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10 cm dermoid. Need laparotomy. Help

Hello everyone.  I am hoping those of you that are knowledgable of ovarian cysts and surgeries can enlighten me on the subject.  I went to the ER recently for severe abdominal pain and they found a 10 cm dermoid cyst on my right ovary.  They medicated me with morphine and sent me home  My OB wants to remove it via laparotomy.  I haven't been in any pain for the last couple weeks (knock on wood), but I know that thing is still sitting there.  My OB didn't really suggest a date or time of surgery and did not indicate any urgency for removal so I was wondering if this type of cyst w/ its size is something I can postpone for another 2 months? What risks if any would I be taking by postponing surgery? Am I risking rupture? Will it get bigger? etc.. Thank you in advance for your responses and advice!
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187666 tn?1331173345
My cyst was 10 cm and I had no pain either. Just had some bloating and bathroom problems that I thought were related to getting older. Went in for my annual pap and next thing I know I was headed for a transvaginal ultra sound (the wacky wand). They told me I had a big old cyst.

As for the surgery, a laparotomy takes much longer to heal. I think most folks take a good 6 weeks to feel almost back to normal. As for how long before you can go shopping and do regular things around the home, I don't know. I'm sure it's just a couple of weeks. Someone will probably explain their recovery process.

Good luck with the phone calls and phone tag tomorrow. Let us know what you find out.
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Avatar universal
Thank you all so much for responding so quickly!  I am very frustrated w/ my OBGYN/office staff as they are not being as proactive as I'd like them to be.  They found my cyst on 8/31 (The MD who dictated the radiology report diagnosed it as a dermoid) and  and I find it stunning myself that I am not in any pain (although I sometimes feel discomfort on my right side and back).  I am going to call their office again tomorrow and push them for answers.  If I am going to have surgery sometime soon, I would need to notify my work and also give them dates as to my return.  With a laparotomy to remove a cyst, how long is recovery time normally for any of you who've had this surgery or know of anyone who has?  
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Avatar universal
Hi,  I'm so glad to hear your pain is under control - that must have been terrifying!  I was wondering how they know it's a dermoid cyst without biopsy results.?  I am continuously baffled that some physicians (like yours) know it's a dermoid type cyst (or hemorrhagic, etc.) which alleviates significant anxiety from the beginning while some of us are told it's a complex cyst and we wait to find out whether it's malignant.  I am currently in my 2nd month of "wait/see" with my 3rd TVU scheduled for 9/21 to check out a 5 cm. complex cyst.  This whole thing terrifies me and as I get closer to Monday - my anxiety is steadily increasing.  I hope things turn out great for you!
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Avatar universal
I would ask your OB to refer you to a gynecologist/oncologist.  If they are talking laparotomy, that is the type of surgeon you want.  A gyn/onc will not be so slow to get surgery scheduled for you.  The OB may just be too busy dealing with pregnancies (they always manage to take priority over other gyn patients).

My 10 cm+ cyst was discovered sometime prior to Christmas last year and was removed by laparotomy on Jan. 16 (I met the surgeon/gyn/onc on Jan. 13, it took that long for the referral and an appointment date).  But by the time I did meet the surgeon, he was worried enough to fast track me for surgery.  I didn't have a dermoid, though.  Mine was fluid filled.  10 cm is large for a dermoid and I'm amazed you are not in discomfort.  But you definitely want to be rid of that thing.
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187666 tn?1331173345
You should probably call your OB and press for some answers as far as surgical dates and what to expect. A cyst that size is a risk for you. It could rupture although I don't know how often dermoids do that. But it could also cause the ovary to flip and twist which would be extremely painful and a medical emergency. Will it grow? I don't know. Some cysts grow quickly, some seem to just sit there for months and do nothing.

I'm sure surgery is in your future but don't let his notes and thoughts about your case slip through the cracks. I don't know how long it's been since you went to ER but if it's been a week with no feedback, I would tend to call and follow up.
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