dermoid cyst removal and timeframe

About 2 years ago I had a laparotomy for a 5cm dermoid on my left ovary.  Now, I just found out that I have a 6-7 cm one on my right ovary.  I went in to my GP for localized pain, thinking at first I might have appendicitis.  The pain remains, but my GYN office does not see the urgency to get me in like my previous doc did 2 years ago.  US confirmed dermoid mass on ovary and the pain remains.  I am set to go out of town for a week very soon and am worried something might happen while I'm gone.  Does anyone have any suggestions?  I have called 3 times to my GYN office for a visit, but my GYN is on maternity leave and the doc covering her patients is putting me off.  My GYN returns next week and I am scheduled to see her, but 2 weeks have passed now since I was diagnosed.  I did not have this much pain 2 years ago and am wondering why the pain is so different.  I am worried!  Also, I am reading that many have had laprascopic procedures for this size, but my doc 2 years ago said he had to do an open surgery because of the possibility of rupture.  Any thoughts?  I hate to go thru the open surgery again!  Thanks in advance for any advice or suggestions!

[Tired-Cyster]

I almost forgot, I addition to the above info, my GP noted that there was fluid in my pelvis near the cyst (seen on US).  He believes it is from the inflammation.  Does this sound right?  Again, any info regarding both posts are greatly appreciated!

[MickeyVicki]

I had a laparascopic procedure to remove an endometrioma that was roughly twice the size of your dermoid.  My doctor, who specializes in "complex" gyn surgery, did not know for certain whether my cyst would be an endometrioma or a dermoid, or that my cyst would be benign prior to the surgery.  The procedure is to bag the cyst, bring it up to the incision, then remove the cyst while it is bagged to prevent spilling any cells.   The fluid and tissues from my cyst were biopsied while I was on the operating table, so that if malignant cells were detected, my doctor could open me to debulk the cancer. This procedure is common, and I am beginning to suspect that doctors who insist that they must perform the open laparatomy might not have the skills necessary to perform the more delicate operation.  

A very small amount of free fluid in considered normal in the pelvic cul-de-sac; I believe that I recall the statistic of 10 ml or less as considered normal.  Ultrasound imaging detects even the smallest amounts, but larger amounts are indicative of more serious issues.  Yes, the fluid can result from hemorrhage of the cyst.  (I think that I spelled that incorrectly, by the way, but I am not in a location convenient to check the spelling!)  The fluid is likely to be a source of at least some of your physical discomfort.

Personally, I would want the issue completely resolved before I had a trip of any sort.  Then again, I am a devoted worrier; also, my time away usually involves strenuous, but fun activity, and that could cause a rupture, which could cause additional problems with the mass.

[angellei16]

I had a dermoid tumor removed on the 6th of this month. Do you know how long until I recover? I suggest to you that you find a different Dr. Because when I found out what I had, I had my tumor removed within days. My tumor was  11CM big. Good luck, and keep me posted!

[angellei16]

I had a dermoid tumor removed on the 6th of this month. Do you know how long until I recover? I suggest to you that you find a different Dr. Because when I found out what I had, I had my tumor removed within days. My tumor was  11CM big. Good luck, and keep me posted!

[angellei16]

I had an incision on my stomach. I had to stay in the hospital for 4 days. I used to trust my Dr. too before my surgery. When I was in the hospital, he came and saw me one time, and it was for 5 minutes tops! I was so mad. My hospital time was not the best. Not to mention...this is week three of recovery and my incision still hasnt healed. I have about a half inch gap on my stomach. I am a heavier person, and I think that is why it isnt healing correctly. I went to my Dr. twice last week, and I have another apt tomorrow at 11:30. They just keep putting steri-strips on it....but it doesnt seem to work. My husband is wanting things from me, and I cant perform them right now, and its so frustrating because I want it too. Eh, I guess that should be the least of my worries but its been an entire MONTH for me..AHHH haha. Anyway, I hope all goes well with your news, and I hope your Dr.'s office will get you in soon. I dont know how good it is for your cyst when flying...but, I went to seattle in may, just 2 months prior to me finding my dermoid tumor. I am sure nothing will happen. How big is your cyst? I dont know if I mentioned this before but mine was 11cm big. I actually got pictures of it. That was the one thing my Dr. did right. If you would like to talk to me, and have aol my nickname here is the same on aol. Email me sometime, and we can talk about this, I would really like that. I think it would be nice to have someone have the same thing I did. We can talk about it. Ill send you a pic of my tumor if youd like too! Anyway, GOOD luck, and KEEP ME POSTED! :) Thanks

