uterine stump possible seroma

scarednconfused
scarednconfused Member Posts: 17
in Gynecological Cancers (other than ovarian and uterine) #1

I've  recently been diagnosed with a dermoid cyst in my right ovary extending across my pelvis on the left side they said after the ultrasound there's a tranverse exphotyic mass on my uterine stump, possible seroma. Five years ago I had an tvh.  I've been referred to a gynecologic oncologist for immediate surgery. I have no clue what any of this means and am completely scared has anyone had this or heard of it out know what it means. the dermoid is 9 cm long the other mass at its largest point is 6.2 cm it has grown in a week. please help

Comments

  • NoTimeForCancer
    NoTimeForCancer Member Posts: 3,488 Member
    #2
    Welcome and sorry you had to find this site

    I don't have any information on this but I would say to try and stop and take a breath. I KNOW this is hard. I was diagnosed two years ago (4/5) and can still remember clearly how I felt and it is not as easy to do as I said.  When I told my twin all she would do is cry.  I asked her what she would do if it was her and she said she would take it one step at a time, and I told her that is what I was going to do. 

    I would say find out what it is first, but don't be afraid to ask questions and to be your own advocate, or have a freind or family member with you who can write down EVERYTHING the doctors say because you will never be able to remember what you are told and it is something you can go back and re-read later. 

    Here are some questions that may help:

     

    DIAGNOSIS

    Precisely what type of cancer do I have?

    Where exactly is it located?

    What diagnostic tests have you performed?  What further tests are necessary?

    What information will these tests tell us?

    Where do I need to go to have these tests?

    When will I get the results?  How will the results be communicated to me?

    Will you explain, in patient-friendly language, the pathology report to me?

    If I seek a second opinion, will I have to repeat any tests or procedures?

     

    STAGING

    What is the stage of my cancer?  In patient-freindly language, what does this mean?

    Has cancer spread to my lymph nodes or anywhere else?

    How is staging used to determine my cancer treatments?

     

    TREATMENT

    What are my treatment options?

    Which treatments, or combination of treatments, do you recommend?  Why?

    What is the goal of the treatments plan you are recommending?

    Who will be part of my treatment team?  What does each member do?

    How much experience do you and the treatment team have treating this type of cancer?

    Will I need to be hospitalized for treatment or is this treatment done in an outpatient setting?

    What is the expected timeline for my treatment plan?

    How will this treatment affect my daily life?  Will I be able to work, exercise, and perform my usual activities?

    What are the short-term side effects of this cancer treatment?

    What long-term side effects may be associated with this cancer treatment? 

    Whom should I call with questions or concerns during non-business hours?

    Is nutritional advice given on what to eat to help in recovery from surgery or treatment?

     

    Some of the questions are for later when you find out what you are dealing with and I hope this help.  Really do try to take a breath.  You have to LOVE your doctor as you are putting your life in their hands.  They should give you as much time as you need and not balk at questions.

    <<hugs>>
  • Alexandra
    Alexandra Member Posts: 1,308
    #3
    Dear scared

    Try not to panic just because you were referred to the GYN-ONC. If anything they are better trained in surgeries than an average gynaecologist. Wait for the pathology report after surgery. At this point no one told you that you have cancer. A seroma is an accumulation of fluid in a tissue or organ, probably left after your hysterectomy. Dermoid cysts result from follicles left over after egg release during monthly ovulation; they are common, can grow quite large and almost always benign.

    Good luck to you!

  • scarednconfused
    scarednconfused Member Posts: 17
    #4
    Alexandra said:

    Dear scared

    Try not to panic just because you were referred to the GYN-ONC. If anything they are better trained in surgeries than an average gynaecologist. Wait for the pathology report after surgery. At this point no one told you that you have cancer. A seroma is an accumulation of fluid in a tissue or organ, probably left after your hysterectomy. Dermoid cysts result from follicles left over after egg release during monthly ovulation; they are common, can grow quite large and almost always benign.

