1. Community
  2. Women's health
  3. Ovarian Cyst

8.5cm complex, separated ovarian cyst - 26yo. Scared!

Posted , 9 users are following.

dmd721
dmd721

Hi all! I guess I am writing this more for reassurance and comfort, as sometimes it helps to get things out. I'm just under 27 years old, and here's my experience so far with a complex ovarian cyst. 

Two weeks ago I went to the ER after suffering from severe pain on my right side. Blood work was normal, but a CT scan revealed a 7cm cyst on my right ovary. The ER doctor and nurse told me to follow up with my regular gyn, who would most likely monitor it and complete ultrasounds every 6-8 weeks to check for growth. They said it was not an emergency unless I suddenly developed major, excruciating pain. They both said that ovarian cysts sometimes have to be removed, but ones like mine (the said the shading on the CT scan looked like a normal cyst) should be fine and probably go away with my cycle. (I've never had any issues previously. In fact, just two weeks prior to this happening, I had my annual appointment with my gyn, and all of my tests came back normal. I have no family history of ovarian cancer or cysts.) 

Three days later I met with my gyn, who promptly scheduled me for an ultrasound. She seemed concerned about the cyst due to its size and said she thought it'd definitely have to be removed, since it was already so large and because of the fact that I I have it while being on birth control (birth control, she said, is often prescribed to lessen the change of developing cysts. Go figure...) I became nervous after this, because the ER doctor and nurses didn't seem concerned at all, but my gyn did. 

The next day I went for both my regular and transvaginal ultrasound, which returned the following results: 

"8.5cm Complex cystic lesion with septations and what may represent a small papillary excrescence. No flow is noted to the solid component of the cystic portion. The appearance is nonspecific and both benign & malignant etiologies could give this appearance. Its size however is concerning." 

Upon receiving those results, my gyn referred me to a gynecological oncologist; my gyn said that due to the fact that they cannot tell whether its benign or malignant, a gyn onc. must be the person to handle it. 

My consultation with the gyn onc is on Tuesday, and while I'm trying to stay calm and optimistic, I've been a wreck at the thought of cancer. Of course, I Googled...and I read about so many characteristics of complex malignant cysts that seem to match up with mine, which scared me. The fact that the cyst seemed to grow so much in just three days between tests (1.5 cm) is frightening too...although, I'm wondering if there could be a discrepancy between a CT scan and an ultrasound? I am nervous to see how much it will have grown when I meet with the gyn onc. 

The hardest part has been the waiting - I just want to know what it is. It's been a long couple of weeks. At times, I had myself worked up into a frenzy of worry, which only made the pain worse. My gyn has been fantastic through this, reassuring me to just take it easy and try not to worry too much...but it's easier said than done. Meeting with a doctor who specializes in cancer treatment and practices in a cancer hospital is just a scary thought (but also comforting, since God forbid it is cancer, I know I'll be in good hands...) It doesn't help that I've also always been a hypochondriac smile 

I guess I just needed to get that out...the thought of cancer is just making me a nervous wreck. Thanks to anyone who took the time to read this...I'm not sure how much sense it makes. But it felt good to get that all out!

1 like, 35 replies

35 Replies

Prev Next
  • CaringCanuk
    CaringCanuk dmd721

    Posted

    Hi everyone,

    I can definitely empathize with your pain and worry - I too am suffering, having just been told that I somehow have a 7 cm complex cyst on my right ovary, when an ultrasound in Oct 2015 only showed signs of several large uterine fibroids, and nothing on either ovary. I did a course of fibristal from Jan - April to try and shrink the fibroids, did a follow up ultrasound, and lo and behold, there appears this cyst! Since I am in menopause, I am surprised and can only guess that the fibristal had something to do with it, although every doctor I mention this to says "no no, fibristal does not cause cysts" yet when I look online, I read that it can (slim chance but it does happen). I am scared, confused and kind of p*ssed off right now. The gynecologist has already booked me in for laprascopic removal of both ovaries in October. I'm thinking, if it's possibly cancer, why do I have to wait so long? I am going to go to a new GP hopefully this week (I just moved) and I'm going to ask her to order an mri and blood test. Although I'm terrified of ovarian cancer, I need to know! The waiting and wondering and worrying will be enough to make me sick.

    I hope we can continue to share our thoughts and concerns, and support of each other. I cannot go through this alone, and although my sister and a couple of friends are sympathetic, they won't really understand what I (and you) am going through.

