Complex Ovarian Cysts

[Jules3boys]

I am a 47 year old mom of 3 boys, ages 6, 10 and 12. Last month I had a pelvic ultrasound and was told I have 2 complex ovarian cyst on my right ovary.  I wasn't too concerned about it until I "googled" complex ovarian cysts..then I became terrified of ovarian cancer. My GP has scheduled a follow -up ultrasound next Monday (4weeks from the first u/s) I dont't know the size of the cysts or any other details at this point. I am premenopausal, healthy, I exercise and I'm not over weight. From what I have read, complex cysts are more likely to be cancerous. Any information would be greatly appreciated, I'm a nervous wreck.

[Jules3boys]

Hi CyrilsHost,

I was told by my Dr. That my complex ovarian cysts have resolved. I was so relieved to hear her say that. Apparently simple cysts that are resolving can have the appearance of a complex cyst and that's what happend to me. I still have an appointment with a Gyn on Monday and plan to keep it. Let me know how you're doing. Jules

[CyrilsHost]

Oh wow that sounds very positive! I am so pleased for you. Have you had the official results yet? How kind of the sonographer to tell you, she could obviously sense your concern! Please keep me updated on how you're getting on, I'm wishing you all the very best for a positive outcome and am looking forward to hearing some more good news from you!
Just 11 days away until my gyn appointment now, I had a call from the gp yesterday asking if I would mind going in so some students could take a look! I went today and had 4 first year med students examine me (thankfully not internally) They got to ask me lots of questions and I got to show off my knowledge haha! I think it really helped me, I was able to focus my energy in a different way instead of just worrying all the time, and hopefully it helped them too!

Hope you get your results soon xx

[Jules3boys]

Yes, complex cysts aren't always what we fear. Mine have resolved, according to the u/s technician some cysts can have a complex appearance as they are beginning to resolve. It's always worrisome for us hear that we have a cyst or many cysts. I was truly frightened about the outcome but it was a positive ending. My Dr had referred me to a Gynaecologist prior to my follow-up u/s ( I insisted) and I will keep the appointment for Feb 4th. They are the experts.

[GYNsymptoms]

Complex cysts are not always bad.  I was told I had a 6cm one with both solid material and septations and when I finally went in to have it removed, it was actually a simple one, fluid filled that my gyn was able to just drain.

[Jules3boys]

Hi CyrilsHost,

Thank you so much for  your supportive note. I barely slept last night, anxiously waiting to have a 2nd ultrasound. I wan't nervous of the procedure, just worried about the outcome. In had the same u/s technician as last month and she remembered me. I told her about my crazy anxiety about the complex cysts during the last few weeks and was hopeful for a good outcome! The procedure took a lot less time than last month, so I asked her  when the results would be sent to my Dr.  and she said between 24-48 hrs, also said to her can you tell me if I need to worry about the report and she said "you will be happy with the outcome" I felt a huge sense of relief, I know they can't tell mention your results but she was very positive and also said I have nothing to worry about. I will follow-up with my Dr. On Wednesday to get the official report from the radiologist. My anxiety has disminished considerably. I hope you are taking some pain med for your pain today and continue to keep your mind busy and Positive...Keep me updated. Jules xx

[CyrilsHost]

Hi Jules
Just wanted to say good luck for tomorrow, I hope your cysts have shrunk! Have you been managing to stay positive? I've been occupying my mind but its hard today as I got my period and am in so much pain its unreal! Keep us updated with how you hot on at your appointment xx

[Nataliecat]

Hi Cyrils, glad to help in any way I can.
As far as the exact details of the complex cyst, I never did ask, nor review the pathology report personally.The doctor explained from the u/s, he could see the there was both fluid and solid material. My gyn/onc never ordered at ct. He was very confident to proceed with surgery with the info he had. He initially hoped to remove it via laparoscopically, but once he saw the mass with the scope, he suspected cancer, so opened me up for complete staging.
Time between u/s and surgery was just less than 30 days. My u/s was Nov 9, surgery Dec 6. If it weren't for the Thanksgiving holiday, I most likely would have had it a bit sooner.
I can say the month of November was one of the longest of my life. The longest was the 5 days between talking to the gp's office and seeing the gyn/onc for the first time. I did my best to bury myself in work projects, but there were definitely times where I could do nothing but think about all the what if's. I visited this particular forum every day, sometimes several times a day.

Jules3boys - I realize I forgot to note my sympathies for the passing of your mother-in-law. Thoughts and prayers with our family!

Stay strong ladies!!

[Jules3boys]

Hi CyrilsHost,

I hope you had a positive day and found sometime to unwind and relax. I just trying to keep myself really busy so my mind doesn't wonder. Keep in Touch. J xx

[Jules3boys]

Hi Nataliecat,

Thanks for your post. I will definitely ask for a referral to a gynonc once we review my latest ultrasound next Wednesday. I  still hope they have shrunk by that time, (wishful thinking) but if not we'll move on to the next phase. In order for me to be somewhat calm I need to manage this anxiety one test at a time. I have read your journal and posts, thanks so much for sharing. Keep in touch. J xx

[CyrilsHost]

Hi Jules3boys. I'm glad your GP has managed to put your mind at ease, I too tend to think the worst and if I'm completley honest I'm finding it difficult to get through the days at the moment so I completey understand yoir anxieties. I'm completely new to the world of cysts but from what I've read it would appear your GP is following normal procedures as yours are smaller than 5cm and apparently can shrink. Please try and stay positive...and I will try and take my own advice!! Keep im touch xx

Nataliecat, thanks for your reassurance, I have read your post and found it helpful. Can I ask what type of complex cyst you had? Also how long did you wait between your initial dr visit and removal of cyst? I saw my gp on 20th dec, ct was 27th, I had the results on 10th jan and have a gyn appointment on feb 5th. My gp said as much as they can never give a 100% diagnosis that the radiology report was positive, stating the cyct had lots of septations and comprised of fatty tissue, fluid and calcification. No free flowing fluid in pelvis was mentioned, thickness of septations wasn't mentioned and it said no other abnormalities in pelvis or abdomen. I've read your post and I'm so pleased you're on the mend and I hope you continue to follow the right path xx

Jules3boys...sorry I appear to have hijacked your post, sorry!

