Large Ovarian Cyst (they think maybe Dermoid)

[steffie999]

Hi all,
I am new to this board although did post a question a while back.  For 2 years now I have had a large pelvic mass that they said was a fibroid but then on 1 ultrasound they said they thought it might not be a fibroid after all.  Results of MRI came back today and it originates from an ovary (but they are not sure which one as it is so big - fills my whole pelvis).

I am having a laparotomy on Sept 29th.  I only spoke to the gynae briefly so didn't really get to ask many questions but she said that the consultant radiologist said he thought it "might" be a dermoid cyst.  I have had a look online and they don't seem to be anything to worry about (except the hair and teeth - gross!).  What does he mean it "might" be one of those?  Can't they tell on MRI what type of cyst.  Might this be cancerous?  Will they do a biopsy on it?

Also what is a laparotomy like? I have 2 children at home, the youngest is 16 weeks so life is hardish at the moment as it is.  

Thanks
Steph

[2Young4This]

Hi there!  I am having a laparatomy on september 24th.  I have two cysts - 7.2x6.4x4.5 and the other 3.7x2.9x2.0.  they are in the region of my left ovary (these will make it my 5th cyst)  I had a liver biopsy via laparoscopy in October 07.  At that time the larger cyst was only 4.6cm and the smaller one 1.9cm.  I am pretty scared also.  I dont have kids and would love to have some eventually.  I also have Autoimmune Hepatitis.  But anyways good luck with your surgery and I hope all is well with you.

[Jame0223]

I just had a laparatomy 3 weeks ago. My cyst was rather small but the doc still didn't want to do a lapro because if it is a dermoid, there's more risk in getting peritonitis, which is an infection that occurs in the even that some of the fluid/oils are spilled into the abdomen while the cyst is being removed. My cyst was small but the incision was right in the middle, even though the cyst was on the right ovary. He wanted to check the left while he was in there. My incision was horizontal seeing as I have never had surgery in the same area or any babies.

Everything went well. I was under for about 90 minutes and in recovery for about 30. I stayed in the hospital that night, which was miserable. I couldn't sleep, but pain was managed very well. I went in at 10am on the 19th and left at 1pm on the 20th. Boy was I glad to be home! It is tough to sleep for a while because it does wake you up in the middle of the night. I noticed that you pee like a preggo woman...just because your bladder may get irritated and the pressure of a full bladder presses on the fixed pieces! I would say that each passing day does get better. I was scared sh*tless when I went in, but it really wasn't as bad as I had thought it would be. I had some instances where I would start feeling bad pain at home and had to lay down with an ice pack...Just listen to your body, it will tell you when you shouldn't be doing something.

Being 3 weeks post op, I feel pretty much back to normal. My incision is all healed up. I am back at work, back to being intimate with my honey, and using tampons and everything. This is just my case though, it will depend on the extent of your incision and how well your body deals with everything. I was a lucky one, I bounced right back it seems.

I am a bit uncomfortable right now because my skirt is a bit tight for me, and its stretchy too its just putting pressure on the incision. I sit at a desk for my job, but event he minimal amount of walking and wearing pants/skirts does make me pretty sore and tired by the end of the day. I still can't do things to the full extent for two more weeks.

Hopefully everything works out well and you have a speedy recovery! If you have any questions feel free to talk to me!

[steffie999]

Thanks Crawflowr.  Good luck for your surgery tomorrow.  Let us know how it goes won't you.  Hope all is well.

x

[Crawflowr]

Hi Steffie,

My laparotomy is scheduled for monday morning for a 13cm x 8cm dermoid cyst, so i'll be able to tell you what it's like next week. Like you they think it is a dermoid but unless it has some of the more obvious features like teeth (which mine doesn't)  they cannot be completely sure, though the US man and the MRI scan all seem to be quite clear that is what it is. I was assuming that at that size it would be full of liquid but apparently it is solid tissue. My Gyn reckons she will be able to get it out with a Bikini cut but has reserved the option for a vertical cut if necessary, I'll guess I'll find out when I wake up after surgery.

