Newly diagnosed with "Dermoid"

I just had a second ultrasound done on June 9, 09 and my gyn told me I have a 4-5 cm dermoid on the right ovary.  She is suggesting laproscopic surgery to remove it, the ovary and tube.  I agree with her suggestion for surgery but am wondering.....should I have a CT done also?

I am awaiting the CA 125 blood results (hopefully will get that call Monday) and know we will have to go on from there.  I'm a little concerned about OVCA because of my age, family history and medical history.  I'm 39, hypothyroid (and just recently had to up meds to 175 mcg), 1st and 2nd degree maternal breast cancer and 2nd degree paternal breast cancer (half of which were premenopausal), and have used talc religiously everyday for all my adult life.

I am thankful to have found a doctor that took me seriously and ran tests when I told her I thought I may be premenopausal even at my age.  She ran bloodtests and did the ultrasound, unlike the doctor I saw last year that told me the bloodtests were very expensive and if I was, there was nothing to be done for it.

I'm wondering if anyone else has had permenopausal symptoms earlier than they should, hypothyroid and such?  Also what the recovery from surgery was like?  Also should I switch from my current regular gyno to an ocologist gyno, just in case?  And should the ultrasound show more exact measurements and do I need them?

Sorry to be so long winded but there's not really anyone I can talk to around here....too many unanswered questions right now and too much "keep your chin up" mentality.  (That sounded a lot more harsh than I meant it too, lol)  Anyway, any help and/or advise would be greatly appreciated.

nancy

[Sandymac]

Hi,
    From what I've learned on this forum, the TVUS (Transvaginal Ultrasound) is the best diagnostic tool for Ovarian Cysts. Since your Dr. has determined it best to remove it, I don't know what else the CT may show. Did you ask her or him about it?

And regarding the CA-125, it really won't be a definitive answer regarding your cyst if you're worried about malignancy.. I'm guessing they are ordering it because of your family history. It really is not very reliable in premenopausal women since a lot of things can throw the numbers off. The Americn Cancer Society does not recommend it as a screening tool (except for those with other symptoms And/or a Family History.) There are gals on the Ovarian Cancer forum that have always had low numbers on the CA-125 and still have Cancer. Conversely, there are those that have high numbers and do not have cancer. The test is primarily for those already dx. with cancer to monitor how well the treatment is working. Endometriosis, Infections and even Pregnancy may elevate the numbers.

And regarding the Hypothyroidism~~ we had a very informal little survey on this forum about a year ago and it was very surprising! The majority of the women that responded that had ovarian cysts, also had Hypothyroidism.. Not very scientific, but interesting.

I don't know what state you may be from but in S. Florida, you must have a referral from a Gyn. to even see a Gyn/Onc.. They are , of course, the more highly specialized, but they won't see anyone unless there is a strong suspicion of malignancy. Otherwise, they'd spend their days removing cysts when other women with Cancer really are in need of their services. But, I'd ask your Dr. how she feels about that.

Sorry about the length of mine also !!! LOL

Let us know....

[KDHCatt]

Thanks so much for your comments and logical reasoning....I'm one of those crazy people that really appreciate that kind of thing.  Right now, I'm stressing on the waiting for the CA125 results.  Hopefully, find out something tomorrow and we can go from there.  Door number one:  trip to the oncologist.  Door number two:  surgery and one less ovary.  Can I see what's behind door number three?  Oh well, silly but I'm trying to keep a sense of humor, especially since today seems to be a "cry" day.  All this and PMS, too.  What fun!

Love and prayers to you all,
Nancy

[Sandymac]

Hey, better to laugh right?.. Please though, try not to worry about that CA-125. Chances are it will be fine and remember that a lot of things can skew those results.

Also.... Remember that cysts are very common AND 95% are benign. So try to keep that number in mind. It really is a frightening situation. I'm postmenopausal and it's a little more worrisome in women my age and I remember (it was only last year) that I was going through the same thing . Ask your Dr. about the possibility of a referral for the Gyn/Onc .. perhaps because of your family history it may be a good idea for your peace of mind if nothing else.

And.. let us know what the latest info. is..Try not to worry..

Take care, (Oh, and regarding the talc... I know it's been suggested that there may be a link to Ovca.. but that doesn't mean that everyone that uses it will get ovca.. Think of it this way; if everyone that used it was dx with Ovca, there would be thousands more dx with it each year.--(more logic lol)
Sandy

[KDHCatt]

Good News!  I got the call today....CA125 is 8.8.  Whew,  I know it's not a 100% but I sure feel better.  Can't talk to the scheduling nurse until next week about surgery dates (why it takes a week for a file to travel 1 hour, I'll never know), but I can say a weight's been taken off.

I'll keep you updated and thanks for the prayers and support.  Next to facing the ovary removal......
Nancy