Ovarian Remnant Syndrom

[Sara1974]

Thank you for the information.  This is the only website that I've found with a lot of information about ORS.  I am getting ready to undergo surgery to remove the remnants next month.  I have ovarian remnants on both sides.  Also, the right side has developed ovarian cysts which is causing a great deal of pain and abdominal bloating.  My concern is that none of my doctors have spoken with me about ovarian cancer.  Is this normal that they are not worried?  I was diagnosed with cervical cancer three years ago and had a hysterectomy, two years later they had to take my ovaries.  I am having a great deal of pain on my right side.  And for the last 7 or 8 months I have a constant pressure on my bladder.  I constantly feel like I have to pee.  I don't have a UTI.  I've been checked a couple of times.  Is this a typical symptom with ORS and ovarian cysts?  Also, I am in the military.  They mis-diagnosed my cervical stenosis for over 9 months and finally rushed me into emergency surgery when a civilian doc looked at me for 2 seconds.  When I went to the ER this last time I was told they couldn't figure out what was wrong and maybe it would just go away.  I then went back a week later with my stomach distended twice it's normal size.  I was told that it was all in my head.  I was literally told that it was "psychosamtic gas"!  They finally checked my hormone levels and realized that I was still producing estrogen.  They almost made me go through a painful gastro intestinal check.  Thank goodness he was smarter than that.  I just want to make sure I am getting the proper treatment this time and asking the right questions.  I'm the single mom to two beautiful little girls and I'm tired of not being able to play because I'm in pain or just so tired.  ANY advice you can give would be greatly appreciated!      

Thanks for this site!

[Annekathryn Goodman, M.D.]

Dear Sara,

Thank you for your complete information.  The symptoms that you are experiencing are most likely due to the ovarian remnant.  But it is not impossible for you to develop a cancer.  It is important to remove the ovarian remnant.

Ovarian cancer is not associated with cervical cancer.  However after a radical hysterectomy for cervical cancer, the preserved ovaries are more likely to produce big ovarian cysts. This may be due to the altered blood supply to the ovaries after hysterectomy.  Also when removing ovaries as a second surgery after hysterectomy, there is more scar tissue and more chance of a remnant syndrome.

I agree with Neta. If you are not getting a satisfactory reccomendation, please get a second opinion. Also this surgery can be very complex. I would suggest that you see a gyn oncologist

best wishes

[Neta100]

Hi there.  I have ovarian cysts and need to get operated.  In my opinion, you should get checked since you have bloating and the need to urinate, and you don't have a UTI since it's not normal and can be related to the ovaries.  I had a transvaginal ultrasound and a CA - 125 (cancer marker) and based on that my doctor, who is an oncologist and has known me for many years, recommended the surgery.  So, I think you should get another opinion and get checked.  Hope for the best.