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How fast can an Endometrioma grow??
Just wondering if anyone can shed some light on how fast an endometrioma cyst can grow. I have surgery in May and the cyst as of Jan 21st was 10.20cm can it grow alot more?
They can grow very quickly. Mine more than doubled in a few weeks. I should add, however, that my cyst was likely four or possibly more months 'old' before it was discovered. Also, you will know if it is growing as the pressure and pain will increase.
I just had my post-op today. Had an endometrioma removed on my left ovary. It had been around 6cms and then grew to around 7cms over the pd of a few days a few months back. Then it held steady as I was getting tests for hypertension - I had it scanned a bunch of times over the pd of 4 mos (from time I discovered it to when it was removed - I know it was there before they saw it on a scan). I had it scanned less than a month before my surgery to remove it and it had grown quite a bit bigger by the time they removed it. It was around softball sized.
Yes, endo can be in the ovaries and they may not pick it up as a cyst on a scan, but just say one ovary is larger than the other or something like that (if it is in one ovary and not the other). That's what happened to me years ago when I had an endometrioma. The other ovary had endo cysts w/in it and it was also removed. That extent of the endo didn't show up on the scans I had. It was an ugly surprise during surgery.
I had also been scared b/c they were doing doppler for blood flow on the thing when I was getting scanned and it was obviously showing something. They kept telling me that that's normal, but you know you always think of cancer making its own blood supply. I found a couple of articles talking about how endo can set up its own blood supply, so I kept trying to take small comfort in that. Then today at the post-op, the Dr had pictures showing the endometrioma w/ its own blood supply. Just wanted to share that in case anyone else is freaking out about the blood supply thing being a bad sign.
Yes, endo can be in the ovaries and they may not pick it up as a cyst on a scan, but just say one ovary is larger than the other or something like that (if it is in one ovary and not the other). That's what happened to me years ago when I had an endometrioma. The other ovary had endo cysts w/in it and it was also removed. That extent of the endo didn't show up on the scans I had. It was an ugly surprise during surgery.
I had also been scared b/c they were doing doppler for blood flow on the thing when I was getting scanned and it was obviously showing something. They kept telling me that that's normal, but you know you always think of cancer making its own blood supply. I found a couple of articles talking about how endo can set up its own blood supply, so I kept trying to take small comfort in that. Then today at the post-op, the Dr had pictures showing the endometrioma w/ its own blood supply. Just wanted to share that in case anyone else is freaking out about the blood supply thing being a bad sign.
what if it is behind the uterus? could it be on the uterus? will they hve to remove it?
We will have to add the bit about endo making it's own blood supply to the 99% speech! But yes, these things can grow very fast. Behind the uterus, the dr should be able to move the uterus to get to the polyp.
~Tascha
~Tascha
It can be on your uterus, behind your uterus - it can be all over that area. I had it connecting my uterus to my bowel and the tubes were adhered and my renal artery was adhered - everything was stuck together and it was all over the place.
They don't *have* to remove anything that you don't want them to remove. Remember you are in control of that. You just make your wishes clear before surgery and consent only to what you want to consent to.
I consented to have both ovaries and my uterus removed ahead of time in the event that endo was all over the place (which turned out to be the case) because I am done having children, I'm 44, and I had other health problems which I hoped killing off the endo for good (by taking away estrogen) would help. This was the best decision for me at this time. My uterus was only left in b/c it was so involved w/ my bowel that I would have had to have my bowel resected to get it out.
When I was younger and had endo, I only agreed to removal of the ovarian endometrioma - not even the affected ovary. I wanted to have children and I wanted my fertility preserved. So it's all really up to you and the factors in your life that would influence your decision. The Drs can give their advice and you can weigh it and get 2nd and 3rd opinions etc.
I like to ask Drs what they would do in my situation (if they are a woman) or if it's a man, what they would advise their wives or daughters to do. It sort of gets them to approach it more personally and think about you as a person w/ a life instead of "a case of endometriosis" or other problem. Then they also are less apt to take your questioning personally b/c they know you are thinking of it on a personal level instead of rejecting or questioning their advice.
