Possible complex cyst

[Kellyroase]

A few months back I went in for menorrhagia. I had an abdominal and transnational ultrasound. In the findings report they listed a polyp in my uterus. No big deal. But they also noted a cystic structure in my left ovary. To quote them;

A 4.1cm  cyst with a mildly thick separation and internal blood flow.

So my question would be, is this something I should worry about being cancerous? I'm going for a follow up ultrasound on the 14th, and to be honest I'm nervous as hell.

[Melmelvk]

Hi there! I've never posted on here but I am so thankful for this forum!! I had surgery about 3and half weeks ago. I had a 9 cm cyst on each ovary. I was a wreck!i had never had surgery and while I suspected cysts before I had to finally go because the pain was awful! One of my cysts was a complex and the other a simple. There was one septation which they said was a good sign-more would be concerning. Mildly thick as well. They gave me a blood test for ovarian cancer called ova 1 a little more expensive than the c125 but worth getting. My score was elevated and they sent me to an oncologist. I was beyond freaked out and thought of the worst. But he told me that age was a benefit as well-I'm 31. He also said that majority of his cases of women with complex cysts and elevated blood test were benign. Thankfully mine were both benign and finally have answers to my symptoms I've had for years. I have ovarian endometriosis. I know it's easier said than done but have faith you will do great! I was so scared that I had to go to an oncologist gynecologist but I'm so thankful I did! They will be very thorough! My surgeon told me he would do no more and no less than I needed that made me feel like I was in the best hands and so will you!! Please keep us posted and I send positive prayer and thought!!

[old_before_my_time]

You're welcome. Yes, most cysts, complex ones included, are benign even in post-menopausal women. Will watch for your update on the 14th...hoping it is good news.

[Kellyroase]

Thank you so much for the info and for sharing. Should my ultrasound reveal that the cyst is still there and surgery is necessary, I will definitely take your advice and set up an appointment with a gynecologic oncologist.

I'm only 38, and I don't want to be forced into an early menopause. About the only real info I could find online was that my age works to my benefit as far as the cyst being benign. I couldn't find much on complex cysts. What I did find was in a language that was hard for me to understand, even with my medical terminology training.

Thank you again for taking the time to respond.

[old_before_my_time]

Welcome to the community. Most ovarian cysts, even complex ones, are benign (non-cancerous). Most cysts resolve on their own in 2 to 3 cycles although this is less apt to happen with complex cysts. If you do not have a family history of ovarian cancer then your lifetime risk is very low, 1.3% per the National Cancer Institute.

If you do need surgery and there is a possibility of cancer, it is best that a gynecologic oncologist do the surgery as they are the experts. However, far too many women lose their ovary(ies) unnecessarily for cysts. Since the ovaries are shown to produce hormones up to age 80 which are essential to every aspect of health, it is best to have just the cyst removed (cystectomy). A frozen section done while the patient is in the operating room will tell if the cyst is benign or cancerous. That should dictate whether or not the ovary or any other organs are removed. It seems that some surgeons do not have good cystectomy skills or do not want to take the time for this more delicate surgery.

I was over-treated for a benign complex ovarian cyst 9 years ago. I regret that I trusted my gynecologist of 20 years and allowed his scare tactics to rush me into surgery. He removed my ovary, waited for the results of the frozen section which showed the cyst was benign, and then proceeded to remove my other organs (other ovary, uterus, and tubes). He should have removed just the cyst and then sewn me back up. The effects have been beyond devastating.

Please don't allow fear to take over as it can make for poor decisions. Let us know what the next ultrasound shows.