5cm ovarian cyst

[pncwils]

12 years ago l had a hysterectomy ovaries left, l since developed anklyosing spondilitis, two years ago l had left ovary removed for a cyst no cancer, last year severe low pelvic and back pain, ct scan showed a 5cm cyst, ca 125 was clear on ct no sign of abnormalities on right ovary l am now going through the menopause l believe due to hot flushes and night sweats.   Last three weeks severe low abdo pain and a lot of urinating, insides feel so inflammed and pressure, could it be the cyst or what, l am worried as low back pain, dr not sure if coming from AS or cyst.  how often should l have a ca125 test done since l have another cyst - l am fed up running to the loo all the time, gp i snot concerned.

thank you

[pncwils]

My dr has decided to get this checked again it is now august although l have no symptoms just going tyhru a bad menopause with horrific night sweats and gained weight! l am waiting on a hospital appt approx 4 - 6 weeks... crazy but she said also last year in depth hormone blood tests were carried out for this and all was normal so she is quite happy

l will keep you all posted

[hopeshell]

That is good news that it is a simple cyst!  Hopefully, it will clear and you will feel better soon!

[pncwils]

The ct scan showed nothing sinister presume it is fluid but that was august 2010 the cyst and ovary removed in 2009 was the same no cvancer and had lots of adhesions

[hopeshell]

I should add that a complex cyst is the type that is more worrisome for ovarian cancer.  Even still, most of these do turn out to be benign. But, it is important to always get them monitored by a gynecologist.  Best wishes! :)

[hopeshell]

I am surprised your doctor is not following up on your 5cm cyst.  Is is simple (fluid filled) or complex (has solid parts)?   This factor is much more important than the CA-125 test in determining treatment.  The CA-125 is not a reliable test because you can get both false positives and false negatives.  Some ovarian cancer tumors do not produce CA-125 and some benign conditions do produce CA-125.  Usually, the test is only given when you have a large mass (like yours) and are going to have surgical removal.  It is one more piece of the puzzle that helps guide doctors.  Knowing if your CA-125 is high before the tumor is removed helps assess how well treatment is working after ovarian cancer is diagnosed.  Post ovarian cancer diagnosis is when the CA-125 is best used.  But, you should have the test again before you have the tumor removed, just to be sure.  I think you need to go see a gynecologist and definitely get follow-up for your cyst.  The key to ovarian cancer survival is early detection and surgical removal of the cancer before it has spread.  Keep us updated on how you are doing!

Shelly