MASSIVE Ovarian Cyst- 20 years old

[Emily9582]

Hello. So for the last nearly 2 years I've developed a pregnant looking belly, I look nearly 6 months pregnant. But for even longer than 2 years, maybe almost 5, I've had an enlarged belly and generalized digestion issues, urinary issues, Etc. so I finally got it checked and it appears that I have a massive ovarian or mesenteric cyst, not sure because it isn't actually attached to the ovary or uterus, but the doctors are saying its ovarian in origin. The dimensions are 35.2 cm by 25.5 cm by 15.9 cm. This is quite massive and is displacing my bowels. I have general discomfort and tightness and shortness of breath as it spans my entire abdominal cavity. It is not emergent and shouldn't rupture but I am going to need surgery. I'm going to my gynecologist next week to get it looked at and schedule a surgery. They are saying it appears to be fluid filled and because of blood work and general lack of symptoms, we are fairly certain and optimistic that it is benign, however we have to run tests once it's removed. I am only 20 years old and in great health other than this. Should've got it checked ages ago but didn't, don't want a lecture on that just some general advice. I'm guessing laparotomy will be my only option although I'm hoping maybe we can do it laparoscopically (not keeping my fingers crossed.) I am just so nervous about malignancy, the surgery in general, how I'll be after, complications, etc. would love some words of encouragement or advice. Let me know if youve ever been in a similar situation. Thanks in advance.

[Emily9582]

Hello everyone, thank you so much for your comments. I had my surgery yesterday. It was paraovarian so it wasn't connected to the ovary or tube but floating in between. It was benign and they were able to make only a one inch incision to drain it which is such a blessing. I kept all my reproductive organs. The bad boy was full of 6 liters of fluid though! I'm 15-20 pounds lighter now. It's insane that it's been inside me for like 4-5 years. Such a relief now. I'm having some pains from gas and bloating but otherwise it isn't so bad.  Will write a detailed post on this forum later. :)

[old_before_my_time]

I'm sorry you're going through this especially at your young age! Since most pelvic masses are benign, the odds are greatly in your favor that yours is too. Since it doesn't appear to be attached to your ovary or uterus, did they explain why they think it's ovarian in origin? This could be critical in choosing the right type of surgeon such as a gyn, gyn oncologist, colo-rectal or maybe even a general surgeon.

Let us know what you find out at your appointment next week. Be sure to be prepared with a list of questions and if possible take someone with you for an extra set of ears.
.

[AnnieBrooke]

A friend of mine had an ovarian cyst as big as a cantaloupe.  Had it removed, never looked back.  She said it was much harder to have it in than to have it removed.