Curious about how adnexal masses can go unnoticed

[Newbie2007]

Hi, this might be a silly question, but I'm curious about these adnexal masses.  I've been reading about masses that are 7-10 centimeters (or larger) in diameter, and I'm looking at my pelvis and wondering how the heck something like that could go unnoticed!!!  I'm no skinny-minnie, but I am a runner and while I admit that I've been puffy in the abdominal area for the past year or so, I don't think there can be something the size of a softball in there.  Does anyone know how this works?  Are these masses typically found in women who were already overweight, or is it usually a big surprise when they find large masses in seemingly slender women??

I appreciate any insight you can provide.

[bjkrt]

To answer your question... No, I was having no symptoms.  I had two 5 cm masses with septations and some solid matter that turned out to be endometriomas.  No cancer.  I have Stage 4 severe endometriosis.  My uterus had tipped and become stuck to my intestines due to adhesions (scar tissue) and my ovaries were also out of place.  I had no idea I had any of this.  Never had any problems or unusual pain.  No problems with periods or bowel movements.  Nothing.  No signs at all.  If I hadnt seen the ultrasound and a video of the surgery, I wouldnt have believed it.  The doctors were amazed that I had absolutely NO symptoms so I am not saying this is normal, just that it does happen.  

[Newbie2007]

I'm sorry.  I was not calling anyone a "fat, stupid idiot."

It's just that I don't know how to interpret these news stories about how even early stage ovarian cancer presents with abdominal fullness, when I simultaneously hear about young women with these huge cysts that they didn't even know they had.  I wasn't saying they must all be fat and stupid......I was just trying to figure out how this happens.

Thank you all for the advice, this site has been very helpful.  I didn't mean to offend.  

[Anna-maria74]

I had a 20 cm mass and I was 8 stone (115 pounds). When you put weight on in the tummy area your first thought is "I am putting on weight" not "oh no I have a tumor on my ovary". Also as my murse told me - when I described myself as being a blinkered moron - the tummy is built to accomodate large masses and it is not unusual for them to go unnoticed. Some woman are 5 months pregnant or further before realising, and they are not all fat, stupid idiots. Another lady drew an analogy between the gradual growth of a cyst and hair growth. You dont get up one morning with a 3 inch larger girth it happens so gradually you dont notice.

I am quite sure the last thing you meant to do with your comment was offend but it made me bristle a bit.

Anna X

[Newbie2007]

Wow, thanks for the insight.  Your height and weight makes you significantly thinner than I am, so now I'm looking at my pelvis and wondering if I can have a watermelon in there..........LOL.

I guess they squeeze in and around other organs?  Were you feeling any symptoms at all?

[bjkrt]

I am by far no expert, but I wondered the same thing.  I had two masses (5 cm each) the size of oranges (its always fruit?) and couldnt tell they were there.  My doctor could not feel them on exam either.  I am 5'9" and a half and I weigh 128 lbs.  I couldnt believe I had two oranges inside and couldnt feel them!  But I did so I guess it is possible.  Ive had them removed now and cant tell any difference so I guess there is plenty of room in there!