gyn onc

[Mic68]

Hi, I am new here and have a question.  My maternal grandmother had ovarian cancer in her 30's - and my mom, last year at 61, was thought to have it but when they did the surgery, found that it was pre cancerous.  My gyn had me get a ca 125 test which came back 35.  She did an US and found nothing.  6 months later did another ca 125 and it was 38 - did another US and found nothing. 8 months later (presently) did another ca 125 and it was 55 - did an US and found a small cyst (I don't know what kind - I now realize I should have asked) on my left ovary.  She said she wants my ovaries out but is sending me to a gyn onc for a 2nd opinion - appointment is in 1 week.
Question 1 ~ What does pre cancerous mean?
Question 2 ~ Does anyone know what a gyn onc typically does on the first visit? My paper said I could be there up to 4 hours.

[lew2010]

I was told by my oncology gyn specialist that it is virtually impossible to "watch" for ovarian cancer.  He said, think of a weed growing in a garden.  They spread to different parts of the garden, not in just one area.  He had a patient where the physical exam, ultrasound, vaginal ultrasound, CA-125test and internal camera all came back looking completely normal.  Turned out the patient had stage 4 ovarian cancer.   A very small tumor was hiding under one of the ovaries, and more cancer was found in her abdomen.   My maternal grandmother and great grandmother both died from ovarian cancer before age 50.   I made the tough choice and had it all taken out at age 42.  I just didn't want to face the possibility of ovarian cancer diagnosis.  Before finding this information out, I would think anyone was crazy to do this.   I guess we all make our own choices.  Make sure you don't leave any stone unturned in your investigation before making any decisions, and good luck.

[hopeshell]

Hi there,

Well, it does sound like your gyn is being very thorough and referring you to a gyn/onc was an excellent step.  

Question 1:   Pre-cancerous could mean different things depending on the type of cyst your mom had.   I wouldn't think they would have called a borderline tumor pre-cancerous, but that is a possibility.   Also, sometimes advanced endometriosis becomes a cancerous tumor.   I would be guessing to tell you ...it may mean different things to different doctors.  I would have your mother get a copy of her pathology and ask the gyn/onc about that one.  

Question 2:  You will get to talk with him/her in detail about your condition, his recommendations and your wishes.  You will get a pelvic exam and other tests may be ordered.  Often, my gyn/onc is running late because he has taken more time with the appointments before mine.  Since they want to answer all of the patient's questions and there is sometimes bad news that has to given to patients, their schedule is often not running on time.  I am guessing they give you that time window so you will be prepared if you have to wait.  But, the actual visit shouldn't take more than an hour.    If you are already scheduled for surgery, then the appointment could take that long if you have to go the hospital and walk through the pre-op checks.    Make sure you make a list of all of your questions because it can be easy to forget once your are in the office.  

I hope all works out for you to have a benign condition.  The CA-125 can elevate to that degree with benign cysts.  But, with your family history, I think you are right on track.  Keep us posted on how it goes!

Shelly