Crawflowr

[steffie999]

Thanks to you both for the replies.  I wish it was sooner, just want to get it over with now.
Will keep you all informed of progress!
x

[Sharon2714]

most people i know have had the horizontal cut and have a shorter recovery than mine ... i had some complications so i was out in 8 days but the average stay for this type is 3 - 5 days .. im glad u will have help please rely on it u will need/enjoy the break we will be here for u if u get impatient and ansy :)
love
sharon

[Morrowville]

Hi Steffie,
I had a fairly big dermoid cyst removed back in early April.  I am 46, and have some other medical conditions, so they did a full hyst/ooph.  (I've got no bits left!).
I too had an open surgery, but mine was from side to side... it was 28 inches long (I'm a very very fat lady), and I had 52 staples.  They left the staples in for a few weeks, and after about 3 weeks, I was working from home again.  I healed really quickly--the doctors suggested 8 weeks after surgery returning to light work, but I was ready in 3.  The inside takes longer to heal, and I really believe the whole person takes months to heal.
I am now 4 months post surgery, and can do almost anything I did before, but any time I over-extend myself, either by working or socializing, or traveling, I pay the price the next day.  So remember to take it easy resuming everyday tasks, and even longer for long shopping marathon's!  The ladies on this forum are EXCELLENT, and I wish you a safe healing process, with encouragement and support along the way!

Morrowville

[steffie999]

Blimey, that is a big cut!  Oh well, I guess if needs must.

I am lucky that my husband works for himself so will be around to help a fair bit.  My mother-in-law might come and stay too.  My eldest daughter is almost 3 (her 3rd birthday is the day I am having the laparotomy!) but goes to nursery for 4 days per week so at least she will be kept busy for those times.

Thanks once again for your reply. How long were you in hospital for?

[Sharon2714]

hiyas .. i had the vertical cut .. starts at the pubic bone goes thru the belly button then about 3 inches higher ... i have grow accustomed to it and actually am proud of it ...

that means they basically are trying to remove the cyst without disturbing it as much as possible and are preparing to do other exploratory surgery at the same time ... u will need help around the house ... u have to keep moving and keep stretching to avoid adhesios and no lifting up the baby to avoid a hernia or back injury .. do u have some trusted friends to help u ?? u can hold the baby but only if someone brings the baby to u and u keep him on ur lap or lying next to u (make sure u have supervision with the baby until after u are off pain meds)
try this link as well

http://www.emedicine.com/med/TOPIC1699.HTM

i pray u have the help u need to get thru this
i believe a mothers greatest strength is being able to ask for help for the welfare of herself and her children

good luck to u
love
sharon

[steffie999]

Thanks for the replies.  Really appreciated.  Am a little bit scared.  She said she would have to do a vertical cut on me as well - how far up your tummy does it go?  

They said they had to do a laparotomy rather than a laparoscopy because of its size.

I am a bit worried about the not lifting anything over 10lb thing - my baby weighs 14lb now!

Thanks once again and will keep in touch.

[Sharon2714]

i totally concur with these wise and caring women and would like to add this page for u to check out

http://www.emedicine.com/radio/TOPIC210.HTM

a generality is that dermoid cysts tend to be large and remain unchanged from scan to scan so based on that they have a "suspicion" but as sandy says there is no way to know any certainties until they see it with their own two eyes so yes ... once u and ur doc have come up with a treatment plan (likely an laparoscopy) a biopsy will be performed ... do please keep in touch
love
sharon
(almost 5 weeks post op and loving it)

[TrudieC]

Hi there.  I had a laparotomy on June 6 and they removed a grapefruit sized cluster of cysts and my right ovary and tube.  From the initial ultrasounds and CT they did not realize it was a cluster.  They can never be sure until they take a look.  I had a vertical cut because of previous surgeries.  They had to spend a lot of time working on excising the pieces from the adhesions inside me.  I was in the hospital for 5 days but I have heard that many women are home before then.  I was feeling ready to head home earlier.  My doctor had advised staying off work for 6 weeks and I did although by 4 weeks I was feeling pretty good.  You will not be able to lift anything over 10 lbs.,scrub things, vacuum or sweep for the first 8 weeks.  Let others do for you.  I wasn't allowed to drive for 4 weeks but I have heard other women doing this earlier.  Afterwards you will have a lot of uncomfortableness from gas.  You will want to take Ovol or GasX and walk.  You need to keep on top of your pain.  I needed my percocet for the first 3 weeks and then switched to Motrin.  Stock up on things to loosen your bowels.  The swelly belly can take anywhere from 4 to 8 weeks to disappear.  

Good luck with everything.  Please let us know how it goes.

[Sandymac]

There are lots of ladies on here that have had Dermoids and laparotomies. I'm sure they will check in.

Until the Drs perform the procedure, there really is no fool proof way to determine what it might be. I had a small cyst they thought was a fibroma (solid) .. they got in there and found it to be a simple cyst. The good Drs have a "good idea" but not 100% And yes, they will do a biopsy .

As I say, someone will surely check in that has had the laparotomy..! There is a lot of experience on the board! You may want to check out the "Health Pages" at the top right of this page although it sounds like you've done your homework. Remember too that 95 % of all cysts are benign... so try not to worry.. Do you have anyone to help with the children ?

Take care and keep in touch,
Sandy