ovarian cysts discovered decades after hysterectomy
Posted , 5 users are following.
Two years ago in 2017, I had an ultrasound which diagnosed left ovarian cysts. Presently, after sufferring with abundant lower abdominal pain and urinary pain and urgency, I had an additional ultrasound performed (2019) which discovered multiloculated cystic lesions (or possible ovarian cysts) measuring 3.2x2.4x2.8cm and 2.4x1.6x1.7cm. A small amount of associated arterial flow within the structure is noted.
I am 65 yrs old and 30 yrs ago I was told I had a total hysterectomy performed.
Due to the serious pain I am presently experiencing , surgery has been recommended.
How big are these cysts in inches and can anyone give me additional information?
My general practitioner has suggested that ovarian tissue was left behind following my hysterectomy all those years ago. My pain is intense and I hope you can offer additional information prior to my Dec 3rd appointment with an obgyn.
1 like, 7 replies
Guest anya78
Posted
Hi. I will be interested in following your progress. Please keep me in the loop OK? You have an interesting situation for sure. You were quite young when you had your hysterectomy. I know you must be confused and frustrated. Sometimes they leave ovaries as they can be of use to us, but to just miss some tissue, is unusual. At least your doctor listened to your symptoms and is taking action. I am 69 years old and recently found out I have an ovarian cyst. It is 6.3 cm x 5.6 cm. I found a chart that compared mine to the size of an egg. Not being familiar with cm I too was very curious of the size in inches. Then another chart said 1 inch equals 2 cm. I just had a check up in Oct. and reported some complaints that now look to be related to my cyst. My doctor didn't think my complaints were anything but age. She never found the cyst during a pelvic exam. Which I find odd since it isn't tiny. I had a CT scan two days after my so called physical. It was ordered for my kidney disease checking for stones. No stones, but found the cyst! I have tried for over a week, calling trying to get a referral from my doctor for a specialist and or an ultra sound but I've been ignored. Today I called a Gynecologist on my own. They took my information, asked some questions and had my urologist fax my CT to them. They are going to evaluate and decide the next step. I'm grateful my urologist told me not to ignore this. He stressed that I should follow through myself if primary care doc didn't take it seriously. I feel relief that someone is finally doing something. Even though most ovarian cysts are benign, our age demands we not ignore these. Good luck!
Laura3333 anya78
Posted
Hi Anya, the cysts aren't all that big, maybe 2" around. They are mist likely simple cysts and are very common. A total hysterectomy means they just removed your womb, a radical hysterectomy is when your ovaries are removed as well. If you are having pain I would have that one removed, or maybe both. I had my right ovary removed three years ago, due to a cyst. its not a big op. done laparoscapally, and wasn't long to recover from it.
I had a hysterectomy when I was 40 due to heavy periods, and am 73 now.
ginaprice102075 anya78
Posted
Hello,
Your cysts are considered small, however if septations are denoted and arterial blood flow with being postmenopausal, you doctor would most likely refer you to a surgeon. Having a CA-125 blood test is also used in conjunction to evaluate the elevation of tumor markers.
Please update us!
anya78
Posted
My sincerest thanks to each of you for taking the time to reply. I am greatly comforted by your honesty and willingness to share your own struggles in an effort to assist me during this increasingly painful experience.
I meant to indicate that I was told that I was given a radical hysterectomy. Since that long ago surgery, I have had additional procedures, CT scans and more...at no time was there mention of an ovary being present...until 2017. Prior to the original surgery, I had multiple surgeries for removal of large cysts, including fibroids. Tumors were also removed ; along with my appendix . Considering the number of invasive procedures and the level of medical knowledge in the '70's and '80's I suspect that there may be an issue with scar tissue and abdominal adhesions further complicating my situation (e.g., possible intestinal obstruction).
Appt. with OBGYN on 12/3/19. Although these "cysts" may be small, I believe they, along with this nefarious ovary, need to go - asap! Perhaps December may not be the best month for an invasive procedure, nonetheless, I have had enough! Besides, I feel as though my physicians are unable/unwilling to look past this finding before moving on to consider alternate diagnosis should this intense abdominal pain persist.
Once again, thank you for your concern and your brilliant input! I will provide followup!
Best wishes for a splendid holiday season 😉
Guest anya78
Posted
Hi...scar tissue and adhesions certainly can cause problems. I agree...remove the ovary and no more cysts. They need to really check everything out and know what is causing your pain. How did your doctor appointment go? I sure hope you got some answers and you will get better care this time around. I finally had an ultra sound. My cyst has gone from 6.3 cm to 7.4. cm. Growing...I feel like I should name it! Luckily the CA 125 was normal. I see the surgeon in January. I wish it was sooner though.
anya78
Posted
opps...see below...
jk4444 anya78
Posted
Anya,
I'm so sorry to hear that you have cysts after hysterectomy. That must be really hard and frustrating...
Is surgery the only method? I believe that they can give you an option to take hormonal contraceptive pills that can possibly help shrink cysts. But I don't know whether it helps when you don't have period anymore, though.
Otherwise, you might want to try acupuncture and perhaps Chinese medicine together with it.
If any of these helps, then you would be able to stay away from surgery.
I wish you all the best.
J.