They don't *have* to remove anything that you don't want them to remove. Remember you are in control of that. You just make your wishes clear before surgery and consent only to what you want to consent to.
I consented to have both ovaries and my uterus removed ahead of time in the event that endo was all over the place (which turned out to be the case) because I am done having children, I'm 44, and I had other health problems which I hoped killing off the endo for good (by taking away estrogen) would help. This was the best decision for me at this time. My uterus was only left in b/c it was so involved w/ my bowel that I would have had to have my bowel resected to get it out.
When I was younger and had endo, I only agreed to removal of the ovarian endometrioma - not even the affected ovary. I wanted to have children and I wanted my fertility preserved. So it's all really up to you and the factors in your life that would influence your decision. The Drs can give their advice and you can weigh it and get 2nd and 3rd opinions etc.
I like to ask Drs what they would do in my situation (if they are a woman) or if it's a man, what they would advise their wives or daughters to do. It sort of gets them to approach it more personally and think about you as a person w/ a life instead of "a case of endometriosis" or other problem. Then they also are less apt to take your questioning personally b/c they know you are thinking of it on a personal level instead of rejecting or questioning their advice.
i have bowel problems as well and i am very scared that it is there too. So if it is what do they do? I had surgery on my small intestine when i was 10, would the scar tissue attatch to that area? I am also 28 and have one child and maybe because all that i have been through with this and the whole FMS and CFS i am not sure if I want anymore kids and i guess i can always adopt, should i if they ask to remove everything do it?
Whether to remove everything is a personal decision. You are so young though. I don't think personally I would get everything removed at your age unless I was absolutely sure I didn't want any more children. You are also so young to be in surgical menopause. I'm 16 yrs older than you, so my decision was different.
Also I think the CFS etc can be related to your endo and so there is hope there that getting the endo under control could help with the symptoms of these other problems.
Since you are not trying to have children right now, you could always opt to try simulating pregnancy or menopause w/ either BC pills (where you never get your pd) or something like Lupron where you trick your body into believing it's in menopause. I found the Lupron to be really tough - hot flashes and sweats. But maybe you wouldn't and you could stand to do it for a few months (they recommended 4-6 for me). At least that's reversible - you can stop it any time and don't lose organs you can't ever replace.
ALso, you may find that once you get surgery, things get better.
Did your endo improve as far as you can tell after you had your child? Many people see a significant improvement after pregnancy, but some people end up w/ a worse case (just like other autoimmune diseases during pregnancies). I was thinking if you saw an improvement after pregnancy, maybe that would be a clue to try the simulated pregnancy route after you get surgery?
Also I think the CFS etc can be related to your endo and so there is hope there that getting the endo under control could help with the symptoms of these other problems.
Since you are not trying to have children right now, you could always opt to try simulating pregnancy or menopause w/ either BC pills (where you never get your pd) or something like Lupron where you trick your body into believing it's in menopause. I found the Lupron to be really tough - hot flashes and sweats. But maybe you wouldn't and you could stand to do it for a few months (they recommended 4-6 for me). At least that's reversible - you can stop it any time and don't lose organs you can't ever replace.
ALso, you may find that once you get surgery, things get better.
Did your endo improve as far as you can tell after you had your child? Many people see a significant improvement after pregnancy, but some people end up w/ a worse case (just like other autoimmune diseases during pregnancies). I was thinking if you saw an improvement after pregnancy, maybe that would be a clue to try the simulated pregnancy route after you get surgery?
Just got home from having surgery. I had a 7 cm. mass which was suspicious for ovarian cancer. It thank God turned out to be an endometrioma. It completely took over my left ovary, had started in the right, was in my peritenium and next would be the uterus. I had it all taken out because I am done having children. I am only 38. So that was a hard decision, but you just don't know what you are going to find until you get in there.
It can grow VERY fast. My doctor told me mine was there probably no longer than 6 months, most likely only a couple.
