I'm so scared

I know this sounds scary, but I think what you have described sounds fairly standard. I am not medical, but I think the cysts within cysts (daughter cysts) is a good sign. The blood test will be CA125 I imagine which they do to get a likelihood of ovarian cancer. But you will read on here that a raised result is not conclusive by any means, as lots of things can affect it including having a cyst. It's just an information gathering exercise I think. The vast majority of cysts are benign ( have a look on the NHS website) so try not to worry. They have also found it when it's quite small so if they need to remove it I imagine it may be keyhole (laparoscopy) rather than a bigger laparotomy. 

I know it's easier said than done but try to stay positive. If you read some of the medical sites the statistics are hugely reassuring. They say things like 99% are benign. The likelihood of cancer is even less if you are pre menopausal. I know statistics aren't everything, but I do think they help to put things in context. Of course until you have had all your investigations done it will be a niggle, but medics know what they are doing, and you are in the system now. Really hope everything works out, and good luck with your training. X

Your story sounds very like mine, so I hope this is reassuring. I had an MRI before xmas for back problems and a 5-6 cm cyst showed up. No symptoms that I 'd been aware of. A pelvic ultrasound showed a 6 cm complex cyst (i.e. with solid elements) including a daughter cyst, so I was referred on the 2 week fast track. The GP assured me it was very likely to be benign, but as I am 51 and the cyst complex they would investigate. Blood tests were CA125, CA199 and a couple for inflammation, all came back normal. Then the gynae sent me for another MRI to confirm the findings. All very fast. I was told it was probably a dermoid cyst, 99% of these in adults are benign. I was also told that they would remove it, probably within the month, along with 1 ovary.

Then everything slowed down and an appointment 4 weeks later told me the cyst was benign dermoid, as expected.I think I should have insisted on hearing that sooner than 4 weeks, and told the consultant so when I saw him another 4 weeks later! Anyway, alarm over, back to good old NHS slow lane and I'm waiting for a date for surgery. Given my age and perimenopausal stage we have agreed he can remove both ovaries to avoid any future problems. But they can remove a cyst and leave the ovary intact sometimes, and will probably recommend that for you given your age. In any case you can still conceive with 1 ovary. It feels horrible to be thrown into cancer scare without any warning so I really feel for you. But there's a huge chance it will be fine, and they are just being careful.

All the best, Mary