Symptoms of ovarian cancer

[Shari36]

Hi. My fear has always been that I would get ovarian cancer. I had an ednovaginal Ultrasound last week and the report said I had a very small "complex ovarian mass." My OB said to go back in 10 weeks to see if there are changes. I have symptoms that could be related to many things; such as, frequuent urination, pain during ovulation, low iron. Is my doctor taking enough precautions? I am a 2 year thyroid cancer survivor and am scared. I had several pregnancies followed by miscarriages during my teens due to abuse. Does that lower or raise my risk? I did not tell the tech. I had been pregnant before. I was so embarrassed. What do you all think?

[rmarie]

Scared is a very normal feeling when they say ovarian mass, and then you google it and up pops ovarian cancer, add to that a history of cancer, you have the right.  .  You don't say how small the mass is.  I believe they recommend surgery for cysts over 3cm.  Complex as you probalby know by now is both fluid and solid components.  The symptoms come with both cysts and cancer.  Since you are premenopausal, you could have a CA 125, however it is not very reliable in women who are still menstrating.  Your OB is probably looking for increase in size, the mass could be benign, the majority of ovarian masses are.  If you are uncomfortable with the time span, ask for a compromise and go to 6 or 8 weeks.  Get a copy of your scan, don't just accept what they tell you over the phone, ask for a copy when they tell you what the findings are.  The second opinion should be with a Gyn/Oncologist, not because I believe it is cancer, but because they are the best surgeons to treat you, they have an additional 3 years in treating women's Gyn needs.  They do not deliver babies, only do Gyn surgery and the surgery required for women who have Gyn cancers.  Hope this helps

[kittymama]

I think pregnancy lowers your risk of o/c.  I would not wait 10 weeks.  I would try to get a second opinion.

[CareyG]

I would put your question to Dr. Goodman in the "Ask a Dr Forum".  If you look on the left hand side of the screen you will see the link.

I am not a doctor or an expert but I think if you are experiencing fear and symptoms and the ultrasound showed a complex mass, at the very least I would insist on a CA125 test.  Keep in mind that could be elevated for any number of reasons not related to cancer, especially if you are pre menopausal.

Listen to yourself and your body.  Why not get a second opinion, preferably from a gyn onc?  

Best wishes to you and if I could also suggest talking to a health pro about the emotional issues surrounding your early abuse.

Good Luck to you!