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148354 tn?1211233906

complex cyst

what is difference between a simple and complex cyst? all my transvaginal/ultrasounds come back abnormal.Report : right ovary is enlarged (golf ball size dr claims) 4.4 cm,3.3 cm.,3.1 cm.Left  ovary is 2.6cm,1.2 cm,1.0 cm. there are some low level internal echos and possible a thin internal septation.No free pelvic fluid.right ovary contains 1.9 cm complex cyst likely represents a benign ovarian cyst complicated by hemorrhage or infection.Follow up scanning in 8-10 weeks is recommended to exclude other cystic ovarian pathology.No other abnormalities.
   Ok my question is what is "abnormal"?  about the ultrasound?the cyst was found 4 months ago, the cyst isnt big,has anyone else had similar reports,and what did it mean? along with this have severe upper and lower abdominal pain,pelvic pain,nausea,back/leg pain,bloating/swelling (especially in legs now)constant urge to urinate,(burning)rectal pressure,bowel probs,heartburn,excess "trapped" gas,constant stomach/bowel rumbling,hair loss,weight loss,lack of appetite.I dont know if the cyst is cause of all the discomfort since it isnt but size of marble.I go to gyno 1-22,anything I should expect to be told? a lil worried.Thanks~Steph (28 yrs old,family history of reproductive cancer)
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148354 tn?1211233906
Hi! hope your feeling better today,I'm having rough day tooday..ugh..just to feel normal and healthy again!
   Just wanted to let you know you been in my thoughts and prayers! *hugs*
        Stephanie

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Avatar universal
s13
Hey Stephanie, keep me posted on what's going on.  Glad to hear you have an appt. on Mon.  Not feeling too well today, so I'll reply more in depth (w/ some possible insight) tomorrow.  Take care & I'll be thinking about ya.  Peace.
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148354 tn?1211233906
Hi,thank you for your reply! I have better understanding now of what it all means.I did have laparscopy in Aug '06 to check for endometriosis,none found.Also had colonoscopy in May '06,endoscopy,everything normal,appendix out Oct 27 06,that is when cyst was discovered on catscan for appendicitis,had emergency surgery..to this day pain is worse and symptoms.Week later on ultrasound showed cyst and ovary enlarging.This pain and symptoms started back as far as last yr (feb-march'06)prior to this I did have ibs, but flare ups,certain foods trigger episodes,unlike now,this pain and symptoms are ongoing daily basis and just getting worse so I dont believe its just IBS,could be just innocent cyst wreaking havoc,or maybe cancer,either way I wanna know to ease anxiety and the pain to end.I beleive the cyst has been there for some time,in sept'06 went to urgent care for lower abdominal pain,had pelvic and dr felt my right ovary was enlarged.After appendix out I thought I would feel better since my pcp said I had "Chronic" inflammation" for few months,and was just on enough antibotics to keep it at bay before rupturing.Well that hasnt offered any relief and I'm just going mental..10 months is enough!I have gyno appt this monday..lets pray this dr will give me an answer! ty for letting me vent..! God Bless You! I will keep in touch,  Stephanie
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Avatar universal
s13
Hey, ms_makita...a simple cyst typically has a uniform shape; think of a balloon filled w/ water; a complex cyst, however, has internal walls (septations) w/in the cyst.  Other solid substances may be floating w/in also.  A simple cyst usually goes away w/ out any treatment, w/in a few wks.  A complex cyst is more concerning, especially after menopause.  The septations w/in the complex cyst may represent new increasing blood flow (vascular), which may be related to Cancer.  On your report, a possible thin internal septation, represents that the "complex" cyst may be in the beginning stages of forming (since the report stated "possible & thin";  "no free pelvic fluid" is an excellent sign, as this may represent metastasis from Ovarian Cancer.  I think the dr. is just stating that, other than the complex cyst, there is nothing there that shouldn't be...does that make sense?  Your symptoms are a major red flag, & shouldn't "wait 8-10 wks." per your dr.  You need to start getting testing done right away.  If anything, you think the dr. would order an exploratory laparoscopy;  this would at least give them a chance to get a decent internal view.  Di you have a personal history of gynelogical problems?  If so, they should be taking all precautions necessary.  If you have any family history of Colon, Breast, or Ovarian Cancer, the dr. should order a colonoscopy as well (a fecal occult blood test wouldn't hurt either).  Have they even been doing a urinalysis at each visit?  That's important as well.  If your dr. won't listen, go & get a 2nd opinion (hell, a 3rd & 4th - whatever it takes) until you get a proper definite diagnosis; don't settle for the IBS, diverticulitis, etc...unless they positively surgically diagnose it!  Keep me posted!  Read my posts, beginning on 1-22-07...I've read aggressively about my health problems the past 5 yrs., to avoid ignorance & being dismissed.  My OBGYN has praised me for learning so much & welcomes my opinion; trust me, they're out there - go find them!  I'll pray for ya, peace.
