Are these common symptoms of ovarian cysts?

[Shashi11962]

Hi, it's me again.

I have two 4-cm cysts on my ovaries.  The one on my right ovary is a functional cyst and doesn't really cause me any problems (that I know of, anyway.)  The other is a complex, solid cyst.  This cyst, if it's the same one, used to be a functional cyst too, but now it's pretty solid (this is what the ultrasound tech said when I asked her if it was still a functional cyst.)

My gyn/oncologist said that he didn't see anything on the ultrasound to indicate cancer, but he did recommend removing both ovaries.  He told me that there was no rush and that I can schedule surgery to remove both of my ovaries and the cysts whenever I can work it into my job schedule.  

However, I'm getting sicker and sicker each day.  I feel that there is something drastically wrong.  When I told him the symptoms I was having, he said that the cysts could be causing all of them.

So, I'm wondering, can cysts cause all of these symptoms?  I know some of them could be from the cysts, but I'm not sure that ovarian cysts could cause everything.  I'm worried that there might be more going on that this doctor isn't seeing, even though he is a gyn/oncologist.

* weight loss of 15 lbs. in one month (without dieting)
* lack of appetite
* swollen abdomen (even with a weight loss of 23 lbs. since July, the last 15 of which weren't intentional, my tummy is so large that my pants I wore before the weight loss are tight!)
* burning on urination
* extreme debilitating fatigue
* nausea
* severe constipation alternating with diarrhea
* vague abdominal pain and sharper pain in my lower left abdomen (where one of the cysts are located.)

I'm just really concerned because I feel so bad, and I need to know what's going on.  I was trying to schedule the surgery for Oct. 17, but I'm not sure if I should wait that long. However, with my work schedule, I'm not sure how to work it in.  (I teach at a community college and I'm the only professor who teaches the courses that I teach.)

Thanks and hugs,

Lisa

[jms_9967]

I am having my right ovary and tube removed on Monday (9/17) due to a complex cyst (8 cm).  In my case my doctor is removing the ovary along with the cyst because it's basically been ruined by the size of the cyst.  My other ovary will remain UNLESS the cyst shows malignancy.  If that's the case everything goes (full hysterectomy).  I think in your situation the doctors are probably trying to minimize any future risk of you developing complex cysts on your remaining ovary.  Since you've already gone through menopause they aren't concerned about forcing your body to go through it prematurely.  I kind of think of it as something that's sitting in there, but really isn't useful anymore after menopause.  I just turned 40, so that's why they will leave the second ovary in me if there's no sign of cancer.  If they removed it, I would be forced into early menopause, not to mention the fact that there would be no chance of having children (in my case I don't plan to have any, but that's not always the situation with many women).

I think ultimately it's a personal decision.  If you have more questions about increased risks associated with removing both ovaries, I would speak with your doctor and ask him/her those questions.  I'm sure you'll make the best decision for you---good luck and let us know how it goes.

[Aviva]

*1st dr said he did NOT think it was cancerous

[Aviva]

Hi, I'm 54 and had been following a firboma/fibroid for years that has not changed in size so the dr. said to leave it alone if it doesn't get bigger.  I was having abdominal pain and constipation so decided to go for a sonongram last week.  My gyn suggested I go to a specialist and I have gotten 2 opinions but wanted some feedback from other women in my situation.  My sonogram said that I have a 2.3 cm. right adnexal mass.  It indicates that a complex cystic mass vs. a solid mass can't be differentiated.  One specialist (male) said I should have a colonoscopy first to rule out colon cancer and then if that comes back normal I would need to have my ovaries out.  I asked him why both ovaries need to be removed when only 1 ovary was affected and he said that because of my age I don't need my other ovary and it would be for precaution.  He also said he did think it was cancerous.  The dr. was very well know and respected but I decided to go for another opinion.  The 2nd dr. (also male) said I would need both ovaries and my fallopian tubes removed and it was major surgery.  I asked him if it was cancerous and he said he didn't think so but he would not know until he removed the ovary.  Both of these drs. are "supposedly" very qualified but I got the feeling they didn't see things outside the box.  I wanted to know why they just couldn't remove the cyst and leave the ovary but I got the impression that if you have gone through menopause you don't need them and just take them out.  But even if you go through menopause your ovaries still produce a small amount of hormones.  Once your ovaries are removed you increase your rate of heart attack and osteoprosis.  Has anyone been in my situation?  I am having a hard time deciding what to do and would appreciate any and all feedback.  Thanks AG

[gma718]

Hi I was reading your post and just wanted to give you  my opinion.  I would definitely get a second opinion. I had 2 very large cysts and they were not going to take my ovaries unless they had to which they had to because I was full of endometriosis but I went for 3 opinions to make sure everyone was on the same page.  It will be to your benefit to know what lays ahead of you. I was told because my masses were so large that they had to come out with a possible hysterectomy. unfortunatley i had a full hysterectomy back in May.  I also heard that sometimes if the cysts are not too large they watch them for awhile. Please sometiimes we have to be our own MDs and listen to our instincts...get another opinion and keep inm touch.

[Shashi11962]

Thanks, ladies.  I've scheduled surgery for October 17, which was the earliest my gyn/oncologist could do it (and which works well with my schedule at my job too.)  I'll let you know what I find out.

Big hugs,

Lisa

[SimplyStar]

I think we all agree on the forum that you need to either get a second opinion ASAP or schedule that surgery  quickly,  I hope, as we all do that your cysts are benign, but in the chance that it is cancer, the sooner you get to it the better your chances.  No one is irreplaceable, you must put your health first.  At this time you are taking a chance that is not necessary.  Your symptoms have alerted you to a problem, so take care of it.

[syderial]

Please get a second opinion. I have had ovarian cysts removed that wer quite big, but my ovaries stayed. Your doctor sadly may not know how to handle this situation. The cysts can be biopsied before or after removal, but don't do anything as drastic as having your ovaries removed. You will be risking a lot for possibly no reason.

[rmarie]

I have found out the hard way, that there is always someone that can take our place.  Set the date for surgery, as soon as you can make it.  Call Administration and tell them they need to find someone to cover for you.  There may be someone in retirement that is willing to come back to teach for a short period of time.  Your health and mental well being is the most important.  If it is cancer yoube kicking yourself for not putting your health needs first.  If you join the vast majority of benign you will be feeling so good, you will be back to work before you know it.  Good luck keep us posted.  Call and schedule that surgery ASAP