Ovarian Cyst and Uterine Mass

[gmama61]

I'm a 46yo female, post menapausal. CT found cyst on left ovary, Went to Dr 9/3, he performed blod work, elevated    125, high white cell count, and found unterine mass. Cyst is 4.4cm mass is about the size of avacado. I have history of cancers in family. Mother - colon. 7 Uncle(maternal) colon or prostrate. 4 maternal aunts all died of 2 breast cancer, 1 colon cancer an 1 ovarian. 1 cousin died last month ovarian cancer. My usual Dr out of country, referred to new Dr, he said wait and see what happens only 9/10 people with my condition are malignant. Wants to see me in 6mos. Should I just wait out the 6mos or get a second opinion? Please i'm really bothered by all this. thank you. Addt'l info, lots of abdominal pain, unexplained vaginal bleeding. constant spotting.

[becky7721]

Hi , I have been listening to a lot of smart women on this forum and once again it calms my fears. We are in the same boat. I too have had pain in my left side for the last 6 weeks. I believe I am just starting the early symptoms of menopause because I have also had night sweats and hot flashes for the last 5 months! I am 43 and waiting to see another OBGYN. My current one I was not thrilled with. I recently had a ct scan in the ER which showed a mass on the left side of uterus. I had a pelvic ultrasound done 2 weeks ago that showed fibroid tumors and enlarged uterus. They did a renal ultrasound to rule out any problems with my kidneys.They are concerned because my CA125 levels are high(46) which is not too high my doctor told me but advised that I get a hysterecomy. About 2 years ago I was diagnosed with  a cyst on my ovary. At that time they told me to just keep an eye on it and if  you had any pain or irregular bleeding to go to your OBGYN. Prior to this pain I am having now I have not had any problems. So I am waiting to see another doctor next week hopefully and make arrangements for more tests. Because I am having the pain still and there is so much cancer that runs in the family I will do what they advise. Just hoping for a good doctor.
You should try to get in as soon as possible. You don't want to wait with this. Let me know how it goes. I will keep in touch too. Becky

[Sandymac]

Yes, please let us know.. Ann is very correct about the CA-125 in premenopausal women.. The results really aren't to be relied on since so many other things can elevate the numbers.

That being said, I think the 2nd opinion is very necessary given your family history. Please try not to worry since 95% of all cysts are benign . Please keep us posted and come on board any time.

Take care,
Sandy

[gmama61]

Well I did finally make a second appt. I go Spet 26. So I guess I just have to wait until then. My regular dr comes back in Oct. I am definately makeing third appt with her too. thanks for all your support. I will keep you all posted. Gretchen

[AnnKr]

First of all... PLEASE get a second opinion.  I learned this important lesson last year.

Last September I went to my regular gyn for my annual exam.  My usual doc whom I love left the group so I was given another doctor.  She was like a drill seargent and said to me, "Well, you have a fibroid and possibly a cyst." Go for a CA-125 and an ultrasound.  Well.. I did and my Ca-125 was normal at that time and I did have a cyst on my left ovary and a fibroid which neither caused me any symptoms.  She had me scheduled for surgery since my cyst was 5cms.  Something just told me I wanted a second opinion so I found out where my original doc went and turns out she opened her own practice.  I went to her and was told that I should wait two cycles to see if the cyst shrunk. (It was a complex cyst.)  I decided to cancel the other surgery and wait.  I did and in November I went for another transvaginal ultrasound.  Turns out the cyst shrunk to 2cms. She told me that ovaries make cysts for a living which made me laugh.  She said she would see me at my next annual check up. I thought GREAT!

Three weeks ago, I went for my annual bloodwork with my family doctor and asked for a ca-125 for the heck of it.  She agreed and called the next day and said it was elevated at 50 and I should call my gyn.  I did and was told that this elevation can be caused by many things.  Especially begin cysts, fibroids etc. (both of which I have.)  They do not use this test for screening anymore... in fact if you go to your gyn and ask for one they will refuse. It is used as a marker once someone is diagnosed to see how treatment is working.   My family only doctor said yes since I asked for it. It gives many false positives and vice versa.  (This was also confirmed by my cousin who is a Pathologist.)

All in all... I will be seeing my gyn on September 8th since I went for another ultrasound last week and the cyst has remained the same at 2cms.  No change since last November.  I am still very concerned, but I do think the best thing to do is get a second opinion.  When does your regular doctor get back?  Best of luck to you and keep us posted.
Ann

[karen717]

You should not have to suffer in pain for the next 6 months. I would get a second opinion especially b/c this is not your regular doctor. As for the results you mentioned, I am not educated enough on the matter to comment, but I do believe you should not suffer in pain when there is something that can be done!