Painless dermoid tumor

[catesfarm1]

Hi, I am 34 years old, and during a routine pelvic exam my gyno discovered a cyst on my left ovary. I had an ultrasound today, the Dr said he thinks it is a dermoid tumor. I then called my gyno who had me come in to take a tumor marker test. That was today,and I am freaking waiting for the results. I have 2 little girls and am terrified of a cancer diagnosis. Anyone else been through this? I also have no pain or other symptoms.Thanks !!!!!!!!!!!!!!

KC from KC

[catesfarm1]

Hi, It was actually the size of a cantaloupe! I couldn't believe it when they told me. Good luck, I know how hard the waiting is!

[pinkystein]

hi :) glad to hear your surgery went well.. just curious, how big was your dermoid cyst? i myself have an appointment with Onco-Gyno on the 23rd to discuss surgery, hating the wait..

[hopeshell]

Yes, it could be.  Probably, the resting in bed after eating has made it worse.  OTC Prilosec works wonders if you get sick of the burn.   You will be a great encouragement to others who are facing the same type of surgery in the future.  I hope you continue to post even though your cyst is gone.  :)

[catesfarm1]

I know, they are so crazy. It sounds like something out of a sci-fi movie! Now I just ave crazy heart burn. Not sure if it's related to the surgery or not.

[hopeshell]

That is wonderful news!!!!  I am so glad it turned out to benign! :)  Aren't dermoids so mind boggling....thinking of hair and teeth in a cyst?   The first time I heard of them I was so surprised that they even existed and they still perplex me.   I hope you continue to recover well and don't have to deal with any more cysts!  

Shelly

[catesfarm1]

Great news! No cancer. They just removed one ovary and the tumor. It had two teeth and blonde hair!!

[hopeshell]

I am so glad to hear that!  But, I know each day you have to wait will drag.  Be sure to get some people lined up to help you for after your surgery.  It is very important that you rest and don't do too much too soon.  Frozen meals, take-out options or people who drop off meals are a must for the first 3 weeks.  Hopefully, you also have someone who can help with your kids.  Thanks for letting us know the latest!

Shelly

[catesfarm1]

Hey, Dr said he's optimistic that it will be benign. Surgery is 11/5 to remove the ovary and dermoid.

[hopeshell]

That's a bummer because waiting is so hard!  Good luck and keep us posted!

[catesfarm1]

They rescheduled my appt again! GRRR! It's tomorrow now.

[catesfarm1]

Thanks!! I'll let you know what the Dr. says on Monday.

[hopeshell]

No, I did not have any radiation or chemo...only a complete hysterectomy and staging surgery.  I was a Stage 1a which is the earliest you can get.  My doctor said if I had been a Stage 1c or greater then chemo would have been recommended.   My pathology was tricky and my gyn/onc thought I would surely be later staged.  So, I spent a month thinking I would have to have chemo.  I was so relieved and thankful that I didn't.    You hear so many bad things about ovarian cancer that it sounded like a no hope diagnosis to me at first.  But, I have come to realize that most cancers can be cured if caught early and there are many women who have had this dx who go on to live normal life spans.  Just keep the faith!  You are definitely not alone.  There are so many great women on this forum who are in the same situation or have been there.   As you get nervous or have questions, it does help to vent and post!   You are going to come through this just fine! I know it! :)

Shelly

[catesfarm1]

Will do! It's so nice not to feel alone with this. I have lots of friends and family, but none have ever gone through this. Did you have to have any treatment such as radiation or chemo?

[hopeshell]

I am glad you are getting a gyn/onc.  The fact that your number is on the lower sign is a good sign, but it is slightly elevated and you need to play it safe.   Unfortunately, it is not very reliable pre-diagnosis, but is great for follow-up if malignancy is found.  Please take care and keep us posted!

Shelly

[catesfarm1]

Thanks Ladies. The tumor marker came back with a slightly elevated CA-125, it's 38. I have an appt on Monday with the Onco-Gyno. Praying it goes well!

[hopeshell]

As usual, Marie Michele said it well!  You must have this tumor removed in order to avoid future complications.  I totally understand your fear and shock with being told this news.  I was 37 when I was told I likely had a dermoid and it did turn out to be early staged ovarian cancer.  My children were ages 4 and 7 at the time and I can truly identify with your fears.  But, malignancy is very rare.  My tumor didn't show any signs of being a dermoid on the CT or MRI.  My doctor just hypothesized that this was my condition because dermoids are so common.  Usually, fat, teeth, hair or nails can be identified and then your chance of malignancy is very low.  Most dermoids are benign. The general rule is that if tumors are complex (like dermoids) and 5cm or larger, then you need a consult with a gynecologic oncologist.   In cases where malignancy is found, your prognosis is much better if a gyn/onc was able to step in and complete your surgery if frozen section identifies cancer.  I hope all turns out to be benign.  Odds are definitely in your favor!  Best wishes for peace in the meantime.  Please keep us posted on how you are doing!

Shelly

[MarieMichele]

There's a low chance of cancer and also a low chance that the tumor marker test would be accurate for anyone still of child bearing age. I  assume we are referring to the CA-125.  Normal results are zero to 35. Higher readings spark concern, but false positives and false negatives are common. Still, doctors order this highly unreliable test and scare the wits out of us. Most dermoids are benign. The problem with them is their solidity. They are incapable of breaking down and dissolving on their own. They can grow larger. They can rupture. The only effective treatment is surgical removal, preferably before the ovary gets damaged by it. If small enough, it can be removed laparoscopically with a small incision and a 2 week recovery. I know this is a lot to digest and unwelcome news, but it is very common. You have a lot of company here and many who have been through it successfully.