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complex septated cystic mass in my left ovary measuring 8 x 7 x 6 cm

I am 29 and I was having pain in my lower, left side and went to the ER 2-1-12. I had an internal and external ultrasound. I could tell by the length of time that the internal ultrasound was taking that something was going on. The doctor came in to tell me that I had a complex septated cystic mass in my left ovary measuring 8 x 7 x 6 cm that could be partially hemorrhagic and a small amount of fluid in the cul-de-sac. He asked for my Dr's name and left immediately to call them. Came back to tell me I must be seen in the next 24 hours and that my Dr was going to fit me in. I went to my GYN on 2-2-12,, she said that this type of cyst could be cancerous, but that there were other types of cysts it could be. Then she referred my to oncology surgeon and ordered an OVA1 blood test, saying that the test was 93% accurate in when looking for the possibility of cancer. I got the blood test done after I left her office and they say it will be up to 3 days for results. But no matter what I will have to have the cyst removed and checked for cancer. I have three kids, 4, 7, and 11 and I am very afraid. I am still waiting on a call from the oncologist to schedule my surgery.

I would be glad to hear any information that could help me understand whats going on. It was also be comforting to relate to others who may have had a similar experience.
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Avatar universal
I have posted in my MedHelp journal,on my profile, all updates since my surgery last year, if anyone would like to read about what happened. My journal is public.

Robin
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Avatar universal
Hi Jessi     I just found out myself on the 21st of Aug and now I'm going to see an GYN Oncologist on the 29TH   and like you have been searching and ran into this website , iT IS ALL MOVING SO FAST .!!!
What bugs me the most is I'm an LPN and I can tell when the Dr.'s are dodging your question  "Let's wait to see the Oncologist before we answer that. "   it really gets me even more scared and pardon my french but pissed It's my body I have the right to know what you are suspecting. Am I'm the only one who feels this way?
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I'm faced with a similar situation at the moment. While researching online, I came across this post.  Wanted to reach out and see how you are doing.  
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How are you robin?
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Robin, wishing you all good; I am post menopausal and during my annual u/s a suspected complex cyst was found.  Of course being post menopausal it raises concern.  radiologist thinks mine might be hemmoragic since debris is shown on u/s but didnt sound as though that in itself is too serious. I too am very nervous and am going back for another u/s in a few weeks.  i dont get my period anymore so highly doubt it will dissapear. waiting is difficult!!!!! Lets all hope for the best for one another!
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Avatar universal
Went to the ER again for pain about two weeks ago. They said the cyst was the same size but filled with what was thought to be blood.  The oncologist moved my appointment up with them. I got another ultrasound last week then went in yesterday for the follow up appointment.

I am scheduled 4/27/2012 for a total hysterectomy and removal of left ovary and fallopian tube. The goal is to keep my right ovary, and they will do what it takes to make that happen. On ultrasound the right ovary seems healthy, so I should get to keep it no problem. It is suspected that I have Endometriosis and that my left ovarian mass is an Endometrioma (not suspected to be anything cancerous). This could change when they actually see everything, they will go from there. They will still be sending a frozen section off during surgery to screen for cancer cells.

I am scared, naturally, because it is major surgery. I am hoping everything goes well and that all my female problems will be over after this and I can move on with life.

They are doing the midline cut (up and down). I will be in the hospital for three days.

I have spent some time crying, but I am trying to stay strong and think about positive outcomes.
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So just got home a bit ago from my oncology appointment. During the exam, the Dr had a hard time finding the cyst. She said she feels a small amount of fullness but not a 7 or 8 cm cyst. She feels it is shrinking and from putting everything together, she feels it is a hemorrhagic cyst. I am set up for a follow up ultrasound on April 11th.

She said if there were something that stood out as a cause for concern toward a malignancy, they would have taken a look at it, using laparoscopy right away. But she really felt that a follow up ultrasound was the best approach.

So if it has resolved itself of shrunk more by then, no more will need to be done. But if there is more changes or it increases in size, they will go in to take a look at it. And if after looking at it, there is a reason to remove it or suspect malignancy, they will go from there.
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On Feb-10-2012 Went back to the ER. They said I needed to See another Dr. sooner, so I was referred and will be seen by another GYN on Monday 2/13/12 at 9:30. I will still be seen by the Oncologist as well on the 23rd.