Hope it helps.
Michele K.
It can grow VERY fast. My doctor told me mine was there probably no longer than 6 months, most likely only a couple.
Hope it helps.
Michele K.
Hello , I just signed up for this forum. I have just had surgery for a prolapsed bladder. My Dr. said my ovary had grown to my vaginal wall. (I had uterus removed 2 years ago). I also have fibro,cfs,ibs, and diverticulitis throughout my whole colon. He mentioned I had a lot of adhesions that he removed. sooo painful! I had 2 c-sections over 20 years ago. Anyway, I was wondering is there a differance between endo and adhesions. Especially to that magnitude. I've been bounced from dr to dr for a long time. I've thought that I,ve had endo before, but my dr says no. I'm very depressed and confused. I live a life of pain. If anyone has a comment on this I would so appreciate it. Thanx, Cornpatch
JGmom when i was pregnant i felt fine but i really done remember because of the situation i was in , but i can tell you that since my daughter has been born and she is almost three it has gotten worse. expesually since November.
Cornpatch
i understand your chronic pain as well i have lived it for almost 13 yrs now. I dont care what it takes at this moment i want it all gone so that i dont feel like this anymore
Cornpatch
i understand your chronic pain as well i have lived it for almost 13 yrs now. I dont care what it takes at this moment i want it all gone so that i dont feel like this anymore
Hi Anyone who wants to listen:
I am 38 years old and have two beautiful daughters, 19 and 15. I had my wound taken out at age 29, due due to Endo. I wasn't home a week when I would fall to the floor in pain, they told me it would get better, its takes about 6 months to get over the surgery. I waited patiently, in 6 months I was no better. I switched doctors and the surgery removed my tube due to Endo. The doctor cleaned up my two ovaries because he wasn't willing to take them. I was to young to go through Menopause. At age 32, I asked for another second opinion, It took 5 hours to clean up the bowels and remove both ovaries. She never before in all her years as a doctor scene such a mess. I am now 38, I still have chronic pain daily, when my bowels move I have extreme pain. Twice a month I end up at the hospital, 10 times in worst pain like I am going to start my menstral flow. I can not have sex because of the pain and I also for the last 6 years have been having yeast infections when the pain onsets. (never before have I had so many). Is this all normal? Last ultra sound they said was fine. Can Endo be in the bowels and not be seen on the ultra sound. Whats wrong with me? Blue
I am 38 years old and have two beautiful daughters, 19 and 15. I had my wound taken out at age 29, due due to Endo. I wasn't home a week when I would fall to the floor in pain, they told me it would get better, its takes about 6 months to get over the surgery. I waited patiently, in 6 months I was no better. I switched doctors and the surgery removed my tube due to Endo. The doctor cleaned up my two ovaries because he wasn't willing to take them. I was to young to go through Menopause. At age 32, I asked for another second opinion, It took 5 hours to clean up the bowels and remove both ovaries. She never before in all her years as a doctor scene such a mess. I am now 38, I still have chronic pain daily, when my bowels move I have extreme pain. Twice a month I end up at the hospital, 10 times in worst pain like I am going to start my menstral flow. I can not have sex because of the pain and I also for the last 6 years have been having yeast infections when the pain onsets. (never before have I had so many). Is this all normal? Last ultra sound they said was fine. Can Endo be in the bowels and not be seen on the ultra sound. Whats wrong with me? Blue
I just signed up for this forum and I read your message of what you are going through. I'm also 38 and have 4 boys. I went to the dr. today and was told I have a 4cm endometrioma on my one right ovary. It hit me hard, because I haven't had any problems in the last five years. 10 years ago I had fibroid tumors removed. After, a year passed I was told it was endometriosis because of the heavy bleeding and pain. I just want to know could this disease become cancer? Now, my options are very small in what to do about this situation. Can anyone give me some advice.
I realize now most was posted a year ago, are you still looking or listening Blue. Please someone respond?