    Good luck to you!

    thank you

    I'm just scared because there's the stump and the growth with it what I'm scared of is the thought of having something else wrong with me my gynecologist said he could do the surgery but he's scared of what he might find so he referred me to the gyn onc said I neededthe surgery within the week but I can't get in anywhere for a few weeks. My pain is so severe and I don't have enough pain meds to get me through. I'm just scared confused lost and feel somewhat in a daze like this can't really be happening I know there's no diagnosis yet but that fear is here every day I wake up n I hate it

     

  • NoTimeForCancer
    NoTimeForCancer Member Posts: 3,488 Member
    #5
    scarednconfused said:

    thank you

    I'm just scared because there's the stump and the growth with it what I'm scared of is the thought of having something else wrong with me my gynecologist said he could do the surgery but he's scared of what he might find so he referred me to the gyn onc said I neededthe surgery within the week but I can't get in anywhere for a few weeks. My pain is so severe and I don't have enough pain meds to get me through. I'm just scared confused lost and feel somewhat in a daze like this can't really be happening I know there's no diagnosis yet but that fear is here every day I wake up n I hate it

     

    Thank your gyno for not being

    Thank your gyno for not being so arrogant to think he/she can do this.  He/she was right to turn you over to a gyn onc, and it is irresponsible for anyone to say you need surgery in a week but can't tell you WHO (if not them) can do it.  They still need to figure out what they are going to be dealing with, and while I know I wanted surgery the next day too, the gyn onc I had wanted to know what he was going to encouter which meant CT, etc...surgery needs prep and does take time.

    You should be able to get pain meds if you are in pain, especially if they know you have a growth that can cause this. 

    Even without a diagnosis, of course you are still going to be anxious.  We all worry until we knew what we were doing with and there is nothing we can do on a weekend so that doesn't help  either, does it?

    Tomorrow call and ask for help.  Take a breath. 

  • Alexandra
    Alexandra Member Posts: 1,308
    #6
    scarednconfused said:

    thank you

    I'm just scared because there's the stump and the growth with it what I'm scared of is the thought of having something else wrong with me my gynecologist said he could do the surgery but he's scared of what he might find so he referred me to the gyn onc said I neededthe surgery within the week but I can't get in anywhere for a few weeks. My pain is so severe and I don't have enough pain meds to get me through. I'm just scared confused lost and feel somewhat in a daze like this can't really be happening I know there's no diagnosis yet but that fear is here every day I wake up n I hate it

     

    I know it's scary and no one likes waiting.

    When they removed your uterus they sutured the top of your vagina (cervix) shut. Uterine stump is what they call the tie-off at the top of your vagina, depending if they left the cervix in or took it out with the uterus. Everyone has a stump after hysterectomy, don't worry about the language.

    Even in the unlikely scenario that the growth is malignant 2 weeks will not make much of a difference and having an experienced surgeon is much more important. Kudos to your GYNO for knowing his limitations. I don't know your age, but if you're close to natural menopause, I would get the ovaries and fallopian tubes out during the same operation. I may be biased because I have ovarian cancer.

    I agree with No Time, ask for rx strength pain meds. If they dismiss you and tell you to use over-the-counter Tylenol, make a scene and don't leave till you get oxycodone or similar.

  • scarednconfused
    scarednconfused Member Posts: 17
    #7
    Alexandra said:

    I know it's scary and no one likes waiting.

    When they removed your uterus they sutured the top of your vagina (cervix) shut. Uterine stump is what they call the tie-off at the top of your vagina, depending if they left the cervix in or took it out with the uterus. Everyone has a stump after hysterectomy, don't worry about the language.

    Even in the unlikely scenario that the growth is malignant 2 weeks will not make much of a difference and having an experienced surgeon is much more important. Kudos to your GYNO for knowing his limitations. I don't know your age, but if you're close to natural menopause, I would get the ovaries and fallopian tubes out during the same operation. I may be biased because I have ovarian cancer.

    I agree with No Time, ask for rx strength pain meds. If they dismiss you and tell you to use over-the-counter Tylenol, make a scene and don't leave till you get oxycodone or similar.

    alexandra

    I'm 32 and had my hysterectomy at 27 for cervical cancer dysplasia I don't know the exact name it was but it was right before it entered my lymphnodes we did a few keep procedures and same results he recommended the hysterectomy so I got a second opinion this dr stated only if I wanted more kids not to do it otherwise she thought it was necessary. I had my tubes tied since I was 22. so I know this stump thing stands for soft tissue of unknown malignant potential so here's my confusion I have this stump with the mass it has attached to my bladder dome so I'm confused y it says possible seroma what does that mean if they're not sure. I have this dermoid cyst as well but what I don't understand why is this surgery so necessary so soon I've researched and researched and researched  seromas get aspiration draining but I've been informed that I'll be cut from top to bottom and possibly across to remove these things why is that necessary? like I said lost and confused and scared they aren't telling me something.