On Feb-13-2012 Better news from the second opinion today. She was a great Dr and talked to me for about 30min!  Her findings were more positive and she feels I should worry to much, but wants me to see the oncologist to be safe. The Cyst measures a little smaller than the first US on the 1st, so it seems to be shrinking/leaking when compared to the US done on the 10th. It is Hemorrhagic though and the amount of blood has increased some. But she says this will continue as the cyst continues to try to shrink, leak, reabsorb, resolve itself. It will be up to the oncologist as to whether they are concerned to remove it. They may just monitor me and follow up in two months for another Ultrasound.

I will update more after the next appointment on the 23rd.

On Feb-15-2012 Picked up a copy of my Ultrasound images and reports. The Cyst did decrease in size but the clot what is believed to be a hemorrhagic area/clot got a bit bigger.

The Cyst at first ultrasound 2/1/12 measured 8 x 7 x 6 and read as complex septated cystic mass.

The Cyst at second ultrasound 2/10/12 measured  7.4 x 6.2 x 4.9 and read as complex cystic lesion with increasing hemorrhagic component.
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Avatar universal
Just found out my oncology appointment is February 23rd at 1:30pm.
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This is some of what I read about the test.

OVA1 is a blood test that measures serum levels of five proteins (transthyretin, apolipoprotein
A1, beta-2-microglobulin, transferrin, and the CA-125 II cancer antigen) believed to be markers of ovarian cancer, and uses
a proprietary algorithm (OvaCalc) to combine results into a single score (ranging from 00.0 to 10.0) indicating low- or highrisk
malignancy. Cutoff values for low- and high-risk stratification are currently set at 5.0 for premenopausal women and at
4.4 for postmenopausal women. The test is designed for adjuvant use and is not intended to be interpreted independently
from findings of current care methods to assess risk of malignancy prior to surgery in women with a confirmed pelvic mass.
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Test results: They say in premenopausal women a score greater than or equal to 5.0 indicates a high likelihood of malignancy. My score was 4.8
My Dr says this score is considered negative but is borderline and that I should be cautiously optimistic. The higher score could be a sign of another benign issue such as endometriosis. But we will not know for sure without the results from the biopsy.
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I will update as I get new information.

I am happy that they are taking it seriously and putting me in good hands. But at the same time, that's what makes it scarier. I feel trapped in the moments of talking to my GYN and her repeating the words CANCER. My youngest daughter was sitting next to me playing learning games on my phone and I just began to cry. I wanted to be strong but I never thought I was going to hear those words.

I know that me GYN kept telling me that it was possible and that these cysts are the type typically associated with ovarian cancer. But at the same time she was saying that I was young and that my age was in my favor, She even gave me a hug and told me she understood my fear. That made it even worse for me. It's just not normal for a Dr to hug me. It made me feel like she knew something more and wasn't saying. Then she went on to say she could do the surgery but wanted an oncologist to do it "just in case" because they would have the skills to complete the surgery if it turns out to be more serious.

It is just so scary. And because I lost my mother when she was 29 from an unrelated issue, it makes it worse. I am 29 and know the reality of being a child without a mother. So I worry for my kids too. I am trying so hard to stay strong and do as my husband suggests, "Don’t count your chickens before they hatch!"
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Thank you for the information. I am hoping to get results from my OVA1 test between tomorrow and Tuesday. I am trying to remain calm and take it a step at a time. It's so hard to just wait it out.
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Avatar universal
Not knowing is the worst and many people in this community can relate to that.  Complex cysts need to be removed but don't panic!  Even if it is cancerous, many times you have caught it before it has moved further (as I did) and while you will be watched from this point on (every three months) you are free and clear.  Good for you for listening to your body.  Good for them for being proactive.  I cried as I walked into the oncologists office and then I learned if anyone, you want to be with them for surgery because they are SPECIALISTS and know how to make sure they get everything clean and neat!  

Waiting *****.  You can do this.  WHile you are healing from surgery if that is the road they take, they can do extensive testing on the cyst.  In usually about a week, you have clear results and next steps.  The docotor will also have a good idea about it after surgery.  

GOod luck and keep us informed.
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MEDICAL PROFESSIONAL
HI,
All complex ovarian cysts need to be looked at with suspicion. But all such cysts do not turn out to be cancerous. More so ever cancerous cysts are usually bilateral. Other possibilities could be endometriosis, dermoid cyst or benign epithelial cysts. Hence do not fret too much till you get all your reports. Surgery may be inevitable, but let us hope for the best.
Hope this helps. Take care and good luck.
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