golfball sized cyst?

[gmama61]

Hi, I am a 47 yo post menoupausal woman. I recently went to the ER thinking I was having appendicitis attack. Wrong. I was told I probably was passing kidney stone. I had severe pain on right side abdomen area and low right side of back. Dr. did a CT scan and found a ovarian cyst on my left side. He told me that it had tissue and was calcified.(?) I was advised to see my Gyno within 24-48 hours. Thinking back, I have had some other symptoms. I had a tubo 10yrs ago, only 1 pregnancy. But I have been having strange bleeding lately, using after intercourse or in between periods(which) aren't regular. I have had pain on left side, but I tend to ignore it. I have chronic back pain due to accident, so I always attribute abdominal pain and back pain to the back problem. I've made a Dr appointment for the 4 of Sept, but so much is going on in my head. I do have a family history of cancer, mother, and 4 paternal aunts have passed to cancer, breast, colon and ovarian. Should I worry?

[kare55]

Hi......I am 55 and have to have a right ovary removed because of cyst. This is all new to me. Was wondering how ur doing and if u could share ur experience with me. Thx

[gmama61]

Thank you all for all your support and info. Today is better for me, I've had time to process and digest all. I had an epidural for back problem yesterday, so pain in the back has subsided tremendously. It also seems to help with the abdomen pain. Dr called this am and will see me a day earlier, so I get in on Sept 3. I will keep you all up to date. Thanks again. Gretchen

[Sharon2714]

i so agree with valerie
i am glad u are staying on top of it given ur family history
i have one sister who is in her second recurrece for ovca .. shes 51 years young
(52 on sept 3rd) and still doesnt see that she needs the pieces of her ovaries taken out because ... in her mnd ... she got ovca fro an IUD !! i am pretty sure thats impossible
i also had an aunt who died in 1990 with possible ovca .. she had a 20 lb tumor taken out of her abdomen but nobody ever passed on any info on pathology ... u see they dont talk about such things l
so then its my turn and yepper i sit here tonight in surgical menopause ( im 42 and will be 43 Oct 4th)

so stay on top of it and god bless u
love
sharon

[vallieanne]

Glad we were able to help you so you could arm yourself with some info to take to the doctor.
I asked my doctor recently what adnexal meant and she told me it just means near the uterus.
Try not to worry, I know it's easier said than done, but just remember that 95% of cysts are benign, so the odds are in your favor.
Keep us posted,
Valerie

[gmama61]

Thank you so much for the info. I have had no other tests done, as this was just found out this past sunday in the ER. But I will make sure I write everything down so that I can ask the right questions at the doctor. I was told that I had a Adnexal cystic mass(?) The ER doctor ran some sort of blood chem, which he said he was concerned about. I was more in shock, so I didn't ask alot of questions. I'm trying to keep calm and not worry, because if I let my mind wonder,wow. Thanks again for listening. I will keep you all informed. You know, it's sure nice to have forums like this to help get things off my chest. It's like I have friends from afar. :)
Gretchen

[lvfrogs]

Wow, Valerie said it all, but thought that I would add my voice saying she gave you great advice. Let us know!

[vallieanne]

It's always unsettling to find out about a cyst, but you should know that most cysts are 95% benign. Like most women, you ignored your symptoms but you have to follow up on this and have it taken care of now. Did they tell you what kind of cyst you have? There are several types of ovarian cysts, on the top right of the cyst forum there's a link to the heath forum, in that list is more ovarian cyst infomation you may find useful to look at.
When you see the gyn, let him/her know about your family history. It will help to determine what further tests to run. If you can get a copy of your CT scan (the report) bring it with you and keep a copy for your own records in the event you want a second opinion. You may want to consider seeing a gyn/onc for an evaluation with your family history. Many women here have had their surgeries done by them as they have more training in the event of a malignancy. You can make that determination when you have more test results and have had your gyn consult.
I also have chronic back pain and know what you mean about thinking the pain is due to it refering. I am also post-meno and it is not uncommon for women past menopause to have a cyst, I have one that was being watched and has to come out.  
Have you had a Tv/Us? An ultra sound is another test that will help the gyn know more about what kind of cyst it is and how large it is, it will be compared to the Cat results. You will probably also have a blood test called a CA 125 done. While it is a common test used as a cancer marker, it is not always accurate. There are other medical conditions that can cause false positives, especially in pre-menopausal women. Most doctors will tell you that the only way to be absolutely sure of anything is after a biopsy done during surgery.
It's normal to worry, but there are several women here who have had cysts that are post-menopausal that were benign. Good luck and keep us posted.
Valerie