  • Alexandra
    Alexandra Member Posts: 1,308
    #8
    scarednconfused said:

    alexandra

    I'm 32 and had my hysterectomy at 27 for cervical cancer dysplasia I don't know the exact name it was but it was right before it entered my lymphnodes we did a few keep procedures and same results he recommended the hysterectomy so I got a second opinion this dr stated only if I wanted more kids not to do it otherwise she thought it was necessary. I had my tubes tied since I was 22. so I know this stump thing stands for soft tissue of unknown malignant potential so here's my confusion I have this stump with the mass it has attached to my bladder dome so I'm confused y it says possible seroma what does that mean if they're not sure. I have this dermoid cyst as well but what I don't understand why is this surgery so necessary so soon I've researched and researched and researched  seromas get aspiration draining but I've been informed that I'll be cut from top to bottom and possibly across to remove these things why is that necessary? like I said lost and confused and scared they aren't telling me something.

    Dear Scared

    I am not a doctor and I don't know why your doctor recommended surgery vs. cyst aspiration. Probably because of the rapid growth and large size of the cyst, possibility of bladder compression, your history of cervical dysplasia or other factors. There are no doctors on this board or on uterine board where you also posted. There are only cancer patients who could share their experience with you but can not give you valid medical advice.

    Since you have a few weeks before surgery I strongly recommend that you get a high contrast CT scan and a second opinion from another GYN. No amount of googling and asking random people on the internet will give you a better answer.

  • scarednconfused
    scarednconfused Member Posts: 17
    #9
    Alexandra said:

    Dear Scared

    I am not a doctor and I don't know why your doctor recommended surgery vs. cyst aspiration. Probably because of the rapid growth and large size of the cyst, possibility of bladder compression, your history of cervical dysplasia or other factors. There are no doctors on this board or on uterine board where you also posted. There are only cancer patients who could share their experience with you but can not give you valid medical advice.

    Since you have a few weeks before surgery I strongly recommend that you get a high contrast CT scan and a second opinion from another GYN. No amount of googling and asking random people on the internet will give you a better answer.

    I'm just looking

    I'm just looking for any body who has had similar or the same issue I'm having, I'm not looking for a Dr. just a little insight to as what might be going on if anyone had this issue. I know I can't Google an answer however this is something I cannot stop thinking about as I'm sure everyone else has whetherit be scares or real. the cervical dysplasia from before is what scares me the most while in the ER they did the ct scan with and without contrast then I did CA125 that was normal range I guess 15.7 then the ultrasound and after that it was rushed to the Dr at that point he recommended the gyn/onc. so I'm looking for someone who has had similar experience and can share with me. 

     

    I'm sorry you don't understand y I'm here asking questions but I am because I don't know what is happening to me other than things are growing inside me and I'm in a ton of pain.

  • Alexandra
    Alexandra Member Posts: 1,308
    #10
    scarednconfused said:

    I'm just looking

    I'm just looking for any body who has had similar or the same issue I'm having, I'm not looking for a Dr. just a little insight to as what might be going on if anyone had this issue. I know I can't Google an answer however this is something I cannot stop thinking about as I'm sure everyone else has whetherit be scares or real. the cervical dysplasia from before is what scares me the most while in the ER they did the ct scan with and without contrast then I did CA125 that was normal range I guess 15.7 then the ultrasound and after that it was rushed to the Dr at that point he recommended the gyn/onc. so I'm looking for someone who has had similar experience and can share with me. 

     

    I'm sorry you don't understand y I'm here asking questions but I am because I don't know what is happening to me other than things are growing inside me and I'm in a ton of pain.

    I am sorry to have sounded insensitive.

    Don't scare yourself more than you already are. Take it one day at a time.

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