Prophylactic hysterectomy with oophorectomy for weird fibroid?

Posted , 6 users are following.

This is a followup of a post I made in the “Fibroids” forum.

I am 49 years old and in perimenopause (periods closer together, missed two periods in the past 12 months.) I have multiple fibroids  - I’ve had fibroids since I was in my 20s -which create intermittent pressure symptoms (my periods are OK) that I can live with. One of my fibroids, which is pedunculated has grown rapidly over the past 3 months, from , but something like 6x7x6 cm to 7x9x8 cm (don’t remember the exact measurments; I can feel that it has grown), and MRI scans with contrast show that it is ‘weird’, not like my other fibroids.

I have no history of cancer in my family. However, I have never been pregnant (When I was 42, I miscarried at 6 weeks; I don’t think that counts) and I am Ashkenazi Jewish (I can’t afford genetic testing), both of which I believe increase my risk.

I have met with a gynaecological oncologist, he would recommend removing my uterus as well as my ovaries to prevent any possiblity of cancer. He explained that it shows up as brighter when viewed with contrast.

Pretty much everything I have read says that you don’t do a hysterectomy for cancer until  there is an actual cancer diagnosis, however:

1) My understanding is that there would be not way to tell if the fibroid was cancerous until after it was removed.

2) Some Gynecological cancers progress very rapidly. By the time I was diagnosed with one of these cancers, my risk of death would be very high.

 

 I have a tentative hysterectomy - I said I had to think about it and would let them know -  scheduled for April 20.  They actually had me pencilled in for a couple of weeks from now but I said it was impossible for me due to commitments.  The next free date for the oncologist to perform surgery was May 18, and according to my husband, who was sitting in the room with me, when I said I wanted that date,  the oncologist made a very worried face. So I’m not sure if I would  have time to get a second opinion.

I woul be more open to having just my uterus removed and keeping my ovaries (no more periods or bloated belly), I'm not sure why the oncologist says I need to have my ovaries removed, if the problem is in my uterus. I have had a chest x-ray and ct scan of chest, abdomen and pelvis which shows that for now, there is no problem outisde my fibroid.

Any thoughts?

 

1 like, 19 replies

19 Replies

Prev
  • Posted

    I hope he contacts you soon, it's such a worrying time for you. 

    Deb

  • Posted

    Hi AP, just wondering if you got a response from the consultant? Hope all well. X
  • Posted

    Hi. I have confirmed with the nurse that I do not have to have my ovaries removed,so I have an appointment for a hysterectomy, keeping my ovaries  on 20 April. There is only a tiny risk of cancer, but it is impossible to check without doing the hysterectomy, because they have to check the fibroid itself. There could be cancerous cells in the fibroid but the rest of my uterus could be non-cancerous. Plus, if they do anything to the fibroid while it is stil in my body and it has cancer cells, they could accidently spread the cancer around. At least if there is cancer, it is now in one place not doing any harm.

    I am having the surgery because I figure that if I don't, even though there is only the tiniest chance of cancer, every time I have a little ache or pain for any reason, it will be in the back of my mind that I might have cancer.

    Also, the fibroids are annoying. They press on my nerves sometimes and they make me have to pee more, and I am embarrassed about my huge belly. I am otherwise a relatively thin person, so it really sticks out.

    • Posted

      At least you have a date and will have peace of mind.  Good luck. Xx

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.