Sonogram showed cyst...whats next?

[LolaKay]

Hello everyone,

I've been having lower abdominal pain (mostly right) for about 2 weeks and finally went to GYN,
She did sonogram today and said that preliminary diagnosis is a 4cm cyst on my right ovary.
Im very scared! She didint tell me all the details - they should follow ina week or so.
But she did a blood test (I guess for C - 125).
Does that mean she suspects something bad?
I'm 36 yo, have been taking oral contraceptives for more then 5 yrs (I've heard that reduces a ovca risk)...
Are there any other symptoms that may suggest that cyst is cancerous?
I cant wait week, I am very very scared....

[hopeshell]

If the sonogram did not conclusively dx it as complex, then you still could have a simple cyst. Your doctor may just be playing it safe to give you that test.  Most doctors don't order it unless the cyst is complex, but some may.  I agree that you do need those us results before proceeding with more testing.  I am surprised it is taking this long.  Since it confirmed your cyst size, I would think your doctor had most of the info. right away.   But, it does sound like she is covering all bases and will do the right tests as needed. Unfortunately, this whole process is a big waiting game and it is very stressful.  Those with benign cysts go through the same agony during diagnosis phase as those of us who did have malignancies.  So, I can relate to you stress and do know you WILL make is through!    Try to distract your mind with movies and events with friends and family.  The stress and worry can be overwhelming when you think about it.

Please keep us posted on how you are doing.  If you confirm your cyst is complex, push for a MRI.  It shows ovarian tissue the best.  You will know how to proceed when you have a better understanding of the contents of your cyst.  Hang in there!  :)

[LolaKay]

Hello Shelly,

Thank you very much for your comment and support.
Thank you for sharing your story and I'm glad you are doing well.

My doctor didnt see sonogram results as it was performed by technician. But technician talked to doctor after the test as I asked her to give me some preliminary info.
So if the doctor ordered CA-125 that means the cyst is complex? No hope for a simple one?
Also, how long it may take for a cyst to grow 4 cm ? I only had pain for the past 2-3 weeks...does that mean my cyst was growing and I didnt feel it before?

My doctor didnt order MRI or CT, she said there is no need for it until sonogram results come back.

Thanks again for your support. I'm trying not to worry, but, unfortunately, its very very hard...

[hopeshell]

I am sorry to hear about your cyst.  Try not to worry.  Most cysts do turn out to be benign.  It is a standard procedure for your doctor to order a CA-125 if you have a complex cyst.  I am guessing yours is complex (solid parts) since she ordered that test.  Simple cysts (fluid filled) usually don't cause a doctor to order that test.  

Cysts that are 5cm or larger need to be removed surgically.  Any complex cyst has a slight chance of being malignant, but odds are definitely with you that it is benign.  Sometimes, they do go away on their own.  So, your doctor will either monitor the cyst for a bit or choose surgery.  

Unfortunately, both benign and malignant cysts cause similar symptoms.  The only way to know for sure is to remove and biopsy the cyst.  You are correct in that bc pills do reduce your odds and your age is not high risk.  But, I also took bc pills, had two kids, no family history and was in good health when I was diagnosed with Stage 1 ovca at the age of 37.   The good news is that I am doing well without recurrence.  Catching ovca early is the key to survival.  

Did your doctor order a MRI or CT?  Either of these tests show the contents of the cyst more clearly.  Also, they show the entire abdomen and can rule out other worrisome signs for ovca.  The CA-125 is not a reliable way to dx ovca, but it is good your doctor ordered it.  It can cause both false positives and false negatives.  But, it is another piece of the puzzle in determining the likelihood of your cyst being malignant.  

Hang in there and keep us posted on how you are doing!

Shelly