need answers urgently regarding cyst and CA-125 level 52!!!

[kerrynew]

I have a right sided ovarian cyst which is mobile.  I recently had a baby 9wks ago and have a 19mth old.  This cyst has been present in both pregnancies disappearing after first.  I recently was scanned and is still present and not getting smaller, I have been booked in for keyhole surgery, however got call from Gyn today saying my CA-125 level is 52 and need ct scan.  Really confused and need toknow if cancer, not sure when ct scan is yet and if ovarian cancer can be treated and beat!  Please can someone advise me what to do
Many thanks

[somethingroyal]

Ask your gyn what gyn-oncologist he/she consults with.  They can arrange to have the oncologist scrub in if on the off chance your gyn finds anything malignant.  Having a gyn-oc do your surgery can make a huge difference in success rate and the need to not have repeat surgery.  

[somethingroyal]

I join Hopeshell in reminding you that most cysts are benign.  As you recently gave birth, it is very possible that the CA 125 is reflecting that, as pregnancy is known to elevate it. Still,  the flurry of tests and doctors and surgeries is very stressful.  We know how you feel!  
It is great you are getting this resolved now.  Keep us posted!  

[hopeshell]

I hope all turns out to be benign...let us know how it goes!

[kerrynew]

Thank you so much for your encouraging words.  My cyst is roughly 10cm x9cm and is fulid filled.  It is my gynecologist who is performing the surgery i just need to wait on the ct and blood results before I know what happens next.  Thanks for the web addresses and I'll keep you posted x

[hopeshell]

You are so right about the waiting...it is really hard!!!  I remember reading that pregnancy can raise the CA-125 so I wouldn't be surprised if that is the reason for your results.   CA-125 is a tricky test and not reliable for everyone.  What is ths size of your mass?  For complex or solid cysts greater than 5cm, it is recommended you get a consult with a gynecologic oncologist prior to your surgery.  They can be there to step in if your cyst were found to be malignant.  Here are a couple of links for you to read some information:

http://www.patientcenters.com/news/ovarian_ten_things.html

http://www.wcn.org/findadoctor/

Three years ago, I read this information on this exact website and I credit it for saving me a second surgery and giving me peace of mind about my stage of cancer.  I was diagnosed with Stage 1a and have not had a recurrence.  My kids are both young and I know the worry that comes with cancer concerns and being a parent.  Try not to worry.   I have seen many women post with concerns like yours and it is only a small number who actually end up having ovarian cancer. Even if you do end up having cancer, keep the faith and fight.  There are many women who get long remissions or who never have a recurrence.   Best of luck to you and keep us posted on how you are doing.

[kerrynew]

I heard today I'm booked in for CT scan on Tuesday so hopefully all will become alot clearer then.  Thank you for your advice and kind words.  Its the not knowing and waiting that is the hardest.  Got full bloods done again today so hopefully by midweek will know the plan of action and I will certainly discuss it with my doc so I fully understand.  Will let you know how I get on.  
thanks x                    

[Inny2009]

CA 125 does not always accurately mean its cancer. It could be elevated by the cyst and even perhaps just giving birth nine weeks ago (that one im not 100 percent sure about) Cysts are normally beniegn. Other things can also make it rise. Ovarian cancer can be treated successfully (obiviously there are different factors with each person and stage so on and so forth...). Your doctor is probably doing a CT scan to see if there are any masses around other than just your cyst. I hoped i helped and just take a couple of deep breathes and perhaps talk to your doctor about your concerns and he can go into detail about whats going on and where this may or may not be heading and what he is looking for. Good luck and keep us posted!!!