8 month old with ovarian cyst

[Bmo311]

We were told that our 8 month old daughter has vesicoureteral reflux stage II.  They said she should grow out of it and shouldn't need surgery.  Although if she has complications she may need it.  But during the ultrasound testing for reflux they found a mass near her ovary.  They first called it a "multilocular cystic mass" and then at  the second ultrasound they called it a "multiseptated cystic lesion".  We were then referred to a surgeon (we see him on the 18th) and a CT scan.  After the CT scan on July 31st they are saying it looks like a simple cyst.  The radiologist said it may be a watch and see case, but see what the surgeon says.  Is this normal to have such different views from ultrasound and CT?  And if this is measuring 3 by 1.4cm is that something that is safe to watch and see?  Do you think we should get a second opinion no matter what this surgeon decides?  My journal on this site contains more info if needed.

[Hanmin Lee, MD]

I believe that in situations like yours, I would generally recommend surgery. I think you are doing the right thing, but a second opinion is never bad.

[Bmo311]

Thank you for your feed back.  We have since been to the surgeon and he wants the cyst removed.  He said it is not showing any signs of decreasing or going away in the 3 images we have seen so since she is so young and it has been there since birth he said he wants it out.  He said if she was older it could be a functioning cyst and he would watch and see but he doesn't want it to cause any torsion or burst and definitely cause trouble.  We will be going to Akron Children's Hospital in Ohio for the surgery.  I am still debating if it's the right thing to do and if we should be getting a second opinion.

[sweetpea03]

I would get another opinion. Surgery is never easy and shouldn't be something that is done with little thought. I went to several doctors before deciding on the surgeon that did my case. Good luck.

[Hanmin Lee, MD]

In general, when a young child has vesiculoureteral reflux, it very often gets better and with milder cases, the only treatment necessary is antibiotics.
Regarding the cyst, if it is an ovarian cyst, typically simple cysts (i.e. no solid components on loculations) can be observed if they are small (less than 4-6 cm diameter). Cysts other than simple cysts generally require surgery. There can be differences between the CT scan and the ultrasound, and having your provider discuss the case with the radiologist may be helpful.Ultrasounds are usually more sensitive for picking up walls or sepatations between cysts. If you have further questions, second opinoins are always good.