I was diagnosed with a 4cm endometrioma in July 2007. I had symptoms (indigestion, bloating, pelvis pain etc.) so I consulted with Gyn-Onc for fear of Ovarian Cancer (OvCa).
He advised complete hysterectomy for cure of endo and indicated the endometrioma (endo in ovary) will not go away on it's own, but does not turn into cancer.
Gyn-Onc did surgery and determined mine was borderline tumor or low-grade cancer/pre-cancer along with endometriosis.
So my point it they cannot determine if it is an endometrioma before surgery and pathology.
If the endometrioma is causing pain etc., it probabaly needs to be removed.
Odds are it is not cancer, but if you are experiencing any symptoms of OvCa, have Gyn-Onc do surgery.
Good luck.
He advised complete hysterectomy for cure of endo and indicated the endometrioma (endo in ovary) will not go away on it's own, but does not turn into cancer.
Gyn-Onc did surgery and determined mine was borderline tumor or low-grade cancer/pre-cancer along with endometriosis.
So my point it they cannot determine if it is an endometrioma before surgery and pathology.
If the endometrioma is causing pain etc., it probabaly needs to be removed.
Odds are it is not cancer, but if you are experiencing any symptoms of OvCa, have Gyn-Onc do surgery.
Good luck.
Thanks for responding to me.You have settle me down some. My Dr. called and want to do surgery on Nov. 7. I'm going to get my last ovary removed along with the endometioma. Hopefully, everything will go good; eventhough, I'm scared. I have been cut on three times already, but with prayer things will be okay.
Will keep in touch.
Will keep in touch.
From Endo Blue,
I have went through the same things has you. Because of Endo and excessive bleeding, they removed the wound, the tubes, and last the ovaries. I hope everything went well for you. My prayers are with you. I still have excessive pain dailly. My back, sides. I don't know what to do anymore. But I will not stop until someone helps find the answers and cures. I am waiting patiently for answers. I have to have a light put in my bladder now. I am still looking and listening.Blue Endo
I have went through the same things has you. Because of Endo and excessive bleeding, they removed the wound, the tubes, and last the ovaries. I hope everything went well for you. My prayers are with you. I still have excessive pain dailly. My back, sides. I don't know what to do anymore. But I will not stop until someone helps find the answers and cures. I am waiting patiently for answers. I have to have a light put in my bladder now. I am still looking and listening.Blue Endo
Hello All,
I found this forum while I was searching for information on colorectal surgery. Here's my story:
I'm 48 (my birthday was Tuesday while in hospital) and have two wonderful daughters.
I knew I had fibroids and assumed that was causing my abdominal pain, discomfort, bowel changes,etc. I went to an interventional radiologist to see if I was a candidate for fibroid embolization. They did an MRI and found that I had an ovarian cyst 7cm. I contacted a GYN-ONC (my research told me if I was going to have it taken out get a gyn/onc because if it's cancer, they know what else to look for)
After doing a CA-125 blood test (slightly elevated at 107-endometriosis can cause this) and after a transvaginal ultrasound he told me he wanted to "get it out of there." 1 1/2 weeks later I had surgery(Jan.25)
When he opened me up according to him--he saw a "big mess." The cyst turned out to be an endometrioma. It , and I suppose the related endometriosis ,was attached to my left ureter, and the upper part of my rectum (sigmoid/colon) He ended up calling in a colorectal surgeon to assist and they did a resection with re-enastamosas of the rectum. My surgeons expressed to my family that I must have a very high pain tolerance(I do) to not have been in greater pain/discomfort. I'm not saying I wasn't hurting........All in all things seem to have gone well. They also did a cystoscopy since at one point in the 3-4 hour surgery my urine output decreased. All my female organs were taken out, I am on the mend and taking ibuprofen during the day for pain and percocet at night.
