solid mass discovery

[Vicky18]

Two days ago I had my annual pap visit and my doctor discovered what she called an orange sized mass on my right ovary. I had a normal visit just last year, so how can this be so big in just one year? Can caner grow this fast?
I had an ultrasound done and was told today by her that this mass is solid on one side. She wants to remove it as well as the ovary. of course I agreed with her. I am so scared right now. I never expected this. I am fearing the worst.  Crying a lot, looking up to much negative information on the websites available. I am wondering what the chances of this being cancer. It's not a cyst, according to the doctor, she defined it as a solid mass. I don't have any history of this in my family. I am 47 years old and in good physical condition. I have had 3 children. I say this because I read that women who never had children are at more risk. I would love to hear from a few of you to chat with and try to relieve some of this terror I am putting myself through.

Thanks,
Vicky

[chloe08]

Hi there
Thanks for the welcome!
I've been a lurker on/off for a couple of years since my first scare w/ what turned out to be an endometrioma.  I knew that there was a chance I could have another one but guess I was optimistic.  I have an appt the week after next with a gyn/onc and then I assume I'll have my surgery date (and I'm taking the first one I can get).
The u/s report now says likely endometrioma but I worry and just want to know for sure.  Initially this cyst looked unilocular, then changed to hemorrhagic now endometrioma......no change in size but the change in appearance makes me nervous.

[Mary 53]

Hi Vicky,

Welcome to the board, too. Say, It seems to me that if something is growing quickly that is relatively new, then the chances that is is cancer are rather nill. But, this goes along with the other comments, something that is always good to remember, that there is only a 1% chance that it is cancer. Having said all this, so as to be respectful to my fellow posters on this board, there have been occasions which I recall whereby a mass was cancerous no matter how rapid (or not) the growth was. So, good for you to be proactive by following through with your plans for surgery. I had a stubborn cyst that was only just over 2cm that sat and sat and sat on my ovary, and when it was drained, it showed malignant cells. We caught it early.

We are all about spreading the word about early detection. You will be able to deal with whatever it is well...and, you will start to feel better, since I am sure you are dealing with symptoms related to the mass that you might not have mentioned.

Get those negative thoughts out of your head ( I know...easier said than done) but do know  you are moving about this as you should. I get frustrated when women are told to WAIT....wait for what????

Sincerely,

Mary

[Jan214]

Hi Chloe.  I don't think I have seen you on the forum before, so welcome.  When are you having your surgery?  I looked in your profile and didn't see any info so....  I would love to know what your story is and why you are having surgery.  Good luck with that.
Kindest Regards,
Jan

[Jan214]

Vicky, it is understandable that you would be "freaking".  We all did (mostly) at that point.  There is nothing more frightening than the unknown, especially when it concerns our health.  You should realize that the odds of this being cancer are only 1%!!!!!   I know it is easier to think the worst thoughts, but the best thing you can do for yourself is to focus on what you can do and what you can't do.  You can get your house in order, make some meals and freeze them ahead of time, make up a list of things you won't be able to do after your surgery and figure out who in your family or circle of friends can help with those things etc.  When you feel like you have control over your situation you don't panic as much.  That is why I advise the domestic stuff, it helps you get organized and doing something productive.  On the off chance that it is cancer you will most likely know that by time you wake up from surgery.  If you hear the onc say they have to wait a week for the paths you pretty much know you are in the clear.  Gynoncs know whether it is cancer when they open you up and they put a rush on the labs.  Everyone that doesn't look suspicious can wait so that is usually good news.  
Just don't forget to breathe : - ).  You will definitely be in my thoughts and prayers.  Good luck to you and DO let us know how things come along.
Kindest Regards,
Jan

[chloe08]

Vicky - I just had another suspected endometrioma found on my only existing ovary.  I had one medium sized one(with solid and liquid components) removed a couple of years ago and lost that ovary but the ovary that is affected now was completely clear then. I have two children as well and have all the fears that you and other on this board have had.  I am having a gyn/onc do this surgery for me (my former ob/gyn did my other one which was fine but I have alot of adhesions etc).  After freaking out for a few hours about 'why did my MD want me to see a gyn/onc I have been reading that this is the best choice regardless of whether things look totally benign or concerning.  

[ireneo]

Welcome to our little corner of the world. I also had a large thing (mine was a cyst) on my ovary, 10 cm which is like a small orange. I was trying so hard to not think about it, just move forward and do what the doctor wanted (surgery). But yes, all the "what if's" keep popping into your mind. I kept weighing all the statistics in my favor and against me. But the real news came after surgery. It was totally benign and she got rid of it  for me. So there are success stories out there. I'm one of many. Try to think about that. Please stay in touch and let us know how things are going. Let us know when the surgery is scheduled. We'll be rooting for you.

[marie3B]

Shari is right.  The majority of ovarian masses are benign.  However, better to be safe and consult with a gyn/oncologist to do the surgery or to at least be on stand-by during the surgery. If this is possible in your area I highly recommend it.  I do know that some areas do not have access to a gyn/onc.  Whatever happens we are here to help you and get you through this. Shari is one of the best hand-holders we have here. I wish you the best possible outcome. I am 9 months from my surgery and am feeling okay. Love to you, Marie

[Shari4444]

Dear Vicky,  

Slow down, honey, and take a deep breath. First, I am so sorry that you are so scared about your health, right now. Second, good job on looking for information. Remember, however, that most ovarioan masses are not cancerous, and if yours should be, it sounds like it has been found realatively early, and therefore treatment should be successfull!

All of us here have been through the "super scareds" and can relate to what you are feeling now. So feel to free to "bounce off us" what you've learned on the internet and, hopefully, someone here can give you a first hand account. Yes, you've finally hit the right web-site!!!!

Congratulations, on three beautiful children!!!! Now, just remember to breathe!

Hugs,
Shari