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912622 tn?1242913215

A bit scared here- complex cyst

Hi there. This is my first day on this forum, and I have a question for folks out there. Firstly, I have been diagnosed with a complex ovarian cyst. I'm 28. My doctor sent me for two ultrasounds this spring, and I only learned I even had a cyst on the second when the tech explained to me that "yes, it's still there." Talking to a receptionist at my doctor's, she told me it was complex, and I was being referred to a specialist. My appointment is on July 27th. The thing hasn't changed size. I don't know what size it IS. My family does not have a history of cancer at all. I've had lifelong reproductive issues without any sort of explanation ever provided by the medical community, despite over a year of tests, u/s, and even a laproscopy three years ago which found nothing in particular to explain the randomized pain I've experienced for about, oh, five years. The cyst diagnosis is a first step to knowing what the heck's up, but here's the complication, and where I need help, advice, etc.
First off, I am terrified it'll be cancerous. I don't know enough about this stuff to know whether it not changing size is good or bad or what. I have to assume it's not big because it was only discovered through a trans-vag u/s, not the usual pelvic one. But second, my husband and I have been trying to get pregnant for a year now. Should I stop doing so until the appointment? Should I continue? Can they treat cysts if you're pregnant? Would this darn tyhing explain our lack of success?
Gah! I'm scared, and I need advice.
11 Responses
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Avatar universal
Sorry Katmo, I guess I am one of the lucky ones because I work at a medical clinic (family practice and ob/gyn doctors) so they are very up front with me about my complex cyst.  Fortunately they don't think its cancerous yet, but I am 61 years old and they are not taking any chances and I'm having surgery August 31st.  About 10 years ago my other ovary was precancerous cyst and they removed the ovary.  So here I go again.  Hopefully they can do this laproscopically so it won't be as painful.  Good luck to every one going thru this.  I was blessed with 3 children and didn't have the problem in my younger years.  I wish all  you the same.
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
I am going through a similar experience now. A little background...I am 38 and have two kids. I had a ruptured ovarian cyst a few months ago (very painful). I had no idea I even had a cyst until it ruptured. Anyway, I had an MRI done in February and two transvaginal ultrasounds since then. It is good to have the series for comparison purposes. I got a call today from my doctor saying the most recent ultrasound showed my ovary was continuing to grow and I have a complex cyst measuring 4.3cm. She said I have two options....(1) Surgery to remove the cyst and possibly the ovary or (2) get another MRI to see more detail of what it looks like and then decide on whether surgery is necessary or if we just continue to watch it. Since I have insurance, I am definitely doing the MRI first, but I am of course scared that it could be cancerous.

Good luck to everyone going through this. I know it is a scary thing to not really fully understand what is going on. I am learning some good things on this forum.
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Avatar universal
Katmo;

I'm 22 and had 2 very large teratomas removed from my ovaries in December of 2009. My greatest fear was that my doctor would have to remove both of my ovaries due to the large size of the teratomas, and all he could say was he would do his best not to.

I and my, now fiance, thought about getting pregnant before my surgery as well, and I think the only reason I didn't was because everything happened so fast. I went for my annual screening around August, was sent for an ultra sound in September, sent for an MRI and met my surgeon in October and he scheduled surgery for December 1st.

I still remember the look on his face when I asked how the surgery would affect the baby if I had become pregnant before surgery. He did not go into detail because I convinced him it was just a "what if", but he did say that regardless if I was pregnant or not he would be operating on me. Not to mention, a major surgery like the one I went through could not have been good for the baby if I was pregnant, no matter how far along. It does cause alot of trauma to your body and I don't think anyone can say if you will or will not lose the baby. Just like my doctor said, "I'll do my best".

You should get advice from your doctor as becoming pregnant may complicate things for you and your recovery, for your doctor to perform the surgery, and for the baby. Don't be afraid to ask your doctor questions like this.

Wishing you much love and light.
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Avatar universal
This is a time to be bold and not intimidated by doctors.  I would ask to have a copy of the ultrasound/radiologist report (you want to know what size it is and whether it is complex or simple).

Also, maybe you don't have to wait two months to see the specialist.  If you want to go with that Dr. ask if you can be seen earlier.  Also, ask if you can get on their cancelation list and call everyday to see if there has been a cancelation.  I bet after a few weeks of this, they will get you in.  

I am 35 and it has taken the last few years for me to take charge of my health and my life.  If I had waited for the doctors to guide my treatment, I would not even know yet that I have a 5cm complex cyst on my left ovary and a 2cm simple cyst on my right.  They wanted to put me on birth control to stop the bleeding I was having (a period with no end).  Then if that took care of the bleeding, they wouldn't have done an ultrasound.

I told them that my intuition said I should have an ultrasound and pressed for that.  I am having surgery tomorrow by a Gyno/Oncologist.

