suspected dermoid cyst

[lost666]

feeling very lost and confused, and desperately searching for some kind of answers.
i am 24 years old, living in Canada. I have been sick for the past three and a half years.
(Jan 2007) child is born, trouble losing weight
(May 2007) long standing pain in the middle of my back, lasting six months.
(June 2008) back pain with abdominal pain
(October 2008) suspected gall stones, no sign from ultrasound.
(November 2008) test to see gall bladder function, which showed that my gall bladder would fill, but would not empty.
(May 2009) gall bladder, more stomach issues. Overactive bowel, back pain, abdominal pain worsening.
(mid-July 2009), twenty-five pounds lost unexplainably, frequent emergency room visits.
(September 2009) was the last time my period was on time and regular.
(April 2010) lower left abdomin pain shooting into leg. causing mobility and sleeping issues
bacterial infection in my bladder which may have gotten to my kidneys.
bacterial infection had cleared my system, no more visits to emergency room
(June 2010) ultrasound to check my liver and pancreas, shadow on ovary, pelvic exam suggested and completed.
solid mass found on ovary.
suspect calcified dermoid cyst, 6cm diameter. high white blood cell count. no pain other than first two weeks after disturbed.
Recently found out that grandfather and uncle on my father's side died from cancer, unknown type.
(July 2010) terrified and waiting until get to see gynocologist on 17th to find out what plans are.

I have been trying to find out what I can, but I am overly concerned. I am depressed, tired, change in sleeping habits, emotional and numb. I don't like not knowing whether I am simply fine or dying. That is a very frustrating variation. It keeps me very confused and lost, and not knowing what I should do. Any kind of info that can be provided would be greatly appreciated.      


This discussion is related to dermoid cysts inside ovary..

[fungirl1011]

These ladies both gave excellent advice.  Don't let this go.  If it is a dermoid, then most of the time they are not cancerous, but with a solid mass, you want to make sure.  It is normal to be anxious, but take a deep breath and try to stay calm.  We will be here to offer you any advice and support we can.  

[ska4life1986]

hi great info there from shelly i am also 24yrs and had very simaler issues reading your post was like reading my medical records , i first started with gall bladder problems i had surgery on the 11th of december just gone to remove gall stones and gall bladder then a week later was back in hospital with an internal infection was very sick in pain spent xmas in hospital  ,then on the 16th of march all the pain and nausea started again and they went in to have a look and discovered a dermoid the size of an orange ,i had to wait 6 weeks for results i had also lost a good freind that same xmas to ovac and i was convinced i had it,but thank god it did come back begein ,i know what your going through but rember your not alone this is a wonderfull forum keep posted you will get support x

[hopeshell]

It is very normal to go through this type of emotional angst when you find out you have a mass.  I truly understand because three years ago I had a mass and it turned out to be early staged ovarian cancer.  But, the truth is that most cysts (even large complex ones), do turn out to be benign.  There are several benign complex cysts that would cause your type of mass.  Are you scheduled for a MRI or CT?   Usually, these tests are better able to determine the contents of the cyst.  

At 6cm, you are likely facing surgery because cysts over 5cm have an increased likelihood of rupturing.  It seems your cyst is complex since they are suspecting a dermoid.  I know it is not easy, but try not to worry.  The odds are with you that you have a benign condition.   I have seen hundreds of women post on this forum with large complex masses and it is a rare few who have had a malignancy.  Still, I understand the just a small possibility is a hard thought to process.   I was a wreck too when I was waiting for a diagnosis.  My mass was 6cm and complex just like yours.  I was 37 and had two small kids.

Although ovca doesn't have great stats when found in advanced stage, there are many women who get long remissions or cures.  Each woman is different, so I am a firm believer in not worry about the stats.  I was diagnosed with Stage 1a and did not have to have chemo.  It is three years later and I am still cancer free.  So, don't let your mind go down the "worst case scenario" path.  You can and will be able to face whatever dx comes your way, and, it will likely be a benign condition!    

I realize you are in Canada and the health care system is different than here in the US.  However, since any complex mass greater than 5cm has an increased possiblity of being malignant, a gynecologic oncologist is recommended.  Usually, you will have a consult with one prior to your surgery and they are available to assist in your surgery if the mass is found to be malignant on frozen section.  Gyn/oncs have more experience removing malignant masses without spreading the contents and will be able to properly stage you in the same surgery which will help you get timely and correct treatment.

In the meantime, try to keep your mind busy by watching movies, reading, etc.  It will help keep your anxiety level down.  Hang in there and keep us posted on how you are doing!

Shelly