Ovarian Cysts

[jetra]

I had a partial hysterectomy over a year ago - left my ovaries.  A couple of months ago I developed severe pain and discovered I had developed 3 cysts on my right ovary - 4.5 cm, 2.8 cm and 3.3 cm and one 4.0 cm on my left.  During my followup ultra sound it is discovered that now - not in addition to, have one functional cyst on my left ovary about 15 mm that depics blood tissue as well and one complex cyst on my right ovary that is 15 mm that is suspicous.  The doctor has recommended that the ovary be removed.  They did a CA125 and the value was 12.  I have had issue with my bowels - always feel bloated and like I need to take laxitives. I eat small portions, no red meat and get plenty of fiber.  I am not over weight, 42 years old and do have a family history of ovarian cancer on mothers side but my mother did not have ovarian cancer - she had a full hysterectomy at age 40.  Should I go ahead and have my ovary removed?

[josse]

i had a total hystercomy on 31 mach this year and also removed the cervix as i had cin3 ,now i have an ovarian cyst on my right ovarie which neassures 55 by 47 is this bg they want to wait 2 months to see will it shrink and if it doesent it mesns more surgery ,can anyone tell me is that a big cyst thanks tracy can anyone talk back to me im 37

[Annekathryn Goodman, M.D.]

Hi There Josse

It is reasonable at your age to repeat a scan in 2 months. At age 37 , most cysts are related to the menstrual cycle and ovulation. They are a normal part of what ovaries do.  I would call a 5 cm cyst medium sized.
take care

[jetra]

I misunderstood.  It is actually a solid nodule on my right ovary.  The other cysts did go away.  I am having another ultrasound on the 21st of this month.  I can definitely feel it and it is uncomfortable.  The CA125 came back within normal range.  My regular doctor gets back from vacation the same day as my ultrasound.  Can nodules disappear or are they there until removed?  I am really hoping they can remove just the nodule and not my whole ovary.

[Annekathryn Goodman, M.D.]

Hi There,
one simple way to know if cysts are functional - that is- related to the ovarian - menstrual cycle is to wait a cycle or two and rescan. Cysts that are related to ovulation will be gone and be replaced by new cysts with the new cycle. A persistent or growing cyst may be a tumor benign or malignant.
Ca 125 is not a screen for cancer. The result just tells us that this cyst or tumor does not produce the CA 125 protein.

I am assuming that tha 4.5 cm, 2.8 cm,  3.3 cm and 4.5 cm cysts are gone? And you have a new cyst that is 1.5 cm?

If you are still having pain, that is a reason to consider a laparoscopy to evaluate. If the ovary looks abnormal it could be removed at the same time.

if you have a family history of ovarian cancer, you could also consider getting tested for BRCA 1 and 2 gene mutations. If you have a mutation, that is an absolute indication for the prophylactic removal of the ovaries and tubes

best wishes