Cyst with concerns

[Boogiebear0630]

Hi everyone,
I am new to this forum but I really need to talk to someone. I am 37 years old and have been dealing with ovarian cysts since about 15 years old. When I first became pregnant at 26 I had several cysts on my right ovary. They all went away with the pregnancy, I have been for more ultrasounds then I can count, all with the same outcome, ovarian cyst either 1 or more ranging from 1cm to 4cm. I once had an 8 cm one that went away after a couple of cycles.
In 2003 I underwent an expl lap for abdominal pain, I had adhesions that could not be operable with a Laproscopy so I had an open laparotomy. I have a family history of metastatic breast cancer, so I asked for a hysterectomy while he was there. I was done having kids and with my history it was the best idea and the dr agreed. I have repeatedly had cyst since then since he left my ovaries.
December 2007 I had rt side abdominal pain and went to the gyn. They were certain it was appendicitis this time and sent me to my reg doctor. He sceduled me for a pelvic ultrasound which revealed a 3.0x2.2 cm cyst and another that was a bit smaller on the rt ovary. He never told me to follow up in 4-6 weeks for another test. I felt better until just about 3 weeks ago. I went to a new gyn with my issue. The ultrasound showed that the same cyst was still there and had doubled in size it is now 6cmx4.4cmx4.2cm. It is still a simple cyst but I have an appointment on the 30th to discuss possible surgery. I have never had surgery for my cysts before and I am not sure what to think.
My question is, Is surgery the best idea? I also have been thinking that the cyst got larger, yes, but they have not seen it in a year, so How do they know it it the same one? the original cyst was septated and had a little debris, now the cyst that they are seeing no longer has the septation or debris, is this good?  I thought it was good seeing that ovarian cancer cysts usually are complex, they are calling this on just a simple cyst.  If anyone could help me and maybe put me a little at ease for this week I would greatly appreciate it.

Thanks for listening

[babypooh]

I really don't think a complex cyst would be able to turn into a simple one, but hey, stranger things have happened, right? If your doctor suggests surgery, it's probably the best option, if they have already tried putting you on birth control to see if it helps shrink the cyst.  WIth simple cysts, that's what they usually do, since it's less risky to leave inside you than a complex one. If you don't feel comfortable with your doctor, for whatever reason, no harm in getting a second opinion if it will make you feel better :)
Good luck!

[Boogiebear0630]

Thanks for the advice, keep it coming!!! it makes me feel better talking to people who have been through all of this.  I have been on birth control all of them even depo provera, which I didn't like the ups and downs it was too much, so I just stopped.  Cysts were not that bad after that, until now.  My only concern is that this cyst has doubled in size in the last year. Has anyone ever had a slightly complex cyst turn into a simple cyst after a year?
You guys are so nice here, I have posted the same questions on other gyn forums and cyst forums and nobody has given me any advice
THANK YOU SO MUCH!!!!

[fungirl1011]

Sandy gave you wonderful information.  I am so sorry that you have had to deal with cysts for that long.  I too have had them since I was about 14.  They suck!!!  Has your doctor tried putting you on birth control?  Sometimes that will shrink the cysts and possibly keep you from getting any more.  I have had both types of surgeries. Laproscopy is easier to heal from as they only make three small incisions to get the cyst out.  Recovery time for that is about 1 to 2 weeks.  You have already had a laparotomy so you know what to expect form that.  The potentila problem you face with not getting the cyst removed is the possibility that it will rupture and that is SO painful.  The best bet is for you to see what the new gyn has to say.  Please keep us posted on what is happening.  Good luck!!  Kasie

[Sandymac]

Hi,
   You sure have been through a lot with those cysts !! I'm sorry you 're having to deal with it again, but usually, if the cysts don't shrink or disappear completely, the next option is surgery. By surgery, we usually have either a laparoscopy or laparotomy. the laparoscopy is quite common procedure and usually outpatient. The other "lap" may take a bit longer with possibly longer hospital stay. The gals on this forum have a lot of experience with both/either. The laparoscopy (which I had) takes only a week or so to feel like your old self..just 3 tiny incisions..

    As you probably know by now, cysts are very very common and 95 % benign, so I wouldn't worry too much .. You might also check the top right of this page "Health Pages ", which has a lot of information about cysts. And, yes, simple cysts are the most common of all !

Good luck and keep us posted
Sandy