[Tired-Cyster]

How did you have it removed?  Laproscopically (thru small holes in and around the belly) or a laparotomy (open abdominal surgery)?  That will make a big difference in your recovery time.  When I had mine done 2 years ago, it was an open surgery and it took me about 6 weeks before I was feeling normal again.  If you did it laprascopically, I think the recovery time is very minimal, but not exactly sure how long.  If anyone has done it this way, please feel free to add input!  I am very frustrated with my doc's office, but understand that she is not even aware of what is going on.  I REALLY like and trust her, but I am put off by the staff and the on-call physician!  I would be more stressed to have to switch at this point so I will wait it out.  Unfortunately, the pain is not getting any better and I am supposed to go on a week-long cruise Saturday!  UGH!  Normally, I would be excited, but obviously I am more stressed than anything.

[Tired-Cyster]

I will find out what my doc wants to do by tomorrow.  I am anxious!  When I get more info about my course of treatment, I'll update you and we can talk.  Keep your fingers crossed for me!

[angellei16]

I will totally keep em crossed! I was supposed to go to the Dr. Today because my incision isnt healing, but...Luckily, today, it seems to be closing alot better. I think it just needed some air. Anyway Good luck hun! And I hope to hear whats goin on! Keep me informed!

[Tired-Cyster]

Well, I'm cautiously optimistic...doc says after 2nd US my mass has gone from 6.7 cm to 4cm.  I am hoping things are looking up, but I have had this happen before.  2 years ago (2 days prior to my laparotomy) I had an US to note changes, placement, etc of my teratoma and the US tech could not find anything wrong.  MRI confirmed my fears and was able to locate my very large teratoma.  This go round, I am worried because I still feel a lot of pain, but now (according to my US) my mass is getting smaller.  I know, 4 cm is not real small, but certainly better than 6.7cm!  I wish I felt more relief, but the pain is constant and know I'm not sure what to beleive.  Feels like deja vu!  At this point,. I'm still planning on going on my vacation all next week and hope I don't end up in a hostipal in Mexico! I have a follow-up appt scehuled as soon as I return and I will discuss possible laparoscopy for removal of what's left at that point. Wish me luck!

[angellei16]

I completely wish you luck! Keeping my fingers crossed! If you have children already, it wont be as bad if you have to have your ovary removed, but if you dont have children, and dont have any ovaries left, God bless your little heart! I will pray for you!

[LRR]

I was diagnosed via MRI w/ a 3.2 CM Dermoid cyst on my right ovary.  MY OBGYN wants to remove it and take my ovary as well.  She said she needs to take the ovary to prevent risk of spillage.  I have been doing some research and see that in some cases dermoids larger than mine are removed w/o removing the entire ovary.  Should I shop for another DR.?  I like my Dr. and have been going to her fopr some time.  I am 35 and have one 1 1/2 year old.  I want to have another child and am worried about decreasing my chances!  Also, if I get another cyst on the other ovary, I do not want to lose both at such a young age!  I ahve been a werck since this was discovered and know that talking to others with this most unfortunate issue will help!  Any advice is appreciated!

[worried215]

I was diagnosed with having a Dermoid Cyst on both my ovaries. The one on the right ovary is 7-8cm and the one on my left ovary is much smaller, probably about 1-2cm. I have to get them both removed on Monday, but my doctor said there is no way I have to get the entire ovary removed. I was also worried about my chances of having children, because I don't have any yet. She also told my as long as there is just a small piece of healthy ovarian tissue left I have nothing to worry about. So I defenatly think you should find another doctor. She also said there are other ways to prserve your eggs. For example they can freeze your eggs for when you feel you are ready for more children. keep my posted. and i will do the same

[JessAB]

I was recently diagnosed almost a month ago with a 6cm dermoid cyst on my left ovary and am going in for laproscopic surgery on the 14th. You do not have to have your ovary removed! According to my GYN they used to take the whole ovary because of the fear of the cyst bursting and the stuff getting into your uterus and causing infection, but she said that it is not longer what is done because they found that the risk and the idea of causing serious problems if the stuff doesn get into your uterus is not a huge problem like they once thought. So if I were you I would get another opinion and do some more research before they take your ovary. Good luck!

