Ovarian Cancer?

[Sammydo]

Hi. Besides being diagnosed with a (at least 1) huge fibroid tumor, they also found a 9 cm cyst/tumor/growth on one of my ovaries. I'm caucasian, over 50, post menopausal & of Jewish descent. A complete hysterectomy is scheduled in 10 days & I'd like to know the following:
  ** Could the growth on my ovary also be a fibroid?
  ** Do they do the Staging during the surgery?
  ** If it is cancer, how soon after the surgery does chemotherapy start?
  ** How do I make this horrid fear go away?

Thank you for your time & expertise.
      Sammydo

[dmakkn]

If you do a search of "ovarian fibroma" in medhelp you will find several postings on this.  I had an ovarian fibroma and did not have staging at the time of surgery but later when it was questionable if it was cancer or not my doctor wish that they had.  I hope that your surgery is being done by a gyneological oncologist.
As far a worry...... try to keep your mind busy and research as much a possible so that you know what your doctor is talking about when he talks to you.

Take care,
dmakkn

[ireneo]

Wish I had the answers. I went in last Oct. for my usual pap smear. Next thing I knew I was going for this test and that test, told I have a fibroid in my uterus and a 9 cm cyst on my left ovary. Finally, this morning (it's 4:17am here) I'm headed to the hospital for surgery. In my case they're going to start with the one ovary (unless things are obviously bad in there). They'll test that and I have to wait a week for the results. Only if it's malignant will they have to worry about staging and chemo. But no one knows till they test it all. Wish I could make the fear go away. The only thing that will do that is when I get to come home to my own bed again. This has been a long wait. **I'm sure each doctor handles their patients differently. But trust me, I do know how you're feeling. Take care, stay busy. Hugs to you.