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2nd Opinion on Ovarian Cyst during Pregnancy
I'd like another surgeon or doctor's option on dermoid ovarian cyst removal during pregancy. The ultrasound is showing a 2 cm x 2cm dermoid on my left ovary and I'm 9 weeks pregnant. I have NOT experienced any pain or cramping with my pregnancy or previous periods. Yet, the doctor is still recommending surgery during teh 16th week of pregnancy. I'm primarily concerned about what is best for the baby, and then secondarily concerned with what is best for my own health. My concerns for the baby are what are the effects of the anethesia during the surgery on the fetus? They tried to explain that the placenta would be filtering my blood or something, but I don't follow that the drugs given for a 150 lb. woman wouldn't impact a 1 ounce fetus in some way. Are there any statistical figures on miscarriage due to anethesia given to the mother during the 2nd trimester?
I guess I'm of the opinion right now that the surgery could take place after giving birth. What are the risks of waiting for surgery for another 7 months? My thought is in comparison to other postings I've seen is that the 2cm x 2cm cyst is relatively small to those that cuase problems.
Requesting a second opinion and risk info please!
Jenny (1st time mommy-to-be)
I guess I'm of the opinion right now that the surgery could take place after giving birth. What are the risks of waiting for surgery for another 7 months? My thought is in comparison to other postings I've seen is that the 2cm x 2cm cyst is relatively small to those that cuase problems.
Requesting a second opinion and risk info please!
Jenny (1st time mommy-to-be)
MEDICAL PROFESSIONAL
Dear Jenny
first of all, congratulations on your pregnancy. that is very exciting. thank you for the complete information.
Most ovarian cysts and tumors are benign. At your age this is especially so. In pregnancy, the risks of a mass on the ovary are related to the potential for rupture or twisting of the mass (called torsion)
It is fairly safe to operate during pregnancy when it is not a crisis . However, there is always a risk of miscarriage. A crisis would be an active infection, a ruptured appendix and so on.
All the major organs form in the first 3 months which is why we try to wait until the second trimester to operate . There has not been any compelling data to suggest that general anesthesia and surgery after the first 12 weeks causes birth defects.
So the question in pregnancy is always - can it wait until postpartum or is there enough risk to recommend surgery now?
In general, my personal rule is that if a cyst or mass is less than 5 cm, it is usually not big enough to twist or rupture.
I would suggest that you seek a real second opinion. It is important to have an exam and to have a doctor review the films. There may be something else about the appearance of this mass that is concerning.
On the other hand if it does look like a classic dermoid, it will not grow that quickly and waiting maybe just fine
best wishes
first of all, congratulations on your pregnancy. that is very exciting. thank you for the complete information.
Most ovarian cysts and tumors are benign. At your age this is especially so. In pregnancy, the risks of a mass on the ovary are related to the potential for rupture or twisting of the mass (called torsion)
It is fairly safe to operate during pregnancy when it is not a crisis . However, there is always a risk of miscarriage. A crisis would be an active infection, a ruptured appendix and so on.
All the major organs form in the first 3 months which is why we try to wait until the second trimester to operate . There has not been any compelling data to suggest that general anesthesia and surgery after the first 12 weeks causes birth defects.
So the question in pregnancy is always - can it wait until postpartum or is there enough risk to recommend surgery now?
In general, my personal rule is that if a cyst or mass is less than 5 cm, it is usually not big enough to twist or rupture.
I would suggest that you seek a real second opinion. It is important to have an exam and to have a doctor review the films. There may be something else about the appearance of this mass that is concerning.
On the other hand if it does look like a classic dermoid, it will not grow that quickly and waiting maybe just fine
best wishes
I see you usually want age and medical history from most so here goes!
I'm only 23 years old, no previous pregnancies, no cramping/pain symptoms, mother had non-cancerous dermoids measuring 6 cm removed at age 41 on both ovaries, mother did not have any problems with conceiving children or any history of miscarriage. Only cancer history in entire family is a grandfather with liver cancer, but was probably contributed to by excessive drinking.
I'm only 23 years old, no previous pregnancies, no cramping/pain symptoms, mother had non-cancerous dermoids measuring 6 cm removed at age 41 on both ovaries, mother did not have any problems with conceiving children or any history of miscarriage. Only cancer history in entire family is a grandfather with liver cancer, but was probably contributed to by excessive drinking.
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