endometrial cyst

[Chakel]

Hi everyone! In 2010 I went to the walk in clinic (and saw a Nurse practitioner) due to a horrible pain in my lower left abdomen. She sent me for an ultrasound and they found a small cyst on my left ovary that I was told would go away after a few cycles. After 2 years of follow up visits I was still being told it would go away and it was only 2-3cm. Even though I was in horrible pain at times and have been gaining weight like crazy, having abdomen swelling so bad that it looked like I was 8months pregnant.No other u/s was ordered. Fast forward to about 2 months ago I FINALLY was able to get a family Dr. and he looked at my chart, was surprised she kept saying it would go away and sent me for another u/s. After my latest u/s they found an 8x7x6cm suspected endometrial cyst. I waited 2 more weeks and finally heard from the obgyn my dr referred me to and I have an appt. march 15. I'm just wondering has anyone else been through this? I have never been to the obgyn before, what do I expect? Is this something that could affect my fertility since it went on so long? Is surgery usually needed for this type of cyst? Are these cysts ever cancerous? I have so many questions and with almost a month until my appt. I need some answers to put my mind at ease. Thanks everyone :)

-Also wanted to add that I am only 24 if that makes a difference in any of the questions I am asking.

[00christina]

Hi Chakel,
I'm sorry to hear that they gave you such a run around.  I have been going through something similar for 6 months, and it has been painful, but way more frustrating than hurting.  Went to primary doctor with terrible pain in left ovary, was referred for U/S.  Found a small complex cyst.  Was told to wait 3 months for a second U/S and prescribed prescription pain meds in the meantime.  Found that it was still there.  Referred to an OBGYN.  She was AWFUL, said to take birth control and come back in 3 months.  I didn't like her ideas, so I went back to my primary, who agreed that this wasn't the right solution.  Birth control can prevent future cysts, but will not get rid of one that is already existing, and I've never had a problem before.  Went to a second GYN who specialized in oncological surgery. He told me that is wasn't the same cyst... that it was a different one every month- even though it was the same size, in the same place, and hurt consistently.  NEXT!  Went to a third GYN who said it should be removed.  My surgery is the day after tomorrow.

RE: your question about what to expect at your appointment... Your doctor (if he or she is good) should ask you for your symptoms, look at your U/S images (be sure to bring those, and the written reports from the lab), and probably do a pelvic exam.  This involves inserting a tool or finger(s) into you, while also rubbing the spot on your belly to see what triggers pain.  I found this to be the most difficult part of the entire process, but do not try to be tough- when it hurts, even a little, say so.  Otherwise, they will get the idea that your symptoms aren't that bad and won't take action.

If you don't get a result that makes sense to you, keep pursuing answers from other doctors.  I don't mean to say that you should shop until you find what you want to hear... I mean you should shop until you get an answer that makes sense.  When Dr. #2 told me that "removing an ovary is easier than removing a cyst" I told him no pelvic exam as I did not want to waste his time or mine.

Good luck!!

[Chakel]

Thank you for the info Heather! I appreciate it, hopefully they will just do surgery and I can put it behind me soon!

[heather727]

I had a cyst that was 9cm - so about the same size as yours.  You should have the option to have it surgically removed because of it's size.  I opted to wait and see and mine EVENTUALLY (it took 3-4 months) went away.  From what it sounds like, you've had yours for years and it's only getting bigger, not smaller.  They will most likely suggest a laparoscopic removal.  They'll make TINY incisions in your abdomen and send in a camera and tube like tools to remove the cyst.  You're recover will range anywhere from 4 to 6 weeks.  Your doctor will be able to explain more.

As far as to whether it's cancerous or not, if it was fluid filled (which it most likely is) then it CANNOT be cancerous.  If it had tissue, they will send it for testing to see if it has any cancerous cells - this is VERY rare.

As far as whether this will effect your fertility, probably not.  Even IF they have to remove your ovary due to torsion (the ovary getting twisted from the weight of the cysts, losing its blood supply and dying) you still have your other ovary.  But the chances of even needing to have one removed is VERY rare.

As far as what an OBGYN visit will consist of, that will depend if the doctor focuses on just the cyst or does a full exam as well.  Seeing as you've never been to an OB, they will probably do a full exam.  You'll be asked to remove all your clothing including bra and panties and put on a gown.  The doctor will do a breast exam as well as a pelvic exam.  During the pelvic exam the doctor will insert a speculum (looks like a ducks bill) to open the vaginal cavity.  The Dr will then take a long q-tip looking thing and swab your cervix for cells.  Then the Dr will remove the speculum and insert two fingers of one and use the other to poke around at your uterus and ovaries.  Given your cysts, this is probably the only part of the exam that will hurt.  Outside of the regular exam I just described, they probably perform another ultrasound.  This ultrasound will be both an internal and external one and with a full bladder.  Again this won't be comfortable given your cyst.

I hope this helps. I know how you feel.  Hopefully your OBGYN will finally be able to put your pain to rest!