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complex ovarian cyst questions
Hi...I'm new here and have a few questions that possibly someone out there could help me with.
I had an U/S done a couple months ago which showed a complex cyst on my ovary...I had a follow up U/S done 6 weeks later which showed it had grown 1cm (it's 2.5 cm now). I had a CA-125 test that came back normal. My doctor is recommending a complete hysterectomy. I only have one ovary (other one was removed when I had a huge dermoid cyst at age 17...I'm 42 now).
My questions are...does this seem drastic to anyone? Has anyone had a complex cyst go away? I suggested a third U/S to my doc and she said "I was just putting off the inevitable", but agreed and scheduled one for me. I'm having it done next week. My gut is telling me that this is an extreme measure to take (total hysterectomy). Any thoughts...advice? Anything would help me at this point, I'm pretty freaked out.
I had an U/S done a couple months ago which showed a complex cyst on my ovary...I had a follow up U/S done 6 weeks later which showed it had grown 1cm (it's 2.5 cm now). I had a CA-125 test that came back normal. My doctor is recommending a complete hysterectomy. I only have one ovary (other one was removed when I had a huge dermoid cyst at age 17...I'm 42 now).
My questions are...does this seem drastic to anyone? Has anyone had a complex cyst go away? I suggested a third U/S to my doc and she said "I was just putting off the inevitable", but agreed and scheduled one for me. I'm having it done next week. My gut is telling me that this is an extreme measure to take (total hysterectomy). Any thoughts...advice? Anything would help me at this point, I'm pretty freaked out.
It's funny because I'm just like you and I ask why a lot (you know...some dr's just don't like that). My gyn seemed "miffed" when I asked her too many questions...almost like, who was I to ask HER. I guess a lot will depend on this next U/S (is there a certain size that they must operate on?). It just sucks to have no pain and know you may have to face such a scary surgery. If I had all kinds of problems (pain, bleeding heavy, etc..) I'm sure I would want to have it all yanked out...it's just different when you feel FINE. No doubt I will be seeking a second opinion...I just don't know how to go about that yet.
Since I have had so many probs in my frustration I told the doc to take it all out!!! He said I was too young and that he wants to save the ovary... He also said that my insurance wouldn't cover a hysterectomy because it wasn't necessary... He is really hoping to save the ovary this time. I can't figure out why they are so anxious about "doing it all??" Seems that their first concern would be to save your ovary... how would they know before they get in there to see what is going on? I'm not trying to be argumentative about what your doc's have said...since I'm not one, however, if it were me, I would get a second opinion...
Thank you both for responding to me...
The reason she said she wanted to do a complete hysterectomy was that I have uterine fibroids (always have). They don't hurt and I have no unusual bleeding or spotting. She said that the main reason was the cyst on the ovary though. If she takes that ovary (which is likely) she said I would go into menopause right away...since I would be under anyway she said take it all out and never have to worry about it again (cervix and all). At first I was all for it, until I started reading what so many women have gone through after a hysterectomy...I'm also afraid that if I just monitor it with U/S and CA-125 tests that I'm taking a huge risk. I went to my PHC provider and she was no help...sort of just backed up the gyn point of view.
The reason she said she wanted to do a complete hysterectomy was that I have uterine fibroids (always have). They don't hurt and I have no unusual bleeding or spotting. She said that the main reason was the cyst on the ovary though. If she takes that ovary (which is likely) she said I would go into menopause right away...since I would be under anyway she said take it all out and never have to worry about it again (cervix and all). At first I was all for it, until I started reading what so many women have gone through after a hysterectomy...I'm also afraid that if I just monitor it with U/S and CA-125 tests that I'm taking a huge risk. I went to my PHC provider and she was no help...sort of just backed up the gyn point of view.
I have the same thing - have already had my uterus removed and am awaiting the repeat US in another month. I would def want the cyst removed to find out what it is but not knowing what it is and doing a complete does seem extreme. Second opinion seems like the best advice right now. Keep us posted.
I'm having a complex cyst removed on 2/6 -- No CA125 was done, it hadn't changed size in a month and the doc is hoping to save the ovary (only one I have left).. so a complete hyst sounds crazy to me...I am also 42 (in March) I would get a second opinion if I were you...
What was the reason for his suggestion of a complete hysterctomy? Given the size the of complex mass I think it can be done by a laparascopy (usually 3 or 4 small incisions). If they feel that the ovary needs to be removed it can be done the same way. This is something that I would talk to him about. 42 is still young (I'm 44 and have the same thing). You need to be completely comfortable with what's happening to you - if your gut is telling you something else, always go with your gut feeling. You can ask to have a copy of your ultrasound reports and ask further questions.
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