I think a few things have helped me with all this: a. I discussed with anesthesia my postop pain control and told them I wanted an epidural. It worked beautifully, and I wasn't gorked out on the morphine pump.
b. I'm a nurse and have good connections so I was able to ask for recommendations from friends
c. education/research--find out as much as you can about what you have
d..prayer and support from friends and family
I hope this has helped some of you in some small way. If you feel a need to e-mail me with any questions please don't hesitate to contact me at ***@****
I found this forum while I was searching for information on colorectal surgery. Here's my story:
I'm 48 (my birthday was Tuesday while in hospital) and have two wonderful daughters.
I knew I had fibroids and assumed that was causing my abdominal pain, discomfort, bowel changes,etc. I went to an interventional radiologist to see if I was a candidate for fibroid embolization. They did an MRI and found that I had an ovarian cyst 7cm. I contacted a GYN-ONC (my research told me if I was going to have it taken out get a gyn/onc because if it's cancer, they know what else to look for)
After doing a CA-125 blood test (slightly elevated at 107-endometriosis can cause this) and after a transvaginal ultrasound he told me he wanted to "get it out of there." 1 1/2 weeks later I had surgery(Jan.25)
When he opened me up according to him--he saw a "big mess." The cyst turned out to be an endometrioma. It , and I suppose the related endometriosis ,was attached to my left ureter, and the upper part of my rectum (sigmoid/colon) He ended up calling in a colorectal surgeon to assist and they did a resection with re-enastamosas of the rectum. My surgeons expressed to my family that I must have a very high pain tolerance(I do) to not have been in greater pain/discomfort. I'm not saying I wasn't hurting........All in all things seem to have gone well. They also did a cystoscopy since at one point in the 3-4 hour surgery my urine output decreased. All my female organs were taken out, I am on the mend and taking ibuprofen during the day for pain and percocet at night.
I think a few things have helped me with all this: a. I discussed with anesthesia my postop pain control and told them I wanted an epidural. It worked beautifully, and I wasn't gorked out on the morphine pump.
b. I'm a nurse and have good connections so I was able to ask for recommendations from friends
c. education/research--find out as much as you can about what you have
d..prayer and support from friends and family
I hope this has helped some of you in some small way. If you feel a need to e-mail me with any questions please don't hesitate to contact me at ***@****
about the question how fast endometrioma grow??? i have also endometrioma in my left ovary the size is 8cm x 9cm and it was found last feb 2005 and I dont believe that I have cyst. But when I went to another doctor last week feb 4,2008 just for a infertility check up, the doctor says that i need to undergo transvagina ultrasound to determine why it is difficult for me to become pragnant. But the result of my ultrasound is the same in my last ultrasound 3 years ago. I have a endometrioma in my left ovary in the same size... and I need to undergo surgery this coming march... but i am scared, coz it my first time to undergo surgery.
Reading this column has freaked me out a bit to be honest. Been having pain since April 2007 (now Feb 2008) and went for a scan yesterday. Been told I have a 14cm x 8.5cm x 12cm endometrioma (probably right ovary as the radiologist couldn't actually SEE my avary at all). This seemed very large yesterday and now I have read all of your posts, I am shocked at how large mine is :o( The radiologist said mine contains blood, with a section of old (solid) blood at the bottom of it.
I guess the strong liklihood is that I will have it removed but what is the liklihood of having to have my ovary removed as well?
Also, what is the surgical process for removal? Small or big incision? Cut out? Sucked out? How long would I be in hospital for? How long is the recovery time? I know this is a lot of questions, and I am sure that a lot of the answers will be 'it depends', but just an indication would be very useful to me right now.
I am seeing my GP again this afternoon and I guess I'll be referred to a Gynae specialist.
I guess the strong liklihood is that I will have it removed but what is the liklihood of having to have my ovary removed as well?
Also, what is the surgical process for removal? Small or big incision? Cut out? Sucked out? How long would I be in hospital for? How long is the recovery time? I know this is a lot of questions, and I am sure that a lot of the answers will be 'it depends', but just an indication would be very useful to me right now.
I am seeing my GP again this afternoon and I guess I'll be referred to a Gynae specialist.
