Need Advice Please

[mikaylasmom]

Hi, I am new to this board and am so thankful I found it.  My mom and my aunt died of ovarian cancer years ago.  I am 43, never had a pregnancy and took fertility drugs - so I am higher risk for ovarian cancer.  I found out yesterday that I have a 1.8 cm non-specific cyst on my left ovary (through US).  My GYN thinks it is nothing and the radiologist report said because of my family history to follow up in 8 weeks with another US.  My sister-in-law scanned me again (US tech) and she doesn't think it is anything either.  She said it looked like a hemorrhagic cyst.  I can't help but be scared!  I am so worried!!  I have an eight year old daughter, and all I can think of is how much she needs me.  My question to any of you, do you think I should just sit tight and wait like the Dr. and radiologist suggests, or should I ask to be referred to an GYN oncologist for removal of the cyst?  I know it is considered small (I think) and I have heard it is common.  I am having a lot of back pain but thought I had a herniated disk.  The GYN doc said the cyst is too small to be causing back pain.  Any insight would be apprecaited.  Thank you.
Lisa

[mikaylasmom]

My doctor did not want to do the CA-125 right now since it has such a high rate of false positives - especially since I have a cyst.  I usually get the CA-125 once per year along with the TVUS and is has always been normal - around the 5-7 range.  When my mom was Dx with late stage 4 OVCA her CA-125 was 10,000 - the most her GYN OC had ever dealt with.  She live five years after DX - she was given only 6 months, so we felt very blessed to have the "extra" time with her.

[marie3B]

Have you had a CA125 blood test yet? They are not 100% reliable, but would give you a bigger piece of the picture. It would not hurt to talk to a gyn/ onc considering your family history. Because of my family history I had to have yearly CA125s and transvaginal ultra-sounds. I wish you the best possible outcome. Marie

[msjazz]

My personal opinion would be to see a gyn/onc considering your mother and aunt had ovca. Be sure and let the doctors know about them also. Early detection and surgical removal by gyn/onc is the key, if it should be cancer. About 87% are benign, but the family history as you mention bumps up risk. best wishes