borderline cells not found in removed tissue,but still found in wash

[royaltudor]

My question is, has anyone ever had tissues/organs removed with no signs of cancer on them, but the abdominal wash has cancer cells in it? Could it be coming from the original cyst that was removed a month before? Is it maybe from the other ovary that wasn't removed? Should my doctor have done a full hysterectomy or tested some of my lymph nodes?
My gyn/oncologist said she hasn't seen that before and is taking it to her team. But what could it be?
My CA125 was 34.2. It was the first time I've had it taken. I know it's under the norm of 35, but is it sort of high? Just worried and scared.

[Dee09]

I'm not clear on what the original cyst was.  If it wasn't cancer, I wouldn't think that cancer cells in your abdominal cavity would be from the cyst.  A malignant cyst could slough off cells or spread them by rupturing during surgery.   Did they take any samples before they removed the cyst?  I had a malignant tumor in my abdominal cavity and cancer cells in the ascites but nothing in the organs so it's possible.  

[gls2824]

It's really an interesting question.  I recently had a total abdominal hysterectomy due to a mass in my right ovary.  It was LMP/borderline and there was no other evidence found except in the washing.

My gynoc was adamant that this is NOT considered ovarian cancer (and the doctor on this forum seems to agree as does Memoral Sloan Kettering, etc.).  My gynoc is very well known in the field and is listed in many directories as one of the best in the country so I tend to believe him.  He has 30 years of experience.

But, this could be a question of which came first.  I guess there's no telling whether I had the cells first and the mass developed after, or vice versa.

To Teresa's point, how was the cyst removed?  Could some cells have sloughed off during the surgery?  If it's all LMP/borderline, then consider yourself very lucky (I do!).

[Teresa222]

You need to give more details. How was the cyst removed? (What type surgery?) Did the GYN/ONC do the initial surgery?

Most likely, no one will be able to give you a specific answer even with all the details. This disease is such a mysterious one. It develops in different manners in just about everyone who has it.  Please complete your profile so that we will be able to remember your situation in the future.