Ovarian Cancer and Signs

[Nykko]

About 3-4 yrs ago, I started feeling very mild abn discomfort deep in the lower lt quad. I followed up with my gyn and he rec a trans vag u/s. Pelvic exam was normal. TVU showed small cyst on right ovary. He suggested we repeat in 6 mos..we did and again..relatively normal exc for small cyst on rt side.  In the meantime, I sought the opinion of another gyn who also rec a tvu..normal.  So the first year , I had 3 tvu's(all the same--small cyst on RT ovary). I have had a tvu with each annual exam ('05,'06 ,07).  All normal except for the cyst that we always seen to catch on the rt.  Last month,  the nurse prac did feel a little swelling on the lt where the discomfort was but the tvu a wk later showed no fluid and normal sized ovaries with another cyst on the RT. This has been going on since 04, would we have seen growth if this was ovca?Is ovca ALWAYS a tumor? Could it also be subtle cell changes that won't show up as a mass thus go undetected on tvu? Should I push for laproscopy (Dr. says path doesn't indicate and that I shouldn't want such an invasive procedure with neg. path)?I should note that prior to this ( prior to 2004), I always have menstral cramping that was always worse on the left side in the same place as this mild discomfort.  It would radiate down my leg and up my back.  Pain is: More of a discomfort (1-2 on a scale of 10), Intermittent (sometimes I feel it for a week  or more each month then I don't notice it for 2-3 mos. No bleeding during sex or bet. Periods

[Anngus]

A related discussion, Could this become ovarian cancer? was started.

[tasey333]

A related discussion, strange symptoms was started.

[lcrecco]

I went to the gyno because I hadnt had a period in 4 months.  I thought maybe it was menapause (Im 43) the doctor told me no signs of starting menapause anytime soon.  She did find (with ultrasound) that I had a fibroid blocking my ovary causing my missed periods and pain.  All other tests came back normal.  She told me not to worry that this is very common and most of the time it will shrink its self and be gone.  Its been about 1 year now and I have bloating (I look like Im 6 months pregnant), lower pelvic pain, spotting, painful urnination, constant urination, when I do get my period its all clots.  Did this turn into something else?  What's the difference between fibroids and ovarian cysts?  how can you tell the difference?  Please Help.

[Loujille]

Hi, I always have a delayed menstruation. I normally have my monthly period every 2-3 months. I went to the doctor once to have a check-up and she said that I have hormonal imbalanced. She asked me to take a birth control pills but I didnt take her advise because I was planning to bear a child during that time.

I think my situation is getting worst now because its been 4-5 months and I still dont have my monthly period. I have a lower back pain and afraid to see a doctor. Somebody said that I might have myoma.

Is it possible to have myoma or cervical cancer if you have hormonal imbalance?

Please enlighten me.

Thanks

[cat33]

I went for my annual exam yesterday. Actually it had been two years. Back then they told me I had fibroid tumors the size of the tip of my pinkie after sonongram . Went back second time for another sonogram, they had doubled in size. Third time never got a resposnse from gyn . So when I asked yesterday what had happened to the fibroids. I was told they sometimes vanish after menopause. But on the last test they had found a cyst on my right overy. I'v never had pain and I don't bleed anymore since menopause but I have to return for a sonogram to check on the status of the cyst. I read that most of them usually disolve. Hoping it has nothing to do with cancer since my neurologist said my blood work indicated that I had paraneoplastic syndrome which is a cancer that usually starts in the uterus, overis, breasts or lungs.

[Annekathryn Goodman, M.D.]

Dear Nykko,

It sounds to me like you should push for a laparoscopy. You have had a persistent right ovarian cyst and discomfort for 3 years. It is time to look at it and maybe remove it. It is unlikely to be malignant as it has not changed.

Ovarian cancer is not always a cyst on the ovary. Sometimes it develops as a thickening alone the lining of the abdomen.
take care
ak