Am I Paranoid?

[DoeEyedGirl]

I am 32 years old and have recently been diagnosed with a 4.4 cm simple cyst on my left ovary.  I was sent for an ultrasound because of stabbing pain in my lower, left abdomen while I was running.  The pain lasted several days.  During the office exam, the gyn didn't feel anything abnormal.  Depending on which Dr./LPN I speak with at the gyn, they describe the cyst as large or small.

Over the past year and a half, I have had gastro-intestinal problems with nausea, stomach aches, and frequent diarrhea.  I have lost over 20 pounds and actually weigh less now than I did when I graduated high school.  In attempt to figure out what was going on, I had two colonoscopies, an Upper GI series, blood tests, and a chest/upper abdominal ultrasound to check my gall bladder, etc.  My Dr. put me on anti-depressants for a while because he chalked much of my emotional problems to stress (being a working, new Mother, etc.).  I have also had extreme fatigue through all of this.  I asked both the gyn and GI Dr. to check my lower abdomen because of the aching I sometimes get and because sometimes I can actually feel & see something through my skin that seems "inflamed".  Both gave me flippant answers and said that it was normal to feel/see something because I'm so skinny.  

My gyn wants to wait a month or so and do another ultrasound to see if my cyst has changed.  But I can't help being very worried, especially given all of my other symptoms I've been experiencing.  I have a feeling the cyst has been there for quite a while.

My question is: Can a simple cyst be cancer?  Or does it have to be a complex or solid cyst?
I do not like feeling "sickly" and I'm not usually this paranoid.  Has anyone else felt like their Drs. think they're hypochondriacs?  Also, are cysts no to affect your libido?  Mine has been non-existent lately.

Thanks for all your input in advance!

[maggie12345]

DoeEyedGirl,
Your symptoms are classical cyst symptoms. I went through lot of test, after 2 yrs they detected 4 cm cyst. Later Cyst disappeared. And after 2 years I had Emergency lap surgery. Cyst was twisted itself number of times and right ovary was also twisted 8-9 times. 4 hours before surgery I went to see my Gyn because I was not able to take pain anymore, Gyn did my Ultra sound, and she failed to see any cyst and she send me to Emergency suspecting Appendicitis.  
I will advise you, ask OBGYN to do transvaginal scope test.    

[Sandymac]

It's fairly common procedure to monitor a cyst to determine if it may resolve on its own, and many times they will do exactly that.

Two of the primary symptoms of ovarian cancer are bloating and feeling full even after eating the smallest amount. The loss of libido may simply be that you are worrying and stressed. Stress can cause loss of libido understandably.

If you are concerned, a second opinion may be warranted, although getting in to see a Gyn/Oncologist can sometimes be challenging. Here in Florida they will only see patients referred by a Gynecologist when there is a strong suspicion of malignancy. Their feeling is that if they saw everyone with a cyst, there would be no time to see those that definitely need their services. I've heard others on the forum express the same  situation.

Here's something to remember : Cysts (especially simply cysts) are very, very, very common and 95 % benign. Waiting a month won't make any crucial difference in treatment I don't believe. Check out the top right of this page--"Health Pages". It has a lot of information about cysts .. and above all, try not to worry..
Sandy

[MarieMichele]

I tend to think cysts cause a wide range of systematic changes: libido, hormones, thyroid function, energy levels, bowel/bladder, etc. I even had hair loss from it.  I didn't know how "sick" I was until my vile cyst was removed and my system slowly reset itself to normal.  I had a "fluid filled" cyst that was benign (it was not "simple").  The word "simple" is supposed to be the best kind to have, usually the type that occurs monthly as part of ovulation, and I think cysts that are suspicious have more suspicious qualities on an ultrasound.....but I can't say for certain.  At 4.4 cm, it is getting close to the size (5 cm) where they start talking about surgery, but they are probably hoping it will resolve on its own.

If it worries you that much, you might want to get referred to a specialist: a gynecologist/oncologist.  They specialize in female pelvic cancers, but really specialize in anything that is growing and may need removal, including benign cysts.  If a gyn/onc is not overly concerned, then you shouldn't be either.  If, however he/she is concerned and wants to take action, then you've taken an important proactive step in protecting your health.