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Ovarian cyst after menupause

I  am 61, postmenopausal, and have a history of endometrial hyperplasia which was controlled with Provera many years ago.  I also have a history of frequent breast cysts and fibroadenomas which were shown to be benign after biopsies..  A D&C two years ago showed no signs of hyperplasia.  However a pelvic sonogram yesterday showed a small cyst on my left ovary.  My gynecologist recommends that I return for another sonogram in 6 months.  I have no symptoms but am concerned because I've read that cysts in postmenopausal women have a greater risk of malignancy.  Should I wait 6 months for another sonogram or get a second opinion from another physician?
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356929 tn?1246389756
That's exactly how I felt. I just couldn't see myself being tested every 3 months and having to worry about the results.. I actually wanted everything taken out but my Gyn. said no way.. !! But she did agree to take the one ovary.. I know they can't really tell, but like a very wise member on the Ovca board said-- sometimes these Drs' just have a feel for what it is.. Of course it isn't 100%!!! But, many times they just "know"... Even though mine assured me it was "nothing to worry about", she knew I'd make myself crazy.

I also had 2 small fibroids she wanted to check on since we older women don't usually have those either.. and some fluid in the uterus she wondered about.. so guess she figured "what the hey,,... I'll be in there anyway" .. .. All this to say, I know how you feel.. When do you think you'll have your surgery?? Please keep us "in the loop"..

Take care,
Sandy
Helpful - 0
488689 tn?1337993158
I have had a cyst for a long time that was being watched to see if it got smaller when I went into menopause, the doctor I used at that time was like the one you have now. I wanted it out 2 years ago around the time I stopped getting periods. The doctor didn't want to do it at that time and just when I found a better doctor to take out I broke my leg in three places. I just recovered from that this spring and I'm in the process of trying to get all the testing done for surgery very soon. My advice is to find another doctor and get a second opinion, and not to wait for six months. My cyst has gotten a bit larger and although the surgeon doesn't think it's cancer, she can't know for sure until she gets in there to see what' really going on after all this time. I didn't have too much pain from it but it does bother me now a bit and I have a lot of bloating and fullness.
Cysts aren't as common in post-menopausal women but they do happen, and like the other ladies have stated, they still have a high percentage of turning out benign. I know I just want to get it out now and have them take the ovary too  so I don't have to worry about it anymore.
Valerie
Helpful - 0
356929 tn?1246389756
Hi,
     I am also postmenopausal... I had a cyst removed about 6-7 months ago and was also told I could monitor it... However, it would have been only 3 months before another TVUS. I chose to have the entire ovary removed.. I just didn't feel like messing with it every 3 mos. or so and worry about it. It was benign.

   Even though cysts in post menopausal women are not as common as those in younger women, they still have 95-99% chance of being benign. They thought mine was solid (it was very small) .. turned out to be simple. Try not to worry, but I would opt for a shorter time period between the TVUS... (unless you just have it removed... via laparoscopy) Let us know and try not to panic ...

Take care,
Sandy
Helpful - 0
187666 tn?1331173345
From what I've read a repeat ultrasound is usually done in about 6 weeks, not 6 months. Even in 6 weeks they can tell if it's growing or shrinking.

As for the odds, I don't know the statistics, how much greater malignancy is for those of us who are menopausal. I am menopausal and grew a 10 cm cyst on my left ovary (and I thought  was done with that stuff!). Mine was benign.

Don't wait the 6 months. Make sure someone is monitoring it better than that.
Helpful - 0
408448 tn?1286883821
I agree.  I would not wait 6 months.  I would want another opinion from a gyn/onc.  I wish you the best. Marie
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
I would not wait 6 months!!!!. Please get another opinion and CT scan or MRI as soon as possible.!!!!! I am not writing this to scare you.
I was diagnosed with simple cysts by my Gyno and he send me for a sonogram and of course was convinced that the cysts was a simple cyst. He wanted to wait 6 months ...I did not.
Went for laparoscpic removal of my simple cyst and when I woke up I knew something more than laparoscopy was done. When he came and said it was cancerous cyst I wanted to smash his face in. If I knew ahead of time it was suspicious I would ask Oncologist to remove the cancerous cyst not gyno.
So please don't wait. Gather all your tests and study them.It's good to know few things about your condition when you talk to doctors.They are not always right.
Helpful - 0
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