Young and cancer?

[Whitneyerin7]

Hi I'm 24 years old and about two months ago I found out I had a very large cyst (about tennis ball sized) and a solid cyst on my left ovary (about golf ball sized). I didn't think it was significant because I've known other girls my age who had cysts and they resolved themselves. However, their cysts were much smaller. My family immediately went into action because, unknown to me, ovarian cancer runs in my family. I have a great-aunt who died on my mothers side and every other female since has had hysterectomies after pre-cancerous cells, tumors and solid cysts were found. On my father side my aunt became infertile at a young age due to pre-cancerous tumors on her ovaries and had them removed at age 30. My grandmother also had to have a hysterectomy for the same reasons. It's been two months and although my fluid filled cyst has gone away my solid cyst (or what the doctor sometimes refers to as a tumor) has not. They ordered a CA125 test and my blood levels came back elevated and borderline. i have not received another test yet. So far, I have seen one oncologist who had no clue about my charts and chalked it all up to my age. He didn't seem very competent in his job. He was very rude and told me to get used to it..."your young, these things resolve themselves." I'm in constant pain, My weight has gone up and down for the two months ranging from 117 to 103. I'm 5'2 so these weight changes are very noticeable. I have no appetite either and no energy which is very unusual for me. The doctors don't seem to know what to do because the oncologists won't see me and my gynecologist feels it is important for precaution to find one that will. Has anyone else gone through all these problems and should I be more worried? I'm just confused and very scared.

[leydengs]

Did you get an appointment?  How are things going?

[nyc lady]

I agree that you need to be seen and taken seriously, however, I am concerned about some of the information that you are recieving is not totally correct, there is no such thing as "pre-cancerous" when it comes to OvCa, so the family members either had OvCa or they didn't....also, genetically, the increased risk when a 2nd and 3rd degree relative has had OvCa, breast or colon, is extremely minimum, even less than the 10 percent increase if a 1st line relative (mother, sibling or father).    
However, you don't feel well, have concerns and need to have a doctor hear what you are feeling.  Keep pushing until you get answers.

[Whitneyerin7]

Thank you ladies! We found one close to my home town yesterday. Now it's just the waiting game to see if She'll take on my case and give me an appointment. Why they make you wait so much is frustrating. Thank you for the encouragement! I needed to hear that. :-D

[junamgen]

Totally agree with Becky.  You rather be safe than sorry, be persistent to have the answer about your symptoms.

Peace and Love

jun

[Tybear]

I don't mean to scare you by saying this but yes, I feel you should be more worried. Unfortunatley, many doctors believe this is an "old womans" disease and have a hard time looking outside that box. I was diagnosed at age 26 stage 3c. It can and dose happen to young women all the time.
The fact that your CA125 came back borderline means nothing - it is not a reliable marker, especially for someone who is pre-menopausal. It is usually more used once you've been diagnosed with cancer, as a marker to see if your chemotherapy is working.
Aside from the sheer fact that you have a family history (as in, that alone should be enough to make a doctor take you seriously) you are in constant pain and that is no way to live. You need to find a gynecological oncologist who will take your concerns seriously because, as Dian on this forum would tell you, you only have one chance to get this right.
I am in no way suggesting that the cyst/tumor you have is cancer - I just feel that you know your body best and you feel that something isn't right. You are obviously concerned and you need to find a gyne/onc who will take your concerns seriously.
I wish you the best of luck...I know how hard it can be to get a doctor to really listen to you but you do what you have to, to get someones attention, even if it means screaming at them :)
Becky