benign mucinous cystadenoma -- what to do?

[sgdehart]

Hi, I have a benign mucinous cystadenoma of the ovary about the size of a tennis ball.  Do you think it is necessary for me to have my entire ovary removed?  ANY HELP IS VERY APPRECIATED!!!

[Keith Downing, MD]

Hello,

I suggest you talk this over with your ob/gyn and consider a second opinion from a gyn oncologist.  The need to pursue complete removal and by what means (laparoscopic surgery vs. open surgery) will depend on your age, other medical co-morbidities or prior surgery, risk factors for ovarian cancer, the desire to avoid future surgery, other findings or the lack there of on imaging and CA 125 level.  This can be a complex discussion that requires you being informed on the potential risk of doing something (and how) vs. doing nothing, and your doctor being aware of what is important to you and what approach will make you most comfortable.

Best regards,

Dr. Downing

[viv408]

I have been diagnosed with a (hopefully) benign cyst adenoma 28cmx20cm in size, so rather large. I am to have a full hysterectomy, omentectomy and removal of cyst, with frozen section done during op. I am confused as to where the consultant said my incision would be, bikini line, or abdominal? Would it not have to be abdominal as the cyst is so large, or can one that size still be removed from a bikini line incision?
Just to give you some history, I was diagnosed with Ibs two years ago, and even tho I kept going back saying the medication wasn't working and I was very uncomfortable, bloated etc, the doctors still didn't spot this cyst until it became so large it was unmissable! I am 53 and in the menopause, its a shame general practicioners don't recognise a women of my age is more likely to be having gynae problems than IBS?
Hope you can help answer my question, Many Thanks, Viv