    Thanks for reading. Feel free to reply!

    P.S. I understand the chance of a cyst being cancerous in one so young as 20 or 30 is very slim. It is much much higher in the over 50 crowd. That's good news for you! Not so good for me :o(

    • sheri44006
      sheri44006 CaringCanuk

      Posted

      I was 50! When they found mine and a couple of years into menopause. It is much rarer to have ovarian cyst after menopause but it definitely happens. Mine was removed and not cancer so just goes to show you it may just be a harmless cyst. I am so thankful my doctor remove my ovaries and tubes so at least I don't have to worry about that anymore. Good luck to you I am confident you will be fine. I had to wait one month for my surgery. I do think waiting until October would be a mistake
    • dmd721
      dmd721 CaringCanuk

      Posted

      So sorry you are dealing with this, CaringCanuk! I wish you lots of luck - keep us posted when you visit your new GP. Sooner is definitely better.

      I have read in many places that ovarian cancer is indeed more rare the younger you are, but of course, I've read some stories of women in their 20s who still got it. Keeping my fingers crossed that it's benigh (for all of us!)

    • CaringCanuk
      CaringCanuk dmd721

      Posted

      Thank you dmd721. Keeping fingers, toes and legs crossed for us all. cheesygrin

      Meanwhile, I have been reading up on how one can manage the symptoms and not aggravate or cause further growth. Eating clean, cutting out alcohol and coffee, getting lots of exercise and managing stress well are what I'll be focusing on in between doctor visits.

    • Roberta1111
      Roberta1111 CaringCanuk

      Posted

      Hi Caring Canuk

      I take it your Canadian so am I , I've stumbled over a 6cm when I got an ultrasound done a year ago for some bacteria bug I had.

      I too am in menopause my cyst has not grown in a year. It is a simple cyst my CA125 was 11 and all the other tumor marker tests showed great numbers no cancer. My obgyn said I can keep monitoring every 3 months or remove it and the ovary. Just not sure have no pain, I will do one more test in July then decide what to do?

      Have you been told that you can shrink it with healthy whole foods and walking.... also some apple cider vinegar. This is what I was told so I'm trying.

      I have mine on the right also but they will remove only the right side left is good. My obgyn said she can take both out or leave the good one in. Even tho I'm menopause your ovaries does produce hormones.

      If I do want to remove it the wait list for surgery is only 2-3 months.

      I'm here if you want to talk fellow Canadian smile

      Robin

    • CaringCanuk
      CaringCanuk Roberta1111

      Posted

      Hi Robin, I just noticed this second post.lol. Sorry

      Your ob gyn sounds more reasonable than the ob gyn surgeon I saw. He wants to take out both ovaries because "after menopause they serve no purpose and if the cyst you have does turn out to be malignant, you won't have to worry about the other ovary." This after one scan report from a doctor's office - no mri, no follow up scan at the hospital. I must say, I am not impressed. This happened on Friday and now it is Monday and I've had a whole weekend to plan my "attack". lol I am going to seek out other female doctors/naturopaths and really get some answers before I go under the laprascope.

      I was told that any cyst past menopause is cause for concern because they can change. But I imagine a simple cyst is not as concerning. I have one of those too, but the one that is causing a flurry is 7cm and "complex". aggh..I'm not impressed. I just moved into the city to start a new independent life (both my kids are on their own now), and I was not planning to spend my first few months worrying about my health! (I am hoping that my attitude will scare my ovary into submission ;o).

      Keep in touch.

      G

    • Roberta1111
      Roberta1111 sheri44006

      Posted

      Sheri

      Did your dr's tell you what caused your cyst after menopause ? How big was yours did you monitor before going in for the surgery ?

      I've been monitoring it for almost a year it has stayed the same size since they stumbled over it while I was having an ultrasound for something related to gastro . It remains at 6cm and is simple my CA125 was 11 no concerns as per my gyn . She will take it out but I'm trying to see if I can shrink it.

      Was your surgery classified major or was it pretty simple ?

