Left ovarian cyst 5cm

[BJ Alden]

I am 54 and had my uterus removed in 1974 when I was 23 (in situ cancer), my ovaries were left in.  Over the years I have had cysts that went away.   I now have a 5cm cyst on my left ovary.  This was found on an abdominal and vaginal ultrasound on May 23, 2006.  I just had another full ultrasound and it is still there.  My doctor said we could remove it now and make sure it is not ovarian cancer or continue to watch it (I have another ultrasound scheduled for Sept 18, 2006).  He also mentioned that in waiting there is a "small risk" that if it is ovarian cancer and it progressed from a possible Stage 1 to a Stage 3 that would not be good.  Also, my pap smears have been abnormal again, which they can't quite figure out.
I'm wondering - should I continue to wait?  or is it better to go ahead and make sure it is not ovarian cancer.  My symptoms are low back pain, bladder problems, abdominal pain (sometimes I cannot stand up straight) and general tirdness/lack of energy.
Thank you

[Linda J]

Hi, I am so glad you are deciding not to wait on this. Chances are things are benign, but there is no point in watching. Please keep us posted. The ladies in this gorup are a wonderful sounding board.

Linda J

[Linda J]

At 54, I am surprised they are suggesting that you wait. I had a left ovarian cyst (3cm.) that we watched for 60 days and my gyne said at age 50, that was plenty long to wait for resolution. I had it and my left ovary removed in March ( all benign). If I were you, I'd have it out now. I think you've waited long enough.

Linda J

[Gatsby]

I would say that you should go ahead and have it removed (my opinion).
Also, get a 2nd opinion from a gny/onc.  They are specialists and have seen everything.  A gyn/onc would give you the best advise as to what course of action to take.  You are in my thoughts and prayers.  Godspeed
~Tascha

[BJ Alden]

Thank you for all the responses/comments.  I initially thought I was overreacting, but I did call back my doctor today and my husband and I have a surgery consultation with him on August 15.  He feels surgery is the best way to go.  I am also having the 125 blood test tomorrow (can't remember the exact name).  He did explain that the blood test can flucuate, but he just wanted to make sure it isn't way out of line.  He also mentioned again that I have a cyst on each ovary (I missed that the first time we talked) the right ovary a bit smaller cyst than the 5cm on the left. Anyway - they will be taking out both cysts and most likely both ovaries then doing the biopsy.  I feel much better that I am addressing this without too much delay.

[scoutshadow]

I would go with what the doctor said.  Your symptoms are a bit worrying - do they worry you?

I take it you had the uterus removed but not the cervix and hence the pap smears.

Are you post menopausal?