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Avatar universal
You made me laugh - thank you.  About his mothers mystery ovaries (LOL).  My husband's mom is kinda that way as well and we do have some of the same issues (joint, neck pain, sinus, etc.) and I do love her very much (actually, she is a 5-year survivor of breast cancer). BUT, to my husband, "Marriage 101" - DO NOT EVER COMPARE YOUR WIFE TO YOUR MOTHER!!!  My husband doesn't like seeing me in pain and I am supposedly at the best doctor now, so he's at a loss as well.  I just wish he'd go to counseling with me to talk this through because he doesn't talk about or show emotion very much.  He thinks I'm at the end of the line and if this doctor didn't find anything, then it's all stress related.  I've printed out a couple posts from here for him to read, but I don't think he has.  I'm going to print out more that show him how frustrating it is to get the doctor to listen and then some of the awful end results of the doctors not listening.  Hopefully then he'll understand a little more.  He is a kind man, just emotionally inmature, I believe.  But when he started rambling on yesterday about his mother and how he's lived with this for 45 years, I was stunned.  His mom used to call his dad home from business trips with ailments and then he'd get home and nothing would be wrong.  I guess that happened alot.  But, I'm not his mother and I've never done anything like that!  Oh, well, now I'm rambling.  Try and keep up spirits!  Talk soon.  Lilly
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148354 tn?1211233906
I was hoping you would get some answers! I've been praying hard for us all! this is beyond torment.On top of physical pain,mental toll it is taking,the loved one's you expect to be there for you are turning into jerks,I was told same thing by bf I'm beginning to be like his mother (hypochondriac).My family has been great and patient,I understand it takes toll on everyone.I was going to get engaged to this man but in past 4 months I seen his "other" side so I'm getting dose of what I might have to deal with in future,second thoughts.If he cant bare with me through this or if things take a turn for the worse,screw him.Better to walk away now than to marry and be miserable with someone who cant be there emotionally for me and constant quilt trips.Nice to find these things out, sooner the better.I told him shove that engagment ring up his you know what after he told me he didnt want to marry his "mother",but she really is a hypochrondiac,since my pain started she claims her ovaries are hurting to,ummm, she has no ovaries..haha! that is a hypochrondiac!
     I have no idea how to get dr to take us seriously.Wait and see approach is just not right when your in pain,they wouldnt let a dog suffer like this.With patience we will get back on our feet,hopefully soon.I want to enjoy this summer,I missed out on so many events because of this.I dont know what I'd do without this site ,everyone is so great on here and the support! ty for letting me vent! keep in touch,
           Stephanie
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148354 tn?1211233906
I'm in relationship but havent been in the "mood" he has been understanding up to now but of course  he is getting cranky..sex is last thing on my mind,haha,but at this point I think its best to just back  off cause the pressure of relationship is getting too much..,and he has lately been a jerk,said to me last night to quit talking about this and it isnt his "problem" and it is depressing him,selfish eh? I dont constantly "talk" about my fears, but that floored ,  and hurt me,  last thing I need is a jerk to deal with!
