ovarian cysts and ovarian cancer?

[Angie707]

What is the difference between ovarian cysts and ovarian cancer.  I haven't had a period for 3 months now and I have a sharp pain in my lower right side, as well as back pain, especially in the mornings.  once in a while i am off balance when walking.  i am bloated, and a lot of times i don't have an appetite.  

[Angie707]

Wow, that was fast.  I am overseas and will get a check up when I return home for vacation next month.  'Thanks so much for your quick response.  I am just doing research online about the symptoms I had and I keep getting drawn to cancer and/or cysts.  I am hoping that 1. I am going thru menapause and 2. its just a bladder infection of some sort.  This is a great forum by the way.  

[TrudieC]

Many of the symptoms are similar (see health pages top right) but in most cases they cannot determine if you have ovarian cancer until they biopsy.  Do you know if you have cysts?  Please arrange for a transvaginal ultrasound and insist that your doctor rule out ovarian cancer but do keep in mind that over 95% of all cysts are benign.  Feel free to join us on the ovarian cyst forum for support.