Possible Ovarian Cancer?

[JenDemiRecs]

I've read quite a bit on the forum and unfortunately feel like the possibility of ovarian cancer seems likely at this point... I had been diagnosed with ovarian cysts almost two years ago, multiple cysts and some adhesions etc. One particularly large one on my left ovary and had surgery scheduled at that time. I had a job offer out of town, and while I was having some pretty sharp pains from it I made the decision to deal with it and cancel the surgery at the time. I started having some pretty prevalent pain in my left hip/leg and abdomen/groin shortly after, which has only gotten worse. Anyway recently it has gotten to the point where I am having severe mid back pain, the left leg/hip pain and very bad abdominal pain affecting my bowels etc. I had a colonoscopy and endoscopy at my doctors recommendation and the gastro also ordered a ct scan with contrast. The endo only resulted in a raised white blood cell count showing and a diagnosis of EOE. The colonoscopy was clean, but they found on that ct scan one 4-6cm cyst on my left ovary among the smaller ones. That makes it clear the one scheduled for surgery has not gone anywhere in the last couple years and my symptoms have gotten progressively worse. My primary care doctor simply gave me a referral to the obgyn and gave me no information on whether it was complex or not. I feel like the gastro office would not have called me so many times so urgently for nothing. But the appt they scheduled me was going to be several weeks later. I called the obgyn and brought to their attention that I had been scheduled to have this cyst removed a long time ago and made the choice not to at the time and they pulled my chart and the scan and immediately moved up my appt. which is just a standard appt with the obgyn scheduled for next friday. I've had a full work up by the gastro and by orthopedics to rule out any other issues. Everything is pointing to the cyst being the culprit. I'm 30 years old, I've had a  emergency hysterectomy (uterus was literally falling apart at time - which no one expected at the age I was either) but still have both ovaries, I also have a pacemaker and a family history of ovarian cancer. I've never been normal as far as the odds go. Symptoms are sharp pains in pelvis area, bloated feeling, trouble with bowels, very severe mid back pain, and sever left leg and hip pain, as well as severe migraines. I would greatly appreciate any feedback!

[junamgen]

You are heading the right direction. You must ask to have a gyn/onc standby during your surgery if you can not see one before.  Please take everyone else advice, try to make a list of questions before you see your dr next time, and get all of them answered at the appt.

Peace and Love
jun.

[bc0910]

I agree with the others your need to see a gyn/onc also I did not see a CA-125 test been done and that is a pretty good marker in ovarian cancer.  Does not mean you have it but is a normal test to help in the diagnosis.  Best of luck to you

[Jane39]

I would absolutely, with your history have this surgery done by a gyn/oncolgist.  I would get copies of the reports of your scans and other test and seeks one out ASAP, if possible.  You really only have one chance to get this done right, and it should be done by a gyn/oncologist.  Good Luck to you and please keep us posted if you don't mind.  

Jane

[seeker2185]

I would recommend seeing Gynecologic Oncologist to get the proper diagnosis so you can move forward with specific treatments.  It always amazes me how often I find OB/GYN's that seem to know very little about ovarain cancer...especially the more rare forms of the desease.  If you have it, the sooner you begin treatment the better.  I lost my daughter to ovarian cancer, she was 26, we wasted about 3 months chasing symptoms before getting the proper diagnosis.  That 3 months may have made a difference in the outcome.  Good luck to you.

[ireneo]

Most likely it is still just an ovarian cyst. The odds are less than 10% of malignancy. I know, but what if you're the 10%? Then they'll deal with it.

I've had erratic periods all my life with a history of cysts coming and going. I hit menopause and thought I was free and clear. Nope. I got all the symptoms you mentioned. Ended up in surgery and had a 10 cm cyst plus ovary and tube removed. No sign of cancer. Plus I have heart issues which they addressed before I went into surgery. Had a stress test, got started on a new medication to stabilize my heart rhythm (ha, that's funny). And here I am, 4 years later, doing just fine.

Give the surgery priority this time just to get it resolved. You will feel so much better. And if there is a sign of cancer, it's better to get it earlier rather than later.