Good luck!  No one is going to care more about your health more than you do! It is Ok not to be the "nice girl" all the time.  Best wishes to you!
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Avatar universal
Katmo,

Find a doctor (specialist) that you feel completely comfortable with, is informative, and who has  a fantastic surgical reputation.  The waiting and worrying is the worse with these cysts.  I had a cyst that we watched and waited ( while I worried) for over a year.  I am older, 50, so that added to my concerns about the possibility of cancer.  Research as much as you can online and through others you know have had similiar experience.  The more you know, the better off you will be to make the decisions you will need to make about your care.  The doctors give you options, but in the end it is your decision.  I recently had lap. hysterectomy.  I am fortunate to have had good results and a wonderful doctor.  I'm recovering a little bit more each day.  Good luck
Helpful - 0
912622 tn?1242913215
Thanks so much, Jackie! I am thinking I may have to switch doctors, yeah.. this one doesn't tell me anything. I was thinking yesterday how ironic it is that stress makes cysts worse, and here they are having given me next to no info, which is stressful...
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
Hi!  I just had a complex ovarian cyst removed (the whole ovary removed) and it was endometriotic.  That could explain the inability to get pregnant.  It can also explain your pain.  You might want to research endometriosis.  

I'm 10 years older than you, I was also told that I was young for it to be cancer.  Even with an elevated CA-125 test (which can mean cancer is there) and possible lesions on my other ovary, my cyst turned out benign. Still, we couldn't rule it out until I had the biopsy done while the cyst was being removed.

You should be able to ask your doctor to tell you the size of the cyst.  I straight up asked and it was written in the ultrasound report.  Until then, I just kept being told "With a cyst your size..."  or "This is such a big one..."  Once I asked, they gave me the exact measurements.  I felt better being able to picture it.

Personally, I would not try to get pregnant right now.  I had a lump in my breast when i was pregnant and that was stressful.   This time, everything was much less stressful knowing that I was not pregnant.  It's not just about what you can handle, it's also the pregnancy hormones that make you more emotional.  With this, I knew that whatever happened, I would deal with it until I was fixed.  With the lump (which was nothing) I was a mess.

Also remember that you can always go to another doctor.  Mine is wonderful and handled everything right away.  The stress of wondering is worse than getting it taken care of.  My gyno even said that!

Good luck!

Helpful - 0
912622 tn?1242913215
Naw, they didn't tell me a darn thing. Heck, I didn't even know for what purpose they were sending me to the u/s for a second time! I waited patiently for a few weeks after the first one, then finally called and they're like "Oh, yeah, we need you to go back. On such and such day." then at the tech place, I asked the lady what she'd seen in there, and she's like "Oh, yes, you still have a cyst." and I'm like ".... do I?"
Pretty frustrating.
But interesting to know about stress! I just completed my MA thesis, so I have been pretty familiar with stress lately, I can definitely say! I did notice last time I had random pains that it went away when I stopped stressing. So I can totally see that.. I tend to eat pretty natural foods, but I think I'll be even more careful.. thanks so much for that tip!
And as far as the specialist? No idea. Not the foggiest. Only that I have to wait til July 27th, and my mum and dad are all keen about becoming grandparents, so now I'm stressing (heh) about whether I should stop trying for a baby with my husband until that appt's over. >.<
When's your appt?
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
Hugs and thanks to you too :)  I don't know what is wrong with dr's ya know. All they think of is med stuff and leave us in the dark or don't care about our feelings. When I 1st had my us done the tech said was just a cyst no big deal. Then report came back to my dr as being complex cyst and to re-check in 8-12 weeks so I don't think he thought it much but then my reg gp said oh that is red flag and don't wait- just get it over with and go to specialist because if it doesn't go away that is who you will want or have to go to anyway. Bad thing is I had ins. for 5 years and nothing ever wrong now no ins. and I have this! Ugh! One thing he did tell me though was he thinks mine was caused by a lot of stress for the last year or so. After reading on the internet I have found that can be true and also can be caused by eating red meats, dairy, processed foods and sugary foods. The meats and dairy especially because they inject the animals with the hormones, etc and it goes right to us and changes our estrogen levels which has an effect on cysts and fibroids as well. You can get some really good books from the library or online from amazon too that will tell you some things you can change in your diet and herbal remedies you could take as well that have worked for some.
So anyway, did they even tell you what they are going to do at the specialist? Is it a gyn/onc like I'm going to?
Helpful - 0
912622 tn?1242913215
*hugs Pokabelly* Thanks so much for your words.. it's really, really scary to find out that you have a cyst.. and you made me feel way better.. thanks. I wish my doctor was more talkative and it wasn't like pulling teeth to get any info out of him -.-
Good luck to you too, and if I can help with your fears, let me know also.
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
Hi, I am not sure if I would be much help as I am new here too but I can share what I have been told. With your age cancer is not likely (though not impossible) I think the odds that it is NOT cancer is like 95% or so. I do know that some types of cysts can hinder fertility but not all- it would depend on what kind your complex cyst is. I was advised to wait till I get my cyst gone before we continue ttc as they can can worse during pregnancy and cause problems, incl. miscarriage. With yours being as small as you say it still may be a functional cyst even though it was deemed complex and can go away on its own with a few cycles. I found out last month I have a 4.1x4.2cm complex cyst on my left ovary but was by regular doc who sent me for ultrasound due to something else. Anyway, he scared the **** out of me and is sending me to gyn/onc to make sure it is not anything but a cyst. I am scared to death too! I don't know if mine is still there, the same or bigger. I think it is good for now for you that yours has not gotten any bigger. Anyway I wish you luck and the other girls on here are really great to talk to.
Helpful - 0
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