Ovarian teratoma 10 cm

[AVIckers]

I have sciatic-like right leg pain for four years progressively worsening. My spine doctor found abnormality on my right ovary from ct scan. MRI this week confirmed results. My question - could this 4 inch tumor on my right ovary be the cause of my right leg nerve pain??

[Annekathryn Goodman, M.D.]

Hi There
the ovarian tumor could cause leg pain if it is the right place.
the sciatic nerve comes out of the spine at the level of the tail bone, it then immediately goes down the back of the leg via the buttocks.
So an ovarian tumor would only cause sciatic nerve pain if it was lodged behind the uterus and up against the tail bone.
However, I would recommend talking with your doctor about surgically remving this mass.
please let us know how things go
take care

[Annekathryn Goodman, M.D.]

Hi There
thank you so much for the follow up.
that is wonderful news. I am so glad you are doing well
best wishes

[AVIckers]

Surgery was a huge success! Dr. Giselle Ghurani at Florida Hospital Cancer Institute (Finkler's group) is brilliant, compassionate, yet cool and hip. I loved having a woman doctor - much more gentle with my virgin surgery body. Removed cantaloupe-sized tumor encasing right ovary, larger than originally thought. I have pictures - but don't want to scare the children! She video taped the surgery for me too. Tennis ball-sized fibroid on uterus. Both benign as expected. 2% malignancy rate. Decided to have full hysterectomy anyway. Laparoscopic and robotic. Four 1" incisions above my belly button. Removed organs vaginally.

My sister had her uterus removed in 1985 and was out of work for six weeks. I had a full hysterectomy and teratoma tumor on Friday and was back at work on Monday (albeit at home because I wanted it that way).

The miracles of modern day med tech. Gotta love what you do!

Thank you so much for helping me figure this out!

[Annekathryn Goodman, M.D.]

Hi There
you cannot go wrong with either of those doctors in Florida. They are wonderful.
The decision about what is the safest surgical approach can only be made by the surgeon who examines you and reviews your films. Some tumors that are 10 cm can be removed laparoscopically if they are not stuck or there is no concern for malignancy. But 10 cm can be a bit big to try and fish out through a 1 cm incision.
I defer to either Dr Orr or Finkler when they see you
best wishes.Please let us know what happens

[AVIckers]

Thank you. The tumor is behind my right ovary instead of on the front. Doesn't that make it closer to the sciatic nerve? Is it likely the mass can be removed laparascopically? I am researching gynecologic oncologists in Florida. I have access to all of them but don't know which one to choose. Can you make some recommendations? I'm looking at Mayo Clinic, Finkler's group in Orlando (he doesn't do surgery any longer), Dr. James Orr in Naples. I also have access to University of Alabama Birmingham (UAB). Initially, I was referred to Dr. Ross Berkowitz at the Brigham but I don't want to risk the snow/ice in Boston.