, see if there has been any changes to it. I have to decide. I am scheduled for the hysteroscopy  next week and have to advise if they should do the laporoscopy as well. Anyone have any advice? I was told I should function normally with one ovary. I am nervous about any surgery, but not sure if I should just go ahead with the laparoscopy and know for sure if benign.

[outdoorsgirl]

I would probably do the same. I am not one to rush into surgery either, especially when losing a body part is involved. If things looked really bad, your doctors would have not given you the choice. You would have already been in surgery by now. I don't think waiting two months is a problem unless you are in a lot of pain.

[rikki139]

Thank you both for your advice. My GYN called last night and she recommended only doing the hysteroscopy next week. So I agreed. I will have follow up sono in Jan to re-check the cyst. I pray that I made the right decision. Since the oncologist did not advise me to definately without question have the laparoscopy, I feel like I'd rather wait 2 months before losing the entire ovary. We agreed that if in 2 months there has been any changes and cyst is still there, then the oncologist will remove it then. The cyst is small right now. I really hope this is the right thing to do!

[outdoorsgirl]

My doctor at first advocated removing my ovary right off the bat. His reason was if the cyst were malignant, there would be less chance of spillage if entire ovary was removed. I am older - late 40's, but premenopausal. If I were younger, I am sure he would have recommended differently. I am not one to want to remove my body parts if not necessary. I asked if he would preserve the ovary and just remove the cyst. At first, he was resistant to that idea, so I told him I wanted a second opinion and sought one. When I returned to see him, (the second doctor went along with my first doctor), he said he would try to preserve the ovary. All indications on ultrasound was that the cyst was benign. During surgery, he ended up removing the ovary, because he said he saw changes on the ovary itself. That's how he justified it anyway. Sometimes, I got the impression that removing the ovary is just easier than removing the cyst from the ovary. Who knows. I'm fine and haven't noticed anything different with one ovary. My periods still are on schedule.

Anyway, if they at all suspect malignancy, they may want to remove ovary as this may be safer. Also, if cyst is large or caused changes to ovary, they may have to remove ovary.

[TrudieC]

I don't think it is wise to leave the cyst alone.  It is good you are working with an oncologist as if it is malignant they are the best at ensuring your surgery is handled appropriately.  What I don't understand is why they are advocating the removal of the ovary?  In many cases they do have to remove it with a cyst but I am surprised he is saying this off the bat.  If it were me I'd want the laporascopy done as well.  Less risk with one surgery and you will have some peace of mind.