ovarian cycts after manopause

[ed_o]

I have cycts on both ovaries which I discovered by accident when I read an MRI report on my back two years after it was taken.  I was never informed of the presence of these cycts.  Of course, I was alarmed and went to by gny right away.  I was 59 at the time.  We did an ultra sound and a ca125.  the cycts were very small (about 2cm, I think) and the ca125 was totally normal.  In spite of this my gyn recommeded removal of the ovaries as the most conservative treatment.
I was skeptical and decided to go to an oncologist who advised me that there are probably millions of these cysts out there and that we should follow them with ultrasound and ca125 every three monts for any change.  We did this for a couple of years and not change.  But this year, the cyst on the left side began changing slightly -- about 2cm at evey ultrasound.  ca125 is still normal.  The oncologost does not believe this is cancer but says you cannot be sure short of surgery.  He would remove both ovaries and tubes.  The other alternative is to continue with the ultrasounds and ca125 every three months.
My question is, at age 61, is there a real benefit from keeping your ovaries? I have read that there is a risk of increased heart disease once estrogen production ceases completely as the ovaries continue to produce small amounts of estrogen even after menopause.  I have also read that there is increased incidence of dementia in women who have had the ovaries removed.
I would like to know if there are any stats or studies done on these type of cysts after menopause and what the recommendations would be in my case.  I do not believe that I have cancer but the continued, albiet slow growth over the last year somewhat concerns me.  

[Sandymac]

I'm not any sort of expert, but I can't remember hearing of any real benefit in keeping the ovaries after menopause. When my cyst was found, I really wanted them to just "take it all out".. Now THAT they wouldn't do, but my Dr. who is conservative had no problem with removing the ovary and tube.. I was also told I could monitor this cyst every three months or so.. Phooey to that I said.. why stress myself out every few months.. so poof.. it's gone ! Had it done via laparoscopy and was truly a piece of cake.

Good luck and let us know,
Sandy
P.S.. Haven't heard about the dementia ...

[vallieanne]

I have an almost identical situation as yours as I had my cyst found during a Cat scan for kidney stones a few years back. My gyn decided to do the watchful waiting as I was on the brink of menopause and she was sure it would shrink. It took another 2 years before I finally stopped the monthlies and then was supposed to have it out as it was still there. The month before I was supposed to go I broke 3 bones in my leg and spent all of last year to this spring recovering. When I had the US repeated the cyst had gotten a cm. larger, so I've been trying to get scheduled to have it out since April. I have horrid insurance, so it's taking a long time and I've had to go for a lot of testing before they'll do the surgery. I said goodbye to the doctor who waited for so long, it should have come out, so says my surgeon anyway. She is taking out the ovary and the cyst, and wants to take the right out also. I was apprehensive at first, but after all this testing and all the anxiety that goes with not knowing if it's benign or not, I'm letting her take the right too. I do not want to have to go through this again!! I really don't know too much about the dementia, but I know the stress from this is not good for me and I'll take my chances. My cyst was first diagnosed as a simple unilocular ovarian cyst, now my surgeon says' she's not so sure about that and said until she gets in she won't know anything for sure. She has also said she "doesn't think" it's cancer by the TV/US results and the Cat -scan, but until she has a path report she won't know for sure. I think you should just go and get it out and be able to have it resolved.

[marie3B]

Your profile says Male.  I am assuming this is a mistake, or you are posting under someone else's profile.  Anyway, I would not mess around and try to keep the ovaries.  I rather play it safe.  I should have mine removed when it was once suggested to me.  I didn't.  Years later I was diagnosed at stage 3b.  Ovca is no fun.  I would have preferred to take my chances with the increased risk of whatever the lack of estrogen might cause.  I wish you the best.  Marie