      My gyno appt is next Monday so not a long wait.I dread this time of month on top of the other pain,its beyond unbearable,put me on morphine drip! I havent been taking any pain pills or nothing ,nothing helps this,pain pills will back me up so thats why I avoid them.I'm trying to lay off the laxative but still having problems,even after I get cleaned out I dont feel any better,must be the cyst pressing on bowel/rectum making me feel that way or constant urge for bm,cant stand to sit for more than 10 min,its really annoying..lol
      I hope you get some answers today at your appt,let me know how it goes.*hugs* Stephanie
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Avatar universal
Well, I give up.  I went today and, apparently, I'm just not getting across to the doctors (or anyone else for that matter) the pain and pressure I'm in. It's now a wait and see approach - another ultrasound in 4 weeks.  I guess I just have to live with the pain and deal with it myself.  I'm just about to drive my car off a cliff.  It's nice that you can walk away from your "jerk"; I've been married for 18 years, have 3 kids, and really can't, although after his comments today, it's awfully tempting.  I'm just like his mother; he's lived with this for 45 years (his mother and now me complaining of ficticious illnesses); he's going to just cut off his penis and donate it since it's not being used, blah, blah...  THey did do a CA125 test and a pap so I'll get those results by the end of the week, so we'll see.  I'm just sooooo discouraged and maybe I am crazy and the stresses of my life are taking over, but there's one huge stress I'm about to castrate!  Good luck and be good to yourself!  Talk soon.  Lilly
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Avatar universal
That really stinks that you have to cancel.  I know mine is coming and I HOPE TO GOD it doesn't come tonight or in the morning.  I'm goin' regardless.  I cannot live like this anymore.  Within the past, oh 10 days or so, my belly has completely ballooned out and it feels like my uterus is burning (weird, huh?).  My bowels are doing a little better; i'm at least going on my own for now.  The pain, fatigue, and complete lack of feeling like a woman is about putting me over the edge.  My poor husband; I wouldn't blame him if he went elsewhere (yeah, right - lol).  I'm also going to ask the Dr. tomorrow for some viagra for me (little lol).  But seriously, I need some answers and I'll post tomorrow with my results from the visit.  Good luck to you and try and reschedule yours ASAP.  Take care.  Lilly
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148354 tn?1211233906
Hi everyone! I feel frustrated to dar68,I'm not sure how long I had this cyst for since I begun theses symptoms going on for 9-10 months now,cyst was discovered in oct week later after having appendix out so I had double whammy with pain.They want me to wait 4-10 weeks,I feel is awhile to wait! I can deal with 4 week wait,but the pain is so bad I cant stick to my daily routine and had to leave work.
    sammison how long did you have the cyst and abdominal/bowel issues for?  trapped gas is the worst!I'm hoping this thing goes away over night..lol,its getting soooooo annoying!  
       How ya feeling lilly? I'm about the same,have to cancel gyno appt Monday,started period and they want me to reschedule,grreat! more waiting! period is a killer on top of this I dread this time of month! Let me know how your appt goes Mon..good luck to ya,your all in my prayers!
                            *hugs* Stephanie
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Avatar universal
Welcome!
Yes that little 4 cm cyst can cause all those annoying issues!! It's amazing isn't it.  A complex cyst usually means there is something slightly different to it compared to a simple/functional fluid filled cyst. For instance, they may detact some solid matter, a septation, blood etc.  It's always wise to ask them to send you a copy of the US report, this often answers a lot of questions.  As a rule of thumb if the complex cyst is under 5 cm they will usually wait 6-8 weeks to check it again.  I was fortunate my resolved and went away...which is always possible.  However, if it does grow, or change shape then they usually want to go in and check things out.  However, remember MOST of these complex cysts are benign and just a nuisance and something for us women to worry about. :)
Best wishes
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Avatar universal
Functional cysts are the cysts we get every month that release the egg.  And sometimes they hang around for a couple months.  But 4cm is kinda large for a functional cyst.  But it still may dissolve.  I had a 2.5 cm cyst dissolve a couple weeks ago, but now have a 3.5 cm on my left ovary.  I tend to think the right one is back as I'm still having alot of pain.  Today is almost unbearable with the right side back/groin/leg/hip pain.  I went out last night and danced a couple songs and I'm sure that didn't help!  And, of course, my belly is soooo swollen from my enlarged uterus and cysts.  So, yes, any of these conditions can cause mild to severe pain.  I go to the onco/gyno on Monday for my first visit and I'm not leaving until I get some answers.  BTW, I also had a cone biopsy done in June of 1990; had severe dysplasia as well.  Actually was in Stage 3 which I believe is the last stage of dysplasia b/f it becomes more serious.  It must have grown to that stage within a year because I go every year for paps.  But since then I've had normal paps and three kids.  Thank God I was on birth control or I wouldn't have been going for regular paps (I'm bad that way).  Don't think I'd be here writing this, but have gone for paps every year since; it scares the he.. out of you!  Good luck and be persistent in your health issues; we are our own advocates - the way I'm seeing it lately is that we know more than the doctors do!  Take good care.  Lilly
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Avatar universal
Hi Ladies-thanks for getting back to me.
