solid heterogeneous mass

[Cin1029]

Hi everyone ~ I obtained a copy of my T/V ultrasound report and wanted to get some feedback as the information has me a bit spooked. Here it is:

The right ovary is unusual in appearance, being inhomogeneous, with small cystic structure (5mm) and witha hypoechoic rim. While no other right "ovary" is seen, I am unsure if this is the ovary or a bowel mass. The left ovary has a couple of 1.5 cm follicles and a solid appearing heterogeneous mass which appears to have a vascular component.

IMPRESSION:

Normal appearing uterus
Unusual appearing right ovary vs right bowel mass
Left ovary with solid appearing heterogeneous mass with possible vascularity
No free fluid was visualized in the cul de sac
No fibroids were noted

I could really use some help understanding what exactly a "solid heterogeneous mass" could be. I was told to wait 12 weeks and have another ultrasound done. I am questioning whether this is something that would even go away in 3 months.

Thanks for being here.

[Annekathryn Goodman, M.D.]

Hi There,

I agree that the standard approach is to repeat an ultrasound after a few menstrual cycles. Most cysts on the ovaries are related to where a person is in their menstrual cycle.

This words are really scary
solid means no fluid
heterogeneous means different textures - like blood can look like that
mass  is another word for spot, nodule, density, and so on.

Unless you have other issues that are a cause for concern :
family history ovarian cancer
personal history of cancer
severe unremitting pain, fever, nausea, vomiting, change in bowels
or if you are post-menopausal and should not be having cysts like look like cysts of ovulation

then waiting 2-3 months after a few menstrual cycles is reasonable
best wishes

[pumpkin809]

A related discussion, what does this result mean and what is my next step was started.

[Cin1029]

Dr. Goodman ~ Thank you so much for your informative answer. I got my period 2 days after this ultrasound was done. Does that impact how these results would be perceived? Also, the vascular component which was seen with the "solid mass" - would that occur with a hemorraghic cyst?

Thank you again for taking the time to answer our questions. It does really help in making informed decisions (and easing my mind).

Cindy