[Nataliecat]

Hi Ladies,
I'm sorry to hear about the the cysts and the anxiety of waiting. One thing I would like to strongly recommend is that you are referred to a gynecologic oncologist. They have the specific education and experience to differentiate whether a cyst may contain cancer. From all the research I did, it is recommended a gyn/onc always be involved.

I won't retype my entire story - feel free to visit my profile and posts if you'd like - but want to share how fortunate and impressed I was/am that I was immediately referred to the gyn oncologist as soon as the GP, then OBGYN saw the u/s photos - 14cm complex cyst. The oncologist performed the surgery and was able to perform all necessary steps to ensure the best possible prognosis.

I think internet research is good as long as you take it for what it is worth, and use it to direct specific questions to your doctors. I learned a ton since early November, and am thankful to have had all the information available.

I wish you both all the best. This is a great forum with a lot of wonderful women willing to give advice and share experiences. I know having the support for everyone was most helpful through the process. Stay in touch, and absolutely keep the positive thoughts flowing!

[Jules3boys]

Thanks for your response. I did meet with my GP earlier today, she did reassure me and said they are complex cysts one is about 2inches and the other one is about 1". I have a follow up ultrasound on Monday Jan 21. My Dr said if they are the same size or larger she will refer me to a gyn. I have an over active imagination so I tend to think about the worst outcome...not a great way to live. My Dr said take one day at a time and right now they are cysts until we know other wise. My anxiety is also fuelled by the death of my mother-in-law, she died on New Years Eve (just over 2 wks ago)from colon cancer. Please stay in touch and keep positive. xx

[CyrilsHost]

Hi, I have a complex cyst too, mine is a dermoid, do you know what type yours is?
I can completely relate to how you feel, mine was diagnosed a couple of weeks ago, its on my right ovary, measures 10x9.5cm and causes me a lot of pain amongst lots of other symptoms.
I too googles complex cysts and really wish I hadn't...it's scary reading. Like you say though you're premenopausal and thats a positive. From everything I've read post menopause seems to hold the greater concern and the fact you have children I have read is also a positive. I too am premenopausal, I'm 30 with 3 children but like you am terrified and have been coming on here for as much comfort and support as I can get as I don't think anyome else understands. My gp told me 'we don't mess around when it xomes to cancer' and so I hold on to that thought. I have a GYN appointment in 3 weeks, have you been refered? Maybe go back to your gp and tell them your fears and concerns and just see if you can get more info. I've spent weeks googling stuff and trying to secomd guess everything and it really doesn't help, so please try not too, I hate the thought of someone else sitting and going out of their mind with worry like me! Keep your chin up and just try and stay focused on the positives. Good luck xx

[Kiera1105]

Can you tell me how you made out? I was just diagnosed with a 2-3cm dermoid cyst on my right ovary and I'm terrified, I have been googling and reading so much online I'm not sure what to think. I'm scheduled for surgery on April 9th.

[old_before_my_time]

I'm not sure you'll get a response from the others since this thread is so old. They cannot always tell the type of cyst from imaging. I'm surprised you're being rushed into surgery already since the cyst is so small and most cysts resolve on their own, no surgery or other intervention needed. With a cyst that small, the standard of care would be to monitor it via periodic ultrasounds.

Removal of ovaries and/or the uterus is very commonly done but rarely necessary. A woman's lifetime risk of ovarian cancer is less than 2% (1.3% according to government statistics). Other gynecologic cancers are rare too - less than 3% lifetime risk.

That being said, dermoid cysts do not resolve on their own; however, as previously stated imaging is not exact so they typically cannot tell the exact type of cyst and yours is small so may very likely resolve within a few months.

I had a much larger cyst (almost 10cm) which probably needed surgical removal. But I was overtreated. My gynecologist removed both ovaries and my uterus even though the frozen section done in the operating room showed that the cyst was benign. All he should have removed was the cyst (cystectomy) leaving all my organs intact. That was 12 years ago and I have connected with a "ton" of women who had unnecessary removal of their ovary(ies) and/or uterus.

Studies have shown that the uterus and ovaries work together and are needed our whole lives, not just for reproduction. Removal of even one ovary has been shown to increase risk for some serious health problems including cognitive impairment, dementia, parkinsonism and colorectal cancer. Removal of both ovaries has additional risks. Uterus removal (hysterectomy) involves anatomical changes that impair bladder, bowel and sexual function. It also displaces the spine, hips and rib cage due to the ligaments (pelvic support structures) that are severed. And it's associated with ovarian failure which has a whole other set of problems. Intact women's ovaries produce hormones their whole lives to keep them healthy.

If I had it to do over, I would have modified the surgical consent form to explicitly state what could and could not be removed under what circumstances (e.g. remove only the cyst if frozen section was benign).

Best of luck to you! Please keep us posted.