persistent complex cystic mass(not growing or shrinking)

[ontariocanada]

I have been on here for a couple months now and when I started I had pretty well every symptom on the list for ovarian cancer.  My first U/S was mid November, and I was sent for it because of my symptoms.  I have had 2 CA125 tests about 3-4 weeks apart with the first result being 33 and the second being 37.  I am now booked to have laparotomy to remove left ovary with the mass and have everything else looked at however I have not had the symptoms bothering me in about 2 weeks now (other that a slight ache and odd twinge of pain) and wondering if I should bother.  My U/S report is as follows:

right ovary measures 2.8 x 2.0 x 3.3cm
left ovary measures 4.6 x 3.1 x 2.3cm
left adnexa, there is a complex cyst measuring 4.4 x 3.1 x 2.3cm.  This finding does not appear to have changed in comparison to the previous study.  It has thick wall and coarse internal echoes.

under opinion it summarizes that the abnormality is similar to previous 2 studies done Nov. 13 and Feb 8.  Its significance is uncertain and may be related to a nonresolving hemorrhagic cyst, endometrioma, cystic teratoma or other cystic ovarian neoplasm.  And then says to see a gyno.

My question is, if it isnt changing then is there really a chance that it is cancer?  And if it isnt cancer, and I am not being bothered with symptoms any longer, should I bother going through with the surgery that will put me out of commission for 6 weeks.  I am not worried about losing an ovary or anything, I am 36 years old with 4 children and had my tubes done 12 years ago.  Any opinions would be appreciated.

[ontariocanada]

so you guys were right about the symptoms coming back.  I once again look 7 months pregnant and the pressure on the bottom of my rib cage/lungs is unbelievable, it is so hard to breathe sometimes.  Good thing I didnt cancel the surgery.

[Sue838383]

Wait for your surgery. The Dr's will order other tests if they need to. You are feeling well. Use this time to prepare for surgery witha good diet high in protein, iron, exercise so your stomach muscles are strong, drink plenty of water and above all RELAX! It is being taken in hand and you can't push it. If you have in your case - your worst case senario - your ovaries are normal size and there is no evidence of other problems. If it is cancer, it is contained and has been caught early, success of treatment is very high. So again RELAX!
My thoughts are with you. Sue.

[ontariocanada]

Thanks for the advice.  I am going to keep my surgery date,and actually call the office tomorrow to see if there has been any luck in moving it up.  I am still feeling pretty good (knock on wood) and I am hoping and praying that I stay feeling this good right up until surgery.  Do you think that I should be having any other tests done such as redoing the ca125 or just leave it alone and wait for surgery?

[Sue838383]

Hi, The reason the Dr's are wanting to do a laparotomy is to have a good visual of what is going on which is priceless. They can also do frozen sections of tissue to diagnose during surgery. CT's can only detect abnormalities of 1cm and greater. Ultra sounds are even less specific.
My experience of OVCA is that symptoms seem to go in a cycle of flaring up and then settling down for a while where I feel absolutly normal. It is worth putting your mind at rest; you have 4 children who need you. From what you have written you have a 1 in 4 chance of it being OVCA. If it is, it is far better to deal with the issue early. Six weeks of your activity being compromised is nothing compared to repeated months of inactivity and compromise if you miss a cancer diagnosis. Sue.

[gah_70]

OK, say you don't have surgery, and this all passes.  But then, in maybe 3 months, it all starts over again?  Do you really want to go through all this again?  I mean, you've come this far, and have lived with the constant wondering what's going on in there.  I can't tell you to have the surgery, but the peace of mind alone is worth considering. Just because there isn't much change doesn't necessarily mean it isn't cancer.  I'm not trying to worry you, but what's there didn't happen overnight.  The unfortunate thing is that none of us know how fast it grows.

Best wishes to you.  Please let us know what you decide to do.

Gail