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Worried about ovarian cancer
My maternal Aunt passed away from Ovarian cancer almost 4 years ago. I have had "female" problems since as far back as I can remember. At the age of 34, last year I had a LAVH & RSO (due to adenomyosis and small recurrent ovarian cysts). Ever since then I have had bowel problems (diahrrea and constant bloating. I also lost about 35 lbs and within 3 weeks gained it all back. I always feel full and sick.) and underwent a coloscopy just last month. After the coloscopy I began to have LRQ pain which sent me to the ER. After a CT scan they thought that I had early appendicitis which proved to be false. During this a 4.1 cm complex septated cyst was found on my left ovary. A week later a CY scan with contrast dye was performed to find a complex 4.7 cm complex cyst. Then an ultrasound was ordered which confirmed that the cyst was complex but smaller than first suspected. I had a CA-125 test on tuesday and still awaiting the results. I know that most cysts are not cancer but I can't stop thinking about the negatives. I don't know what to do...
I'm 36 and I had a laparascopy in Nov 2005 to remove a cyst on my left ovary. My GYN removed the left ovary along with the cyst, which turned out to be a functional ovary with a simple cyst. But because of adhesions either caused by PID or endometriosis, she said the ovary could not be saved. Now, in July 2006 I have an ovarian mass on my right ovary, which depending on which ultrasound I choose to believe, is between 4.3 and 8 cm. I was referred to an oncologist and her ultrasound shows the cyst at 8 cm with solid components, so she wants to operate immediately. My holistic women's doctor on the other hand, did an ultrasound and his reports the cyst is about 4 cm, which is what it was in April.
Needless to say I'm freaked out. My CA-125 score was a bit elevated at 75, but I have fibroids and possibly endometriosis, which would cause it to be elevated. My main concern of course, is ovarian cancer. Both doctors say they don't believe I have cancer, but the oncologist says she can't tell me that for sure without surgery. And a close second concern is trying to save my only remaining ovary if the cyst turns out to be another simple cyst, endometrioma, or dermoid cyst. Removing the right ovary would nix my plan to have a child and could throw me into early menopause.
I got a second opinion from another GYN/oncologist and based on the report I gave her from my oncologist, she also said surgery was my best option and that my right ovary might not be able to be saved during the procedure.
Please help. When I talk to holistic practitioners they give me hope that I can shrink the cyst by changing my diet, using herbal supplements and vitamins, and by changing my thinking/lowering my stress. But the gyns/oncologists just see the potential for cancer and want to operate. The concern is valid, but I don't want to have another surgery unecessarily. I have a CAT scan tomorrow and hope that that will turn out fine.
Can anyone give me advice?
Needless to say I'm freaked out. My CA-125 score was a bit elevated at 75, but I have fibroids and possibly endometriosis, which would cause it to be elevated. My main concern of course, is ovarian cancer. Both doctors say they don't believe I have cancer, but the oncologist says she can't tell me that for sure without surgery. And a close second concern is trying to save my only remaining ovary if the cyst turns out to be another simple cyst, endometrioma, or dermoid cyst. Removing the right ovary would nix my plan to have a child and could throw me into early menopause.
I got a second opinion from another GYN/oncologist and based on the report I gave her from my oncologist, she also said surgery was my best option and that my right ovary might not be able to be saved during the procedure.
Please help. When I talk to holistic practitioners they give me hope that I can shrink the cyst by changing my diet, using herbal supplements and vitamins, and by changing my thinking/lowering my stress. But the gyns/oncologists just see the potential for cancer and want to operate. The concern is valid, but I don't want to have another surgery unecessarily. I have a CAT scan tomorrow and hope that that will turn out fine.
Can anyone give me advice?
no, no difference
MEDICAL PROFESSIONAL
Hello ,
It sounds like you have had a great work up. Your doctor is paying very close attention to you. I assume that at the time of your LAVH&RSO (laparoscopically assisted vaginal hysterectomy and right salpingo-oophorectomy), your surgeon was able to see your left ovary. So one of my questions would be, how did your left ovary look at the time of your surgery last year? If it looked normal, then you should feel fairly reassured. You are right; most cysts are benign. In fact, with the description of your cyst, I might wait a month and repeat the ultrasound. It may be a cyst of ovulation and be gone next month. The Ca 125 can help guide a decision about looking surgically but it might be mildly elevated if your have any inflammation, or endometriosis ( a benign condition).
With your family history of ovarian cancer, another question that you might want to explore with your doctor is whether you should have that ovary removed as a prophylactic measure. At your age, it is very reasonable to consider a low dose of estrogen replacement to prevent menopausal symptoms.
I do not know if your bloating, diarrhea, and weight change are related or due to other factors. When you say you had a
It sounds like you have had a great work up. Your doctor is paying very close attention to you. I assume that at the time of your LAVH&RSO (laparoscopically assisted vaginal hysterectomy and right salpingo-oophorectomy), your surgeon was able to see your left ovary. So one of my questions would be, how did your left ovary look at the time of your surgery last year? If it looked normal, then you should feel fairly reassured. You are right; most cysts are benign. In fact, with the description of your cyst, I might wait a month and repeat the ultrasound. It may be a cyst of ovulation and be gone next month. The Ca 125 can help guide a decision about looking surgically but it might be mildly elevated if your have any inflammation, or endometriosis ( a benign condition).
With your family history of ovarian cancer, another question that you might want to explore with your doctor is whether you should have that ovary removed as a prophylactic measure. At your age, it is very reasonable to consider a low dose of estrogen replacement to prevent menopausal symptoms.
I do not know if your bloating, diarrhea, and weight change are related or due to other factors. When you say you had a
I made a mistake in my earlier post. The cyst is "IN" the ovary and not on it. Sorry. Does that make a difference in it possibly being cancer?
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