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can they tell if a cyst is cancerous by a CT Scan?

Can they tell if a cyst is cancerous just by a CT scan???  My CA125 was said to be ok.  I have read about some of the symptoms, and I am not trying to be psycho symatic, but I really believe I have alot of the symptoms...the three main ones are severe lower back pain..very painful when I go to bed and when I wake up...I take sleeping pills to help me go to sleep, by about 3-4:00 am My back is hurting so bad I can not sleep an at the same time I feel like someone is pulling my right hip off along with my ribs and right kidney...finally after a few hours then I just have a study ache the rest of the day.  I am very bloated and have heart burn alot and one minute I am constipated and it hurts so bad to bear down..really bad and then the next minute I can bearly make it to the toilet and the same goes for my kidneys!!!! I had a dream last night that I had cancer...it is funny how your mind can get over active.  I am firmly believing that everything is ok since my CA125 was said to be "okay" and all these problems that I am having is because the cyst is enlarge.  It was 4cm in september when I had my partial hysterectomy and now it is 12cm...that still does'nt sound too big does it. So back to my question...can they tell if it is cancerous wit just a CT Scan and can you have these symptoms wit a benign cyst???  Tanks in advance for your help and kindness.
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Avatar universal
Did you get a pelvic and trans vaginal US yet???  The other markers my Dr.'s test are beta HCG, LDL, and something else by a blood draw.  These will be increased with some malignant cysts.  I have been in remission for 3 yrs. after a diagnosis of ovarian dysgerminoma at age 22.
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Avatar universal
my dr just found a 3.57cm cyst on my right cyst. she said she didnt think it was anything bad but is sending me for a CT of my abdomen and pelvis. i'm 21 years old, isnt 3.57cm kinda big 4 my age?
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Avatar universal
Actually, 12 cm is a rather big cyst.  Yes, the same symptoms occur from benign conditions as from malignant conditions.  That is one of the problems with diagnosing ovarian cancers.

The value of the ct scan, or of an mri, is that the scan will show if there is any spread of the mass into surrounding tissues.  I did not have a ct or mri when I was tested prior to my surgery last year.  It was obvious from my ultrasound that the fallopian tube and the ovary were 'compromised' by the cyst, and my doctor simply proceeded with my surgery in the manner of checking diligently for malignancies in the process of the removal of the cyst.  

I am curious as to why no one discussed the cyst with you when it was first discovered at 4 cm, or why it was not removed during your previous surgery if it existed at that time.  However, it now appears that your doctor is following the proper courses of action to study your condition prior to surgery.
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Avatar universal
If it is a cyst it is best to remove it because while it may shrink or drain on its own it has a high recurren rate beause the sack that surronds the fluid usually remains behind. Untill this sack or pouch is removed you will always have a chance of getting a cyst.

I am surprised your docotr cannot tell if it is a cyst or not, an ultrasound may be a better option in your case.
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Avatar universal
I had a trans vaginal...that is what started all of this!!!  I went in to have my hormones checked and it all turned into this mess!!!  She did a pelvic and then ordered the U/S.
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thanks for the info...that is encouraging to know.  Since sept-oct it has tripled in size so it is probally safe to say it is just a fluid filled benign cyst.  That gives me some relief!!  Thanks!
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Avatar universal
well, I had a different doctor when I had my hyst.  He never informed me of any cyst.  I ended up getting a huge blood clot in the wound area and it would slide around in my stomac..it really was pretty gross...They had to CT it to be sure there was no staph infection.  I went to see this other gyn cause a girl that works with me has been going there for her hormones and she is doing much better..so I thought I would check her out since I have been so crabby and edgy and irratable.  When I had the CT pulled I read about this 4cm cyst as well as having diverticulitis!!!  The surgeon never said anything to me about either finding.  The report even said that the cyst needed to be followed up on.  My guess is, if the surgeon saw the cyst he must have known it was not cancerous and left it alone, or on the other hand he left it alnoe so I would have to come back and he could make more money! ;-)
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Avatar universal
I think it is very important that whenver you have a test done you ask for a copy of the report or a copy of the films if they have any findings.
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Avatar universal
the doctor never told me it was a true cyst...the doctor that did my hyst never even told me about the 4cm cyst then...I happen to run across that info from my last CT Scan.  The doctor that I have now said she is not sure wat it is.  She thought it could be fluid in my fallopian tube or a cyst..she was concerned that it could be cancerous..she said if it is not, we can just let it go, and watch it but since it is causing symptoms I may want to remove it but it would be major surgery.  I have a follow up next friday.  Her last comment to me when I left her office was, "it will be interesting to see what it is".  I have not talked to her since my CT, but will see her this friday.  So back to your comment..The doctor never really said what it is!  I do know one thing..I can not eat alot as when I do I get so full...I feel like I am pregnant!
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Avatar universal
Almost all cysts are benign and filled with sterile fluid.  Read the other post on ovarian cysts and read my comments.

If your doctor told you it was a true cyst it would be very very rare that it would be cancer.
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