Ovarian Cyst Question

[Fluff Bottom]

Hello everyone, I had my follow up CT scan and got the results today. All clear except for the ovarian cyst that grew from 1cm to 4.9cm. I'm not overly concerned and I realize this cyst isn't huge but it does explain a few issues I've been having.

Anyway, I was going to ignore it until my normal ob/gyn appointment in September but I'd thought I'd ask to see what you ladies thought?

[mariane]

I am constantly dealing with ovarian cysts because of endometriosis. I have endo since 2004.
The question is if you have had any ovarian cysts in the past. Pelvic ultrasound may give some more information about it. Solid ovarian tumors are usually cancerous. Cysts - you never know 100% before resection.
I underwent ovarian resection over a year ago due to cysts at MSKCC. Since a piece of my left ovary stayed I am still dealing with cysts formation. I have been on Lupron since September. I am switching to IUD - we will see...
I would be very cautious with the cyst. What your doctor says? Did he/she ordered ultrasound?? Ultrasound can tell whether their is clear fluid, it is haemorrhagic, solid etc
In what time period the cysts grew from 1cm to 4.9??
I had growths like that - some even faster from 0cm to 7cm due to endometriosis, more than once. Still my oncologist called my gynecologist surgeon and wanted the cysts out. After my first surgery and scar tissue I did not have second resection. My cysts disappeared on Lupron. However my oncologist still monitors my pelvis very vigilantly. Ovarian and peritoneal mets usually show up as early recurrence.
All the best for you!

[Fluff Bottom]

Hi Marianne, the cyst grew sometime in the past year. I've had issues with cysts for about 12 years but they've always been tiny and taking low dose birth control has kept them from causing me too much trouble. It's only been the past few months that I've had any real pain and I started noticing it was hard to empty my bladder.

My oncologist didn't say much, said he didn't think it was CC related and they would forward the info to my ob/gyn.

I guess I need to call her office at least and see if they think I should come in.

Thanks so much for sharing your info!

[mariane]

If you had history of cysts formation than it is most likely benign.
If oncologist did not show any concern the cyst on the scan most likely had clear fluid or was haemorrhagic. However cysts like that could be mets as well...
I think you could ask gynecologist for ultrasound to learn more about the cyst.
My cysts were usually slightly painful. I always felt them. The pain was sometimes sharp, sometimes dull, sometimes radiating to the knee.... All sorts of pain. Since I have endometriosis the pain grew after each period.
Hopefully your cyst is benign. Good Luck!

[mom_2_3]

FB,

I have had ovarian cysts practically every scan. They switch sides depending upon the month and a few that I've had lead my onc to order a trans-vaginal ultrasound. She says it's not because she's worried it's anything but that she knew I would worry regardless. The ultrasounds always have come back with no issues, just a natural occurrence for my body. For a while the pain would be absolutely excruciating for a day and my ob/gyn suggested birth control pills which my oncologist quickly said "no". So I manage the occasional pain with Tylenol.

Best wishes,
Amy

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Hi Amy, thanks for the info. I'm not too worried but I will let you guys know what my ob/gyn says.

[Coloncancerqueen]

Follow up with your on/gym. I had my colon cancer go to my ovary 6 months tha after I finished chemo and it grew quickly. My CEA had elevated, and it showed on a Pet scan. A biopsy confirmed that it was colon cancer. Since I had both ovaries removed, things are going well. Just be sure it's a cyst... that's all.

[Fluff Bottom]

Ok, so I finally go to my gyn and she sends me for an ultrasound. I call a few days later for the results and the nurse says "it's negative". I said negative for what? She says "everything is good". I said so the cyst is gone and she said yes. Today I go by to get a copy of the report. It says neither ovary was visualized in the exam. WHT?

Not sure if I should do something at this point or wait till May when I have another CT scan.

Any input is appreciated!

[Aqx99]

Ok, so I finally go to my gyn and she sends me for an ultrasound. I call a few days later for the results and the nurse says "it's negative". I said negative for what? She says "everything is good". I said so the cyst is gone and she said yes. Today I go by to get a copy of the report. It says neither ovary was visualized in the exam. WHT?

Not sure if I should do something at this point or wait till May when I have another CT scan.

Any input is appreciated!

It concerns you enough to ask about it here, you should bring it up with your doctor. Point out that the ovaries were not visualized. I had to have my ovaries removed during my LAR because "they didn't look right." It turned out that I had precursor ovarian cancer. Keep at them until you get some answers.

[menreeq]

Ok, so I finally go to my gyn and she sends me for an ultrasound. I call a few days later for the results and the nurse says "it's negative". I said negative for what? She says "everything is good". I said so the cyst is gone and she said yes. Today I go by to get a copy of the report. It says neither ovary was visualized in the exam. WHT?

Not sure if I should do something at this point or wait till May when I have another CT scan.

Any input is appreciated!

Did they do transabdominal, endovaginal or both? If only transabdominal, sometimes you just won't see ovaries. You should have an endovaginal exam. If ovaries are also not seen on that, they may just be located in a place that is hard to see. Ovarian cysts are very common in reproductive age women. And you have a history of cysts. Worrisome features would be solid tissue in the cyst, but this is hard to tell on CT. If they did an endovaginal US and couldn't see the ovaries, you can request MRI.

[DebZ]

My colon cancer went to my ovary so please just make sure you follow up until you know for sure if a cyst or not. When I complained to oncologist about pain in that area, he said rare for cancer to spread there and kinda blew it off. MRI showed large mass. He's not my oncologist any more.