[jinglebells09]

I was just recently dignosed with a dermoid cyst on each of my ovaries. I am scheduled to have a laparotomy in late july. I am very worried about the procedure and would like to hear about others experience. I am only 19 and that is what makes me really worried, that I wont be able to have children down the road. I am also very scared of being put under the anesthestia.

[Bellla13]

Jinglebells09- I was diagnosed with a dermoid cyst when I was 19.  Actually, at the time they were not 100% sure what it was, so prior to doing the laparoscopy I signed a consent that they could do further surgery to remove the tumor if needed.  They ended up doing the surgery, I awoke in a recovery room with both my ovaries, but the cyst (which they said was the size of a grapefruit) was gone.  I had no problem with the anesthetic.  My only regret was that I didn't exercise more after the surgery, as they cut my abdominal muscle and I gained a bit of weight afterward.  On a side note, I am now 37 and US shows I have a 13x13x13cm mass in my left ovary.  I am hoping its another dermoid, but to be sure, I've had an MRI and CA-125 and am awaiting results.  In any case, do not have fear the surgery.  Of course there can be complications, but that is the case with any surgery.  Chances are you will be uncomfortable for a week or two after, then slow moving for another few weeks, and then it will all be behind you.  Dermoid removal by surgery is not uncommon, and you will feel much better once its over.  

[pkaks]

I got a dermoid cyst removed from my right ovary last week.After 48 effect of anesthesia was completely gone and after 3 days of surgery no gas prob as well.
Its been 7 days now but my stitches have not healed yet. They are still intact and i can see them. Any idea, how long it will take stitches and wounds to heal completely

[bl41]

Thank you so much for your post! I was just told by my new OBGYN that I have a 4cm dermoid cyst on my right ovary and that she needs to perform a Cystectomy (didn't specify if laparoscopy or laparotomy). She also said that if the dermoid cyst (w/c by the way was not accurately identified on CT scan but have grown from 2cm to 4 cm from 2008 to 2012) cannot be removed through this procedure, she may have to perform an oophorectomy (removal of the ovary). She also said that she wouldn't know for sure until the patient is already open. Is this what your doctor also told you or was your doctor 100% sure that he/she would only need to use a laparoscopic procedure on you prior to your surgery? FYI, i really do not know my OBGYN very well coz i've only been with her since last year and only for a couple of pap smears & a mammogram. I am not really sure how competent she is in performing surgical procedures of this sort.

[moreu84]

Typically there is a risk of the ovary being removed but most good doctors will try to remove the cyst without removing the ovary. I have a 12cm dermoid cyst on my right ovary and have surgery scheduled for the 31st of this month. My doctor said that she might have to remove the ovary because of the size of the cyst but will try not to if she can. There is always a risk of complications but the removal of one ovary doesn't alter your chances of preganancy, if that is your concern.

[moreu84]

My doctor told me the same with regard to the possibility of having to remove my ovary. I was just diagnosed last week with a cyst on my ovary but didn't find out until yesterday the extent. I have a 12cm cyst on my right ovary. My OBGYN gave me the option of either laparoscopy or laparotomy and said with the first option I would have four small incisions with a recovery time of two weeks and if I went with the second option, she would have to make a larger incision on my abdominal region that would require a few days in the hosptial followed by about four weeks of recovery. She told me that she may have to remove my right ovary when doing the procedure because of the size of the cyst but said she would try to save it if she could. She also said that if there are any complications with the laparoscopy approach, she may have to make the decision to do the laparotomy, which is fine if it gets results. This can be scary, especially for someone like me who has no kids and has never had surgery.