ovarian cyst AND fibroids

[suttee]

Ineed to have my cyst removed that is the size of a large Easter egg.  Thing is I also have 4 large fibroids as well.  Any one had this done? could it be a full hysterical- ectomy? ha waiting to see gyneee on 9th feb.  All will be revealed spose

[hopeshell]

I agree with Sharon in that you and your doctor will have to discuss the advantages versus risks with having a full hysterectomy.  There are procedures that can remove the fibroids and leave your uterus intact.  But, if you are having both ovaries removed, there isn't much advantage to leaving the uterus.  If you are leaving one ovary, then you may benefit from keeping your uterus.  If your cyst is complex (has solid parts), then you should ask to see a gynecologic oncologist for a consult prior to your surgery.  The only way to know for sure that a large, complex mass is benign is to complete pathology after it has been removed.   If the frozen section during your surgery does reveal malignancy, the gyn/onc can step in to give you complete staging and to make sure your mass is removed intact.   If a malignant mass is ruptured during removal, it can take you from an early stage ovca to a late stage instantly.  The key to a cure for ovca is to remove is at an early stage before it has spread to the peritoneal cavity.  For this reason, it is smart to play it safe and make sure you get the best surgery possible.  Odds are with you that it will be benign and this will only have been a precaution.  Here are a couple of links that explain this better:

http://www.wcn.org/articles/treatment/gynecologic_oncologists/overview/

http://oreilly.com/medical/news/ovarian_ten_things.html

http://www.wcn.org/findadoctor/

Both fibroids and ovarian cysts grow more when hormones are out of balance.  Most of the time, fibroids are not treated unless they cause uncomfortable symptoms.  Definitely, you will know more once you see your doctor and hear his plan of treatment.  There is no substitute for your doctor's opinion, but it is good to know all your options so you can make an informed decision.  Best wishes on a great surgery!  Please keep us posted on how you are doing!

Shelly

[slc44]

The GYN doctor will make reccomendations based on what he thinks would be in your best interests.  I do know that both cysts and fibroid tumors are frequently removed without removing the uterus.    Good luck with your surgery.  I am sure you will do fine.  Sharon