Are all biopsies screened for cancer?

[Imrighthere]

Hi.I had a laparoscopy on 9/15 due to chronic pelvic pain. My doctor was very nonchalant about my 2.5 cm ovarian cyst, and wasn't worried about it, but because I was still in pain, she performed a lap. Well,after a right ovarian oophorectomy, it came back that I have endometriosis. Well, that's so far been taken out, and I have the exact same symptoms that I had before I went into surgery; more swollen lower abdomen, pelvic pain (like I'm on my period)lower back pain, leg pain, gassy stomach with any little thing that I eat, I have to push my urine out, and my bowel movements are different with each one. All of my symptoms were leading me to Ovarian Cancer sites, so my question is this: When they took my ovary out, and sent it to the pathologist, do they always test it for cancer? Or could they have missed it? Doctor said that my left ovary looked fine, but the right looked abnormal, so she took it. I am so frustrated, and feel so alone, like I am the only person out there with this. I am usually a very active mom, and always on the go. Since going through all of this, I can't live my normal life. I was wondering if anyone could shed some light on the subject here. Thank you.

[NikkiPoo]

I would call the doctor and ask for a copy of the pathologist report on the ovary and ask her how the biopsy went as far as cancer was concerned.  I never wait for any doctor's office to call me with results; when they say "we will call you only if something's wrong" I don't wait for them. They are human and they do make mistakes. Good luck. :)

[MickeyVicki]

You should feel free to contact your doctor's office, and even have a simple consultation appointment if you think that would help your feelings and fears in the matter. Like you, at my surgery to remove an large cyst/ovary/ fallopian tube, my doctor discovered that I have a terrible case of endometriosis.  My doctor wanted to prescribe Lupron Depot in order to stop my monthly cycles for six months to allow my body to heal better, without endometriosis, while I recovered from my surgery.  I chose not to take the medication as I am extremely sensitive to all of the meds affecting my reproductive system.    I did take a progesterone supplemental prescription for several months instead.

A part of your problem, the "depression" and feeling lethargic compared to your 'old self,' is most likely due to reduced hormone production since you have lost an ovary.  I experienced it myself.  It was odd for me as on the one hand I felt SO MUCH BETTER after that awful, painful, life-disrupting cyst was removed; yet, I still felt that I was just not myself.  I asked my doctor, and she  said that it was rather normal to feel this way, and that it is due to hormonal changes.    I also had these irrational fears that I really did have cancer and it was missed.  However,  my doctor did a frozen section study while I was on the operating table, and she did not find abnormal cells, in addition to sending the solid tissues and fluids removed from my body to the lab for further study.  I think my paranoid feelings were more affects of the hormonal disruption.   My feelings were short-lived, thankfully.