Large ovarian cyst - very worried

[KT57]

Just wondering if anybody has had a smililar experience to me. I am 50 years old and live in UK. A mass was found by my GP during a routine examination and I was sent for an ultrasound of my pelvis. An 11cm complex ovarian cyst was seen and I have now seen a gynaecologist who says I need a hysterectomy. This is ok with me but I am very scared that this could be cancer. My gynae said most are not but the waiting to find out is really taking its toll.

I have to go for a CT scan of my pelvis before my surgery and this is scaring me too. Am imagining them finding all sorts!

I am perimenopausal with very irregular periods for the last few years, have a history of polycystic ovaries and have four children!!

Any feedback from you ladies would be so much appreciated.

Its the waiting thats driving me nuts!!

KT57

[Cstorey]

I am sorry I do not know where to go to see your story.  I was just had a ct scan. They found large cysts in both ovaries and of course I am scared to death.  I am 50 years old.  I was hoping your story would help.  Sincerely Chelley

[mairzy77]

Hello there.  I know you are worried but try not to let it eat you up.  I am 32 and found out on my birthday in June that I had a 13cm complex cystic mass on my left ovary.  My gyn referrered me to an oncologist for surgery.  I spent so much time worrying and now I'm 6 weeks post surgery (removed the ovary) and everything turned out okay. The mass was completely benign.  Just remember, most ovarian cysts are benign. I'll say a prayer for you.

[PinkangelAT]

I'm in the UK too, and am 41. I had surgery to remove a 10cm complex cyst along with my right ovary 2 weeks ago. It was all done by laparoscopy. My consultant only said that a hysterectomy could become necessary if they had trouble controlling the bleeding during surgery or of course if once in there having a look around they didn't like what they saw and thought it would be necessary. As it turned out they found it was a dermoid cyst with bits of hair and bone and fat etc in it - I called it my alien!
It was only on my 4th emergency admittance in the space of 4 months that a doctor decided to do a CT scan and that is when they found the mass on my right ovary. I had to have a contrast dye injected so they could see everything better, but there's nothing to worry about, nothing is painful at all. It is very noisy though - I liken it to a jet taking off right next to you. They can talk to you while you are in the CT scanner and help to keep you calm. At least once you have it you will know what you are dealing with and hopefully you will get surgery scheduled and you will recover afterwards and wonder why you worried so much.
The waiting sure does drive you nuts. I think it's what we all find the hardest part. Oh, I did have a CA125 blood test too, it may be a good idea to ask your GP to arrange that for you. It is a marker that can show the likelihood of cancer, although it is not by any means totally reliable, and ultimately they only know what they are dealing with once they get in there and biopsy the thing.
You'll find this site is brilliant - so many people are going through the same thing as you and there are lots of tips and advice on coping with surgery too. Do let us know how you get on.

[MarieMichele]

Unless there is also a problem with the uterus that was not described in your post, the only necessary surgery (in my very non-medical opinion) would be removal of the cyst with the ovary/tube and possibly the other ovary/tube as well (optional) to prevent future cyst problems.  That is not a hysterectomy if the uterus remains.

My story is similar to yours, although I was not polycystic and had just a very large single cyst AFTER menopause (I finished menopause naturally a bit younger than average).

My surgery story is in my profile, along with the technical name of the surgery.  It is in the "about me" section.  Hopefully my story will help you while you wait for more details about your own situation.