Borderline Ovarian Tumors

[Spans]

My grandmother and my mother both had borderline ovarian tumors. I would like to know if this is genetic and if this means I am likely to carry it in myself too? And if so what precautions can I take without waiting for the tumor to grow?

[Spans]

Thanks everyone for your replies, this is really reassuring. I have told my GP who referred me to a London hospital. She did some medical history checks etc and spoke to other London hospitals she says who say I have nothing to worry at the moment but I feel I am back at the beginning as all she said was they are still researching things and dont know how borderline tumors behave, as they are apparently different from ovarian cancers. She also said it is a coincident that both my nan and mum had it. Sorry, but strange coincidence it seems to me. Also apparently they do not allow scans before the age of 35 (I am 29 now and I cannot see how I shouldnt be allowed to be scanned with the family history.) I am very confused and feel stuck.

[BeenThereDT]

Hi Linda, I just want to comment on the issue of symptoms and alarm. I have a long and convoluted gyn history, so after endometriosis(3 surgeries), multiple cysts that caused intense pain and pressure and (not to mention 2 ectopic pregnancies) ANYWAY, we can become desensitized and conditioned to ignore pain. Doctors are often in no hurry to address it. Anyway, I was driving along last summer and feeling panic about the pain, but had no inclination to see a doctor because I didn't expect relief, didn't want to waste $250 duductable, and was functioning under the OLD information that if it were serious (some form of CA) there would be no symptoms. So I didn't want to waste the time, money or effort if they couldn't help anyway...so...foolishly I've gone on for nearly a year on and off, in moderate to severe pain, thinking "It's just that old cyst of mine" and now these symptoms are SO severe and persistent that I AM finally truly alarmed. I see a doctor tomorrow and I hope he's good-as he was the first one who could get me in. It's scary when I'm told the good ob-gyn can't see me for 5 months, then it's scary for them to pull strings to get me into SOMEONE in 48hours after Ultrasound, then I wonder...HOPE this doctor is not especially available for a REASON. Anyway, with any kind of history, you are WISE to monitor the situation BEFORE symptoms arise. Be the squeakiest wheel in the whole place, because we are our own best advocates, and I only wish I'd been a diligent in protecting my own interests as you are. ~Suz

[Linda J]

Hi there and thanks for your story. The only reason I am so diligent, is this last ovarian cyst was my third. (And I have also had 3 benign breast lumps). I am just prone to these things so I have to stay on top of it whether the doctors think I do or not!! I promise, I will be persistent in getting that yearly U/S I want, for my own peace of mind.



I hope your doctor appointment goes well. I had a lot of pain with my benign cyst too, so don't be too alarmed thinking pain means something terrible. These ovarian things are nasty and compress organs and nerves even when they are completely benign.



Please let us know how you are and thanks for posting.



Linda J

[fungirl]

Like Linda said, you need to have an ultrasound at least once a year.  Also, you need to be faithful about going in for your yearly exams.  If you start to have any pain in your stomach, get it checked out!  Just a few tips to help you out.  Kasie

[Linda J]

After having my cystadenoma I have been searching for a doctor who is willing to monitor my existing ovary with ultrasounds. 2 gynecologists have refused. I think my GP is willing to do it, but I will likely have to pay for it out of pocket, instead of with insurance. The gyne I just saw (not the one who did my surgery) told me, not to worry about it, as I would have "symptoms" if I develop another cyst. I am not going back to him, as by the time I have symptoms, in my mind, I waited too long. What kind of medicine is that? Sorry to rant, but this monitoring issue really ticks me off.



Linda J

[Spans]

Hello there, thank you for your kind words and tips. I originally come from germany and they seem more on the ball there and quicker of the mark when my nan and mum were diagnosed. Here in the UK everything is so slow and they dont worry unless you seem to be dying. It worries me quite a bit. I try and contact that hospital you mentioned and try and find some study groups. After my appointment I searched the internet to find my own information as they seemed so unhelpful at the hospital (this is how I found this forum). If you have any more thoughts please do not hesitate to let me know. Thank you again for your time