Ovarian cyst in 61 yr. old

[Fairqueen]

I am 61 yrs. old and have had an ovarian cyst for a year.  It was discovered during a CT scan when I was admitted for diverticulitis.  My doctor did nothing about it (it wasn't unusual, I guess) until last week.  She ordered an ultra sound, inside and out, which showed that the cyst had "separated" and "there's a wall around it."

Does anyone know what that means?  I had a pap which came back normal.  Does that mean I don't have to worry about cancer?  

She's referring me to a gyno (she's making the appt.), but wants to talk to him first and, as of Friday, I have no appt yet.  She just got the test results on Thursday.  

I'm getting worried.  I assume that a hysterectomy is probably in my future.  Am I correct?  I know none of you are doctors, but just want your opinion or experience.  

Thank you so much.

Janet (Fairqueen)

[Sandymac]

Please try not to worry. I'm lots older than you and had a cyst last year. Actually I wanted a total hyster. and the Dr. would have none of it. She did remove the ovary (along with cyst) and tube but she said there was no reason to remove otherwise healthy organs .. Even at our age, cysts are 95% benign. So, don't assume the worst. It's quite likely that depending on the size of the cyst, they will simply remove the cyst and/or ovary with a laparoscopy, which is what I had. It's outpatient and nothing much to it..

Let us know what your Gyno. says..

Sandy

[Fairqueen]

I am sure I did misunderstand the nurse.  It probably is "septated".  I will follow up with the gyno--absolutely.  I am concerned.  I don't want to panic, but I really am anxious to find out.  They did not tell me the size.  

Thank you so much for answering my questions.

[ireneo]

Did they tell you how large the cyst is? Perhaps they said it was "septated" instead of separated. I believe that means instead of one big bubble, it now has a couple chambers to it, formed a wall inside.

A pap smear only checks for cervical cancer; it doesn't tell us much about the condition of our ovaries. Having a cyst after menopause (I'm assuming here) is not the best. But I'm post-menopausal and developed a 10 cm cyst last year. I had it removed and it turned out benign. Whether you need a hysterectomy will depend on a lot of things and the doctor can explain it all to you.

Do follow up with the gyno and get it cleared up as soon as you can. Waiting and wondering is never any fun.