Hi. I had exactly your issue, exactly the same size of endometrioma. My bowels were becoming blocked, and that is how I knew I had something wrong. The surgeon told me that likely the ovary could not be saved, and in fact it was not saved. Because of the size of the endometrioma, and because they could not exclude cancer in my case, it was a mid-line incision about 9 inches long from the top of the pubis to above the navel. I was in hospital 4 days, including the day of surgery. I was off of work a total of 10 weeks, because mine was major surgery, during which I was allowed no heavy lifting. The tumor had adhered to all my internal organs, and had to be scraped off. Recovery time was approximately 9 months before I returned to my old self. I had alot of issues with pelvic pain post-op, but this did gradually subside. I tried to go back to working out at the gymn etc, but this took several months longer than I expected!
But your situation may be vastly different. I was diagnosed with a lump which turned out to "only" be an endometrioma. May you be blessed with a clear diagnosis and an easy time.
Jody
But your situation may be vastly different. I was diagnosed with a lump which turned out to "only" be an endometrioma. May you be blessed with a clear diagnosis and an easy time.
Jody
Hi there
Thanks for your reply - much appreciated even though it sounds pretty horrendous...
I have the same feeling that my R ovary will have to be removed. With something this size, I don't see how it could be saved to be honest. There seem to be plenty of women who have had smaller ones and they lost their ovary/ies as well.
That's a much longer recovery time that I thought it would be, but it's a major op isn't it - like a hysterectomy almost.
I had pelvic pain (lower right quadrant) and thought it was gas, grumbling appendix, stress or something til a doc finally prodded me and told me she thought it was fibroids before sending me for a scan where I was told I have a probable endometrioma.
I'm tired all the time (probably from the painkillers I'm on) and my skin is a mess. I feel grossed out by having something that big inside me that shouldn't be there and just want it out! No wonder I have a pot belly ;o) At least I can blame it on that now hahaha... I'm pretty skinny otherwise and have been losing weight for the past year - wonder if it's related...
Thanks for your reply - much appreciated even though it sounds pretty horrendous...
I have the same feeling that my R ovary will have to be removed. With something this size, I don't see how it could be saved to be honest. There seem to be plenty of women who have had smaller ones and they lost their ovary/ies as well.
That's a much longer recovery time that I thought it would be, but it's a major op isn't it - like a hysterectomy almost.
I had pelvic pain (lower right quadrant) and thought it was gas, grumbling appendix, stress or something til a doc finally prodded me and told me she thought it was fibroids before sending me for a scan where I was told I have a probable endometrioma.
I'm tired all the time (probably from the painkillers I'm on) and my skin is a mess. I feel grossed out by having something that big inside me that shouldn't be there and just want it out! No wonder I have a pot belly ;o) At least I can blame it on that now hahaha... I'm pretty skinny otherwise and have been losing weight for the past year - wonder if it's related...
Yes, the only advice I can give is don't shave yourself before surgery. I thought I'd "clear the area" for the surgeons only to then have a post-op infection that took IV antibiotics to cure. They told me that shaving causes small micro-abrasions of the skin that let bacteria flourish. They claim I infected myself.
That is why I think I felt so poorly afterwards for 9 months. The scar tissue (or what ever) would get so sore at the end of the day that I couldn't walk, but that went away, too. I bought some generic vitamin E creme, and massaged the healed scar with that, and it faded pretty well.
I'm out here, psychically holding your hand and rooting for you.
Best Wishes, Jody
That is why I think I felt so poorly afterwards for 9 months. The scar tissue (or what ever) would get so sore at the end of the day that I couldn't walk, but that went away, too. I bought some generic vitamin E creme, and massaged the healed scar with that, and it faded pretty well.
I'm out here, psychically holding your hand and rooting for you.
Best Wishes, Jody
Very useful advice!!! Thanks! Interesting that they didn't warn you of that beforehand...
Thanks for your messages, advice and thoughts, I really appreciate it.
:o)
Thanks for your messages, advice and thoughts, I really appreciate it.
:o)
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