Lilly-Yes mine was also severe dysplasia-the last one before cancer. I went in for a normal pap and was told there was a new test now to detect HPV so I said sure. Comes back with that-I never had a abnormal pap in my life. I'm 38 2 kids-8.5 and 4.5
My Mom was just diagnosed in Oct with Lung cancer. She was a perfectly healthy 60 year old woman who quit smoking 9 years ago when I was pregnant with my son. I have been her advocate for the past 4 months now or she would probably be dead already. It's amazing that these Dr's think that you don't want to know things going on with YOUR BODY!! I guess some people like to stick there head in the sand and leave there life in the hands of their Dr's but I feel the more I know the better. I don't think I can wait the 6-8 weeks and am going to tell him I want another ultrasound in 2 or 3. I think in 2 months if this turns out to be ovarian cancer it can spread outside my ovary by then!
Well thanks for listening....
have a good weekend
Dar
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Avatar universal
Hello Everyone. Well while searching the web for my newest problem in life I came across this site. I went for an ultrasound of my ovaries last night because I told my Onc/Gyn -(under Oncologists care for a cold knife cone biopsy done 1 year ago this month for HPV Virus-Severe Dysplasia) that I have been having a lot of lower back pain that doesn't go away @ rest. Well I befriended the Technician last night because I knew she wouldn't give me any info and then I got her to talk...ha ha
I knew she found something the way she was just staying in one place and measuring. She said it looked to be a Cyst that had ruptured and promised she would have the radiologist send the report STAT. Of course they didn't so I called the office today and had them send a preliminary report to my Dr. He called and said that it looks to be a 4cm Complex Cyst. Sorry to ramble..my question is after looking over your stories-twice in the past 1.5 months I have had such severe gas in my stomach that I couldn't pass and then had diarrhea for a week straight(I thought I had a severe stomach virus) and then again a few weeks later. Do you think this little 4cm cyst could cause that? Also what is the difference between the complex and functional (not sure if that is what they call the other one).
He said we will follow up in 6-8 weeks with another ultrasound?? I can't wait that long to follow up on this. That is 2 months! A lot can happen in 2 months...it could spread outside of my ovary if it's cancer. Why not go in 2 weeks after my next period is over.
Well thanks for any info you gals can give.
Dar
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Avatar universal
Yes, they checked by CT with contrast for diverticulitis in the ER last week.  That's what the doc thought it was; he was certain b/c when he pressed on my left side it hurt alot.  But, it was the cyst that hurt.  I also had a colonoscopy about 10 years ago (in my early 30s - I'm now 42) b/c of IBS issues and also as there is colon cancer in my family - grandma basically died from it (didn't know until autopsy), and my uncle had it, but fully recovered about 10 years ago.  I also have all the bloating; I should be in a size 8 and I am in the legs, but b/c of my belly, I'm a size 10; not real happy about that!  I started a toning/light weight class this week two times per week and hopefully that will melt off whatever is not cystic/bowel/uterine swelling.  After reading so many posts on here from surgeries where the doc went in and found the cyst/ovaries to be glued to the bowels/bladder, I'm having my concerns about that.  In the ER he gave me a bottle of Brite Life Magnesium Citrate and this can be purchased over the counter at drug stores. It comes in a little green bottle and is safe to take as much as needed (you mix it with an 8 oz. glass of gatorade). With laxatives, he said, your body becomese immune to them quite fast. That is why my exlax was not working anymore.  But, your Hershy's sounds much better!  Sorry also for the length (I really don't mind reading all your thoughts - I have the same issues), but I also have alot on my mind.  But we shall prevail on Monday!  Take care!
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Avatar universal
Well  ladies take care on Monday and I hope you find out lots of info.  And I of course can only share my experience (btw, I am 42 also), but I had so many of the same issues, bloating, trapped gas pains, stomach uneasiness, loose stools etc etc, and they all got worse when I ovulated and right before my period.  Then one month I felt suddenly better, and 2 weeks later I had my US and found out the cyst was gone.  I really thought I was going to need to see a gastro dr. but now I feel so much better.  It's amazing to me what that little cyst bugger can do!! UGH!!  I also read about cysts attached to bowels etc, and that would make sense.
