ultrasound shows small cyst

[int2406]

Three weeks ago, I went to my local hospital because of bloating, pain in my back, being very tired ( I am usually quite active) and feeling full after a meal. The doctor ordered a scan but sent me home  after the results came in saying he couldn't see anything unusual with my liver, spleen, kidneys. I came back home and went on the mayo clinic sight and was quite concerne when my symptoms were very similar to ovarian cancer. I since have developed throbing pain in my left thigh.  Well I went to see my gynecologist last week and she ordered a pelvic ultrasound which I had today, and the scan shows that I do have a cyst on my left ovary. The radiologist who performed the ultrasound said why are you having this done so I answered and he just told me to stop being so anxious that it's a small cyst. Well my question is how small does  a cyst have to be to be checked out or are my symptoms enough to convince my gyneco to get a biopsy done or whatever comes next?   I do have a very high risk of breast cancer in my family, on both sides. I am still waiting to hear from my gynecologist but want to know ahead of time to ask the right questions.

[babypooh]

Well Sandymac said everything I wanted to say so I'll just remind you not to worry, ok?  Most cysts are nothing to worry about even if they don't go away and they have to surgically remove them.  They're just a hassle to deal with and can cause all kinds of pain and other problems.  Ask your doctor all the questions you want; that's what he's there for so don't feel intimidated.  Ask how big the cysts are and if they're simple or complex just for you to know, not so that you can worry, ok? It's very hard not to research online for cysts, but we really do make it worse by worrying more about everything we read.  Try not to worry. Keep us posted, please.

[Sandymac]

Hi,    
First of all, try to calm down and not think the worst which I know is hard to do. The symptoms you are having could be from a lot of different things.... Ovarian cysts are very very common in younger women (premenopausal).And.. 95% of the time they are benign. They are really a part of ovulation and most of the time cause no problems at all. They simply disappear on their own.

Most Dr's simply monitor them for a few cycles to determine if they shrink or continue to grow. If they don't disappear in a few cycles, sometimes a laparoscopy may be performed, but that's jumping ahead as well. Just take it a step at a time and try not to worry. Chances are very slim that you have Ovca..

You may want to check the "Health Pages " at the top right of this page and you will find a lot of information about cysts.  I would also suggest that you not go looking for too much on the internet.. You are likely to scare yourself silly. It really is true that med students fear every disease they study.. seems they have symptoms for everything they are studying.

So, ask your Dr. what he advises.. is he planning on checking it out again in 3-4 months? and please try not to worry