woman related question for some advice....

Doctors can typically see if a mass is simple (benign), or complex (possible cancerous) on ultrasound, and just because it is complex doesn?t necessarily mean it?s cancerous, but increases the chance. Did they tell you if it?s simple or complex? I had a partially complex cyst which they were watching closely and then right before I was scheduled for surgery it disappeared. I?m rooting for you that this is benign. Keeping your ovary or not is a hard decision. My only suggestion is that you research, and make an informed decision. I would lean more on keeping it as long as the cyst you carry is more on the simple side and less on the complex side. If fully complex, or any possibility of cancer I would think removal should at least be an option. This is not a topic I?m completely read up on, so again I say research and get more clarification from your doctor regarding what exactly they are seeing. Get well soon and please keep us posted.

Thanks Shannon.

When I was 28 (23 years ago) I had 2 dermoid cysts removed that were bilateral grapefruit and orange size. They were benign. This one according to ultrasound also is not clear and maybe the same?? Grapefruit size. Could be benign or could be cancer they will not know until surgery. CA125 Blood work good (12) but that is not always accurate. Some other blood test was slightly elevated but they think because of gastric bypass it could show as elevated. Monday I also have a cat scan that will tell more. My only symptom is being noticeably tired and the frequent bathroom trips and pain in side as getting bigger last month or two. Pain in hip where it is pressing. Mainly in morning before going to bathroom. No fluid in abdomen and no unintended weight loss or gain and no bloating. Very nerve wracking! I have complained about this to several doctors for a while. Thought my hip or over active bladder. Ultrasound finally revealed it! August colonoscopy and Mamogram all clear. Cervix and uterus clear. Oncologist Gyn Doctor said he does not think Cancer but can't say 100 percent until gets in there.

no family cancer history, so if no cancer when get in there will keep one ovary and not have a hysterectomy. Tubes will go along with cyst and the bad ovary. If Cancer told him he can take all. I am hopeful a repeat of what I had 23 years ago!

I get violently ill from morphine and Percocet so not looking forward to this. With no NSAIDS... wondering what they will give me? I will meet with anesthesiaologist day before surgery. Been 10 years since my RNY and any major surgery.

That is a really good sign there is no fluid on the abdomen. With a cyst that size I'm sure the pressure on the bladder and hip are normal. The dermoid cyst is one of complexity that is benign, so probably why they can't say for sure. I'm keeping you in my prayers. I just know you'll be fine!!

Thank you Shannon I really appreciate it. You made my morning it has been very scary and. Hard not to think it is bad.

I had a total hysterectomy 6 years ago. I had cysts as well, but since I had breast cancer when I was 49 my oncologist wanted the surgeon to remove everything. My insurance would not pay to test for the BRCA1 or 2 mutations. But we assumed they were there and no estrogen for me.

Menopause is no fun, the personal heat waves are enough to drive you mad. I no longer have them, only occasional night sweats that are controlled by gabapentin. For me having everything out was the best option. My Mom is the only other female relative I have and she also had breast cancer at age 70.

If you have the gene mutations the risk of ovarian cancer increases by more than 70%, so that is something that could help you make this decision.

I hope your surgeon can help you to make the best decision possible. Take care of yourself.

Thanks Julia I don't know if I have the BRCA mutation but I will request a blood test when I go next Friday for pre op physical with my primary doctor.

It sounds like your decision was absolutely right, I would have made the same decision.

Thanks for telling me about the blood work. I had read about it but was not concerned since no history of Cancer in my family. I should have the test anyway to 100 percent rule it out.

Update on BRCA bloodwork regular doctor or oncologist/gyn can't order! You have to be referred to Genetic Counseling doctor and without a family history it is very very expensive and not covered under insurance. There are so many variables to test that it could cost up to $5,000 for the blood test! Genetic counseling also very expensive if not approved with a family history. I am at peace I explored anyway. Seemed like a simple blood test any doctor could order but not the case. I am feeling good about research I have done and weighed the pros and cons of all.

I had BRCA testing done at Color.com. Not sure if it's in depth enough for what you wanted, but it's certainly not $5k, so might be a good alternative if anyone is interested.

Thanks looks like a good alternative.

You can also get this through 23andme. The commercial report only gives you the results for three BRCA variants, but there's software you can use to check the other mutations on your own.