Keep us posted here as to how things go.
This is a great place to find like minded women all working our way through things together!
God Bless both of you!
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148354 tn?1211233906
Have you ever had a colonscopy or sigmoid or been to gi dr yet?that would show diverticulosis (i believe catscan would too,but not sure) diverticular can cause constipation too,those procedures would reveal something and hopefully put your mind to ease it isnt ALL gi (I had colonscopy in April,colonscopy was normal,procedure wasnt bad)so I know it isnt just all gi or "ibs",some how our  symptoms tie in together and something is not right,they are to quick to blame it on gi and ignore other problems/symptoms,so Monday like you I'm  not leaving office till I get some answers as to what in heck is going on and they LISTEN to me..ugh..I'm starting to lose faith and trust in dr's.Good Luck to you,your in my prayers!
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Avatar universal
Hi Steph - Just following your posts as you present most of my symptoms as well.  However, I noticed that your tests point to a possible infection; could this be the cause of your fever?  That is one thing I would push for more answers on.  I believe I may have an endometrial infection as well as I am now fluctuating with low-grade fevers.  We both go to the gyno/onco on the same day (22nd) so lets ask them LOTS of questions - fevers, sizes, change in sizes, no change in sizes, etc.  I know  you're worried - I feel your pain (literally) - as am I.  I finally told my husband last night at 2:00 am, after I couldn't sleep, how terrified I am.  I just really know something is not right and I'm not leaving that office on Monday until I get satisfactory responses.  As you know I went to the ER on Saturday and they flushed me out.  Well, I hadn't gone again since then so I drank the stuff again today on my own and it worked - but this is not right.  I believe (as I've read from others on this forum) that there is some bowel involvement with these cysts or the adenemyosis (sp?).  Good luck and keep me posted.  Lilly
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Avatar universal
Try telling the bowel issues to a Dr. - they don't believe it.  The ER dr. the other night kept telling me that is not the case.  I tried to educate him a little, but he wanted nothing to do with my explanations.  Oh, well! Best of luck to all!  Lilly
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Avatar universal
Yes ladies there are bowel issues ( it's so much fun isn't it!!!) with cysts.  I had a 2.5 complex cyst , which is not real big, but had all kinds of annoying bowel issues.  The cyst resolved and my gurgling, upset stomach is soooooooooo much better.  So I bet the two are related.It's hard to believe that a cyst can cause soooo many issues.
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148354 tn?1211233906
Hi,ty for your replies.I also keep up on your threads lilly too since we are both experiencing same symptoms.Er dr's I guess dont treat our issues,basically if it isnt a heart attack or car accident victim they cant do much for us (and thank God it isnt those emergencies!)and dont consider our symptoms "true" emergency,which I can understand,I just went  to er for intense pain and wanting to know WHY,scared,thinking they would solve it,but I say better to be safe than to be sorry and to go to er if severe pain is different (my dr chewed my butt out for going)so I guess now all  we have to do is wait and leave it up to the specialist,hopefully Monday we will get some answers and testing.My fever isnt to high,varies 99 to 101,some say that is normal,especially of my med (anxiety)side effect is flushing so maybe that explains the warm flush feeling.
       For constipation I found relief instead of resorting to daily dose of laxative,hershey's sugar free dark chocolate,there is a warning label on back of bag may have laxative effect..it does,yayyyy! If I get backed up, I eat 4-5 pieces,prunes and prune juice help too.I was taking laxative 2-3 times a week (phillips caplets),what did they give you in hospital? this bloating is noticable,now that im petite (5ft1 125lbs now)you can tell,I look preggo! all swollen and bloated I been wearing skirts cant stand to wear jeans or slacks,down to size 8/10 now,but my old size 14-16 jeans fit my tummy, but baggy elsewhere..that isnt normal or right.Lets keep ea other posted,sorry so long...alot on my mind,lol,take care,
                                  Steph
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148354 tn?1211233906
also forgot to add in four months the size and shape has not changed (not any bigger or smaller) staying the same.Is that a good sign?
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