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Dermoid cyst

Posted , 5 users are following.

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Has anyone successfully managed a dermoid cyst without surgery? I'm reluctant to have surgery due to the impact on fertility. Has anyone just have their dermoid monitored?

0 likes, 15 replies

15 Replies

  • dobb34487
    dobb34487 Inactive

    Posted

    Hi Jenny,It depends on the size and obviously your fertility needs.I had one on my left Ovary a few years ago and it was 10cm with calcified lumps in it.It had consumed my Ovary and tubes so I had no choice but to have surgery.Ive now grown another large one on my remaining ovary with a Calcified lump that has no choice but to also be surgically removed,Ovary and all!

    You need to get good medical advice and I know women who haven't completed their families have good chances of having children in future.

    Also docs can do alot to save the Ovary if the Dermoid hasn't grown too big.

    Try not to worry too much and get some advice.Even trawling through these forums you might find someone who previously has gone through it and gone on to have children 😃

    • Inactive
      Inactive dobb34487

      Posted

      Thanks - around 8cm. The doctor is quite insistent it needs to be removed but I can't bring myself to sign for it.

      Do you think just try and forget about it? I'm not in any real pain.

    • dobb34487
      dobb34487 Inactive

      Posted

      You poor thing.That will have to come out,I'm sorry.But the good thing is if you're not in pain then the Ovary could be in good order still and it could be saved.Im in terrible pain with mine and periods have stopped.My family is complete so I'm lucky.Dermoids continue to grow and dont really shrink back like other Cysts.if it was less than 3 cm they might wait and watch.I know it's scarey! But you need to try and save that Ovary.
    • Inactive
      Inactive dobb34487

      Posted

      Do you think? I'm really not aware of it. Could I just wait? How big is your dermoid? It just seems surgery would cause traumatic the ovary. They have to cut into ovary to get to cyst. He says could have to open me up. A caesarean type scar with no baby! I couldn't cope. Do you think just try and forget about this? Do you think it's worth it? I'm really no in any pain. It was picked up by chance.
    • dobb34487
      dobb34487 Inactive

      Posted

      My last one was 10cm and grew from my left side and under my Uterus and mangled my right fallopian tube!But I had no pain on my left side and no specific pains,just feeling unwell and bowel problems etc.It was thought to be Adhesions from a separate surgery the year before.This new one also took me by surprise and was picked up by a spine MRI that I had.I get alot of pain when I Ovulate and bleed in between and my bowels and hot flushes are out of whack!! But I've not had a period now for 2 months and I don't feel too bad.This one is 6cm and I'm getting another scan tomorrow to get referred for surgery.Ive been told it has to come out.

      Can you go to a specialist and cover all your options and get as much knowledge as you can so you can make the right decision?I think ignoring it is not a good option especially as you need to keep fertility.

      My surgery was keyhole last time with 4 tiny incisions,I'm amazed they squeezed the Dermoid through such a small hole!! Don't think too far ahead and worry yourself.

    • Inactive
      Inactive dobb34487

      Posted

      That's another thing I'm worried about - going in with a dermoid and coming out with adhesions and scar tissue. I can't get my head around they are cutting you to help you.

      Did you have your first surgery before or after children?

      I guess if having symptoms better to get removed but I have no symptoms and regular periods. It was picked up by chance. I honestly wish I didn't know about it.

  • HammersMummy
    HammersMummy Inactive

    Posted

    Hi Jenny

    I very much understand your concerns & can only offer my experience - not opinion as only you can make the decision.

    I have a small dermoid which is just under 4cm. It's been monitored since discovery nearly 2 years ago. It was then 3cm. I see top-notch consultants at UCH in London who advise monitoring because a) it's small & b) it causes no symptoms.

    Because of their experience I'm happy to monitor. For me it's hard to choose an operation for something that affects me in no way.

    I hope this is helpful.

    Lou

    • HammersMummy
      HammersMummy

      Posted

      Ps they can try to save an ovary but with dermoids it can be difficult because of spillage x
    • Inactive
      Inactive HammersMummy

      Posted

      Thanks so much

      I'm in London as well. Who did you see? I really don't want surgery.

    • HammersMummy
      HammersMummy Inactive

      Posted

      No I don't either! & if consultants are happy with not, I am. They've said that dermoids are slow growing & I feel kind of safe that my ovaries are monitored yearly. I do have worry moments of should I get it out to remove it turning nasty but I lean more to expectant management for now x
    • HammersMummy
      HammersMummy

      Posted

      Ps I usually see the lovely Naila. Are you st UCH??
    • Inactive
      Inactive HammersMummy

      Posted

      No at Kingston. What's Naila's surname? Maybe I can see her if she's in favour of a more conservative approach. He really scared me saying they might not be able to do it keyhole. I haven't had kids yet. I don't want them to start operating on my ovaries in my 20s. Really I don't. There must be some damage when they cut into the ovary. Then risk of adhesions and they can't guarantee they would save ovary. I would have to sign for the possibility they would take it away. I can't do it. I have regular periods now. I don't have a problem. I don't want to start with surgery. It's a slippery slope. I wouldn't pursue surgery. My mum had knee replacement and it's actually worse now. It's an hour for the surgeon. Then you are left with the life long consequences. I can't cope with that kind of scar.
  • dobb34487
    dobb34487 Inactive

    Posted

    I've Adhesions from a completely separate unrelated surgery and no new ones from the Dermoid surgery.

    I know it's only my experience but if you're not in pain like me then maybe that means the Ovary is in good nick.

    My Oncologist/Gyn surgeon last time was adamant that they only take what is necessary and would save my Ovary if possible even though my family is complete.

    My surgery was after I'd had my children.And I've no idea how long it had been growing.

    I know it's Sunday but tomorrow try to get an appointment to discuss all your concerns.

  • maryvee
    maryvee Inactive

    Posted

    I think I would worry that with a dermoid of that size if you do get pregnant whilst you still have it you may have to have it removed during pregnancy. I think I'd prefer it out before havng a baby in there to worry about too! Also I read that even if they just leave a tiny bit of one ovary it can rebuild itself and women can get pregnant just from a partial ovary left behind. I wouldn't worry if you also have an ovary that isn't even touched by any of this. Hope that helps you feel a little better x
    • Inactive
      Inactive maryvee

      Posted

      Thanks maryvee I'm hoping it can stay there until after I've had children. The gynae said it won't go away on its own. It's there forever. Maybe I can do expectant management like the other lady. I really don't want surgery. I'm never going to consent to them taking my ovary. I read about a lady in the paper that refused to have a cyst removed, got pregnant and the cyst went away on its own. Maybe that can happen to me.
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