Just diagnosed with neoplasm cyst

[kami89]

I was just diagnosed with a 8cm x 8cm neoplasm cyst and I am scared.
I'm scared because I haven’t had children yet.
I'm scared of cancer.
I'm scared of surgery.
I'm scared!
I am 30 years old and I went to my primary care physician for pain in my lower right abdomen.  I went to my gyno in August and I told him about the pain and he shrugged it off.  Luckily, the PCP ordered a transvaginal ultrasound and a 8cm x 8cm cyst was found.  The PCP called it a "neoplasm" - it was mass/cyst/tumor composed of many fluid filled
cells/cysts.  My blood work came back normal other than vitamin D and Calcium deficient, and the doctor ordered a CA-125(I will get results in a week). I now have to have a CT scan and a appointment with a gynecological oncologist.  I would love hear of similar experiences or thoughts or encouraging facts.
The pain of dealing with the possiblities is much worst than the pain I went to the doctor for.  =(

[Pixiestarr]

I won't tell you not to worry because people are saying that to me and it doesnt work!
If your cyst is filled with fluid rather than solid parts that is a very good sign, mine is too.
Mine is a similar size to yours but I am post menopausal so am more at risk although doc and radiologist think it is benign.
I agree with yourself and Hopeshell, waiting is awful and the doctors just don't get how we feel.
Make sure your doctor is thorough and get a second opinion if you feel you need one. There are some websites where you can ask a doctor or gynaecologist although there is often a small fee, I have asked a couple of questions and I think it is worth it.
It is interesting that your vitamin D level is low because it is thought that taking vitamin D helps to prevent ovarian cysts! I am now taking supplements and will continue to do so after the cyst is removed, also improving my diet and cutting down on booze and trying to deal with stress!
If you want to e-mail me (as this site is a little difficult to use) my e-mail address is ***@****.
I am having my cyst removed on the 20th of December to be on the safe side.
Best wishes.

[hopeshell]

Hi there,

I am so sorry to hear that you are in that terrible waiting period!  There are many benign neoplasms and odds are with you that yours is not a malignancy.  Dermoids, endometriomas or even blood filled cysts that are on top of one another fall into this category.  But, any cyst that is over 5cm and complex (has solid parts) needs to be surgically removed.  It is also essential that you get a consult with a gynecologic oncologist so he or she can be there to assist during your surgery in the rare event malignancy is found.  Your overall prognosis will be much better if a gyn/onc is there.  Here are a couple of links that will give you some more information:

http://www.wcn.org/findadoctor/

http://www.wcn.org/articles/treatment/gynecologic_oncologists/overview/

http://oreilly.com/medical/news/ovarian_ten_things.html


The CA-125 is not reliable for determining if your cyst is malignant.  It is a great tool for some women post-dx.  But, pre-dx, you can have a high number with a benign mass or a normal reading with an invasive malignancy.  So, don't let your gyn determine that you don't need a gyn/onc if your CA-125 is normal.  Just having a mass that has any chance of malignancy warrants the gyn/onc consult.  He/she will also go over your wishes in the event malignancy is found which includes sparing fertility.  

So..here is my story.  I think it will bring you hope.  I was diagnosed with Stage 1a ovarian cancer 3 1/2 years ago one month after my 37th birthday.   My CA-125 was elevated.  I had a total hysterectomy and staging surgery performed by a gynecologic oncologist.  Because I had early staged cancer, I did not need chemo.  My gyn/onc talks about considering me "cured" if I go 5 years without recurrence.  I have met other ladies who have had the same and never had a recurrence.  There are others with more advanced stages who also beat the odds.  Also, my gyn/onc talked to me about even sparing my fertility if cancer was found, but I opted for a total hysterectomy since I have two children.  So, even if you do have cancer, you can work with your doctors to find the best solution for your situation.

I know there is really nothing I can say that will completely take away that fear of having the "c" word a possibility.  Surgery is also scary.  But, you will find the strength to make it through and just take one day at a time.  Don't let your mind go down the road of "what ifs."  Be informed, and recognize that this is one of those situations out of your control.   The things that helped me through were watching movies, reading, spending time with friends and family and prayer.

Just keep in mind you really have wonderful odds of this being a benign tumor.  Hopefully, it will all be over with the surgery.   Surgical technique is so wonderful that it really isn't a high risk situation despite the warnigns your doctor may cover with you.  You are young and I am sure will come through it well!   The surgery itself is bearable since there are many effective pain meds.

Please post any other questions or when you just need to vent!  Keep us posted on how you are doing! :)

Shelly