complex adnexal mass

[mtai019]

Hi..I just had an ultrasound that included the internal ultrasound results were as follows:

- complex right adnexal mass with solid and fluid material and maximum diameter of 5 cm, the other ovary is fine
- endometrium is 9mm.  I was recommended to go the gynacologist and that a CT scan may be helpful if further assessment is required pre-operatively.

I have my appt in 5 days to follow up with the gynacologist

Some of the reserach I have done suggests that any solid mass needs to be operated on. Is this correct?  Or could I still go under the "wait and see" scenario and they monitor the mass. I think I have had other symptoms such as:

Some discomfort in the area

I am a month overdue from my period

My bowel movements are slighty different (although this may not be the case) but still regular

I feel more fatigue (I do high intensity exercise)

I am 31, generally v. healthy (although I realise this does not exclude me from more serious outcomes) although my mother has had ovarian cancer herself before too.

If I do have to get surgery can you get laser or what does it entail AND can you still be fertile if they only remove one ovary.  

sooo many questions, I guess I can fire then at the specialist when I see them however I just want to know more.

[kcd86]

"When you said to get an MRI of the pelvic / abdomen region do you mean that this is going to give more accurate information than a CT?"

Absolutely, an MRI will be very precise if given and read by a radiologist who specialises in Gyn/Oncolgy diseases as we found out.
A Gyn/Oncolgy surgeon will know to do an MRI.

I am not sure where you live but I would go to a teaching/cancer center  that treats a large number of Gyn/Oncology patients, these centers will have vast experience in treating specific Gyn/Onc diseases if this turns out to be the issue. They will also have radiologists who specialize in oncology.
Good Luck

[mtai019]

thank you for you feedback. I will ensure I have all of the information to take with me.  Unfortunately I just tried to get in with the GYN that could see me as soon as possible however I will call the surgery and ask about their bckground and experience. I agree I hve to be my own advocate and work out what is best for me.

When you said to get an MRI of the pelvic / abdomen region do you mean that this is going to give more accurate information than a CT?  I saw that my radiographer recommended a CT.  

[chelan3]

It is very important to be your own advocate too often people take what our dr says as law, when really we know our own bodies and if something doesn't feel right we need to speak up.  
Kevin gave you great advice.  I would only add to ask for copies of all the bloodwork, tests, etc for your own records.  

Take care.
Debbie

[kcd86]

Hi, I am an RN and my wife was recently Dx with granulosa Cell cancer( GCT) Jan 2010. Tests like sonograms, Cat scans and MRI's along with blood tests like CA125, Inhibin A&B, MIS and CEA are just used as a guides for the Dr's to help assist in making a diagnoses(Dx). Based on your sonogram report, family history and symptoms unfortunately with any type of ovarian mass surgery will be the only way for the Dr's too make a definitive Dx. It is NOT recommended to biopsy any ovarian mass as it will rupture and seed the pelvis with cancer cells if that what it turns out to be.  Please make sure they drew your blood for the following blood tests,Inhibin A&B, CA125 and CEA so at the very least you have baseline blood work.
Since there is some suspicion based on your sonogram I would immediately find a good GYN/Oncologist surgeon. I would reccomend going to a large tiertiary hopsital where they see large volumes of patients.  This is not to make you worry even more but to make sure that the Dr who treats you has vast experience with diagnosing and treating various types of GYN / Onc issues if that is what it turns out to be. If the Dr wants to remove the cyst/mass via laprascopic procedure PLEASE make sure they have much experience with removing these INTACT! All too often I read posts from patients who say their Dr thought it was a cyst and removed it haphazardly causing a rupture and seeding of the pelvis with cancer cells, only to be found on pathology post removal.
Next: From experience I would be asking for an MRI of the abdomen/pelvis which should be read by a Radiologist that specializes in GYN/ONC they can be pretty precise. My wife went to a radiology practice that does all types of MRI's and the Radiologist read her MRI as a fibroid. I then took her to Sloan Kettering in NYC to see a GYN/ONC surgeon Dr Carol Brown who had the MRI repeated by a GYN/ONC Radiologist who called her DX to the tee which was confirmed after surgery.
The best advice you see all over these posts is you have to be your own advocate, be aggresive and stay on top of your phycicians. Post with any other questions you have this site has some very knowledgeable people on it. I wish you all the best
Kevin