Ovarian Cyst

[mikesgrl]

Hi everyone.  i stumbled upon this site, and this forum, while doing research.  I'm 27 years old, and have a son who is five.  Almost two years ago, due to some health issues of my own as well as my son's autism diagnosis, I had a laproscopic tubal ligation (had my tubes tied).  Over a year ago, about 6 months after the surgery, I started having HUGE pains.  They discovered in March of last year a small cyst (just under 2 mm) on my right ovary.  The doc at the time told me that it would probably go away and tried to give me birth control pills to stop the symptoms.  I went in again today, and they told me it's now 6mm.  I know it's not big, but I'm kind of freaking out.  I work in health care and usually stuff like this I can handle, but for some reason this is really freaking me out.  Has anyone else had such rapid growth?  I will be making an appointment to see an OBG and look at my options.  At this point, I really just want it removed surgically.  Does anyone else out there know of any treatments for a cyst this small? I know larger ones usually get removed, but I wanted to know if there were any alternatives.  Thanks to everyone who takes the time to read and reply :)

[hopeshell]

That is really frustrating!  I do believe that small cysts do cause all sorts of problems and persistent pain.  It is tough that so many doctors blow it off as nothing.   I would bring up the issue with your doctor if you like him and want to stay with him as a patient.  Otherwise, you may want to seek a second opinion.  You know your body best and should not ignore something you know is not right!  I hope you find answers soon!  Welcome to the forum!  It is nice to have you here! :)

Shelly

[mikesgrl]

At the time, no one told me what kind of cyst it was, they seemed to not worry about it too much.  The problem is that ever since I got the cyst, my periods have been a nightmare.  It literally feels as though I'm being stabbed.  The cramping alone leaves me unable to do anything, even walk.  I would rather just have the thing removed, but I'm afraid the doc won't think it necessary.  It sounds crazy I know, for something so dang small it sure causes a lot of problems.  I tried a combination of pills, but none got rid of my symptoms.  That or they made me have terrible migraines.  Thank you for responding!

[hopeshell]

Birth control pills are the usual first type of treatment for a cyst.  But, sometimes, it takes trying different ones to get the right mix for you to get rid of the cyst.  Did they indicate if your cyst is simple (fluid filled) or complex (solid parts)?   The fact that your cyst has grown so little in a year is a great sign in terms of malignancy.  Most ovarian cancer grows quite a bit in a year. If it were malignant, the usual course would have been for it to have grown centimeters in a year!  Your cyst is still under 1cm.  But, any cyst has the "potential" to change over time so it is always important to stay on top of the situation.  

I can understand how you feel though.  It is hard to know something is "there."  But, it really does sound like nothing to worry about at this point.  I am not sure if a doctor would be willing to drain a cyst that small.  Often, at that size, they are an incidental finding related to a woman's cycle.  Even though you have had a tubal ligation, I would think you are still at risk for the functional cysts from your ovaries that go along with menstruation.  They are usually small and change in size from time to time.  Talk to your doctor and ask about trying other pills and other possible treatments.  

Take care,

Shelly