      Thx

      Robin

    • sheri44006
      sheri44006 Roberta1111

      Posted

      When it was found it was 7 cm. she let it go for 8 weeks, did another ultra sound and it was still there and no smaller. I schedules surgery for about 6 weeks later. It was laparoscopic and a total breeze. My ca-125 was also pretty normal. We decided to remove the cyst both tubes and both ovaries as I no longer needed them. The cyst ended up being mucas/blood filled. She said It was the kind if cyst that would not have gone away on its own. The surgery was in at 11 or so and home by 1. Recovery was pretty easy. I sat on the couch for 3 days, took the pain meds she gave me and was totally back to normal in 3 weeks. Only think was my hot flashes were a little worse that before. Good luck let me know if you have any other questions
    • Roberta1111
      Roberta1111 sheri44006

      Posted

      Thx for your reply. I have read a lot of posts on this forum that women were told it is major surgery?

      My dr said she would take both ovaries I don't need them but there is no need to just take them cause she is inside me , my left one is perfectly fine my cyst is on the right and the ovary is fine too it's just the cyst is large better to take ovary and cyst I'm ok with this. I know aside from having children which I can't now in menopause plus I have children your ovaries do still play a role. So I wish to leave the one in ... my opinion my dr is fine with that .

      Do you know how you devieloped your cyst, I was told my cyst is simple and my CA 125 and other tumor marker tests were excellent findings as far as the range .

      How did you come to notice you had a cyst , did you find it st 7 cm or was it smaller.

      I am trying one more time to see if I can shrink it by natural ways and making some lifestyle changes redo the ultrasound in July will decide then what I want to do. No symptoms for me an accident finding it .

      Robin

    • sheri44006
      sheri44006 Roberta1111

      Posted

      They found it at my yearly appt. they found it at 7cm and it stayed that size. I had them remove it all as I did not want to have to worry about getting another cyst and then more surgery plus I did not want to worry about the "silent killer" ovarian cancer. Your ovaries still produce a small amount of hormones even after menopause but I honestly have not noticed any negatives. Since they were removed I feel better, lost weight and am not bloated anymore. I am a advocate for removing them both while you are in surgery but that is up to you good luck
  • anne99761
    anne99761 dmd721

    Posted

    Hello,  Please try not to worry.  I had two complex cysts 13cms on right ovary and a 6cms cyst on my left ovary. Mine had grown 3cms in three weeks which the gyn did not like. Both were complex cysts which had solid masses inside each cyst. My blood test CA125 was 39 which indicated a problem. I also started with a severe pain on my right side. To cut a long story short my gyn consultant transferred my care to another hospital under a cancer gyn specialist which I was relieved in a way as I was in good hands. Three weeks ago I had them removed and I was only in hospital for two days and I'm near enough back to normal the results of the biopsy from the cysts came back negative - benign after another week.  I had also a family history of cancer and ovarian cancer in my family, but that doesn't always make any difference. So although I was on the path of believing my worst fears, I am totally fine. So good luck on Tuesday, I will be thinking of you. X

     

    • dmd721
      dmd721 anne99761

      Posted

      Thank you so much for sharing this, Anne! It is reassuring. Your story just goes to show that no matter how things may look, you just never know! That is what I keep trying to remind myself.

      I am so glad all went well for you. I will keep you posted as to what happens on Tuesday.

    • CaringCanuk
      CaringCanuk anne99761

      Posted

      Thank you Anne, your account has really helped to calm my nerves. 
    • michelle38495
      michelle38495 anne99761

      Posted

      Yes, thank you from me as well. I scour the interenet for positive stories like yours. I'm relieve for you and I don't even know you!

      What type of surgury did you have. How was the insiscion made? 

    • anne99761
      anne99761 michelle38495

      Posted

      Hello Michelle, Again sorry for the delay having computer problems. I had an abdominal incision from underneath tummy button to the top of the pubic area. Because my two cysts were complex and large it could not be done by key hole surgery, they will do key hole up to 10 cms but anything bigger it's better to do an abdominal. The majority of abdominal incisions are normally along the top of the bikini line like a cesarean but I was also having a hysterectomy as well because of my age etc hence mine. I should say that my scar about 6" is fading very fast!  I look at the disappearing scar and can't believe I've just surgery. I should say also I nearly feel back to normal, can't believe how well I feel. I hope things go well for you. If I can help with anything else just let me know....but remember my computer may be needing an operation! X
Back to top
Prev Next

Report or request deletion

Thanks for your help!

We want the community to be a useful resource for our users but it is important to remember that the community are not moderated or reviewed by doctors and so you should not rely on opinions or advice given by other users in respect of any healthcare matters. Always speak to your doctor before acting and in cases of emergency seek appropriate medical assistance immediately. Use of the community is subject to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy and steps will be taken to remove posts identified as being in breach of those terms.