multiple complex cysts seen on abdominal and transvaginal ultrasound

[krissitini]

In July of 2008 I was found to have an enlarged left ovary to a little over 5 cm with several complex cysts on it. My right ovary was smaller and had some simple cysts on it. I had a second ultrasound 2 days ago and my left ovary remains above 5 cm with several complex cysts and the right ovary has again simple cysts.

I have been searching the net to find out more about complex cysts and several times have seen the recomendation of getting complex cysts checked for cancer. I have a followup ultrasound in 3 months, which will be my third. I understand my doctor is monitoring my ovaries and cysts to see if they change in size, which so far has not changed either way.

Do I need to request these complex cysts be checked for cancer?

Thanks.

[krissitini]

Thanks for the welcome

[TrudieC]

Hi there.  Sometimes a complex cyst will resolve itself.  We normally don't recommend that you wait beyond 3 months.  If the cyst is still there it is time to get it removed.  What would happen is they would give you a CA-125 test which is an ovarian cancer marker.  However, it is not reliable in pre-menopausal women.  You can have false negatives and a positive reading can also indicate endometriosis, an infection, and sometimes just the cyst.  They cannot rule out cancer without biopsying the cyst and that means removal via laparoscope.  Insist that your doctor rule out cancer (over 95% of cysts are benign).  Please keep us posted.

[krissitini]

Thank you for your advice. You've confirmed my gut feeling. I will give my doctor a call today.  

[carrie933]

hi

when you say 95 of all cysts are benign - does that mean all cysts including copmlex and irregular ones or just simple cysts ? if so that is pretty good odds

thanks - we all appreciate your knowledge and understanding

thanks again

[TrudieC]

As far as I know it covers them all.  The odds are good.