Cyst that doesn't go away

Dear Babygirl05~

Having read your “about me” page, you are correct about following your gut instincts when you feel something is wrong.  After reading your entry here, I started asking Dr. Google about hemorrhagic ovarian cysts.  The Mayo Clinic is “user friendly” and explains things in simple terms, so NOW I know that your gynecologist could be right, but if she hasn’t performed an ultrasound, then she should.  You followed your first hunch and found you really had cancer.  So I’m suggesting you be more forceful with this doctor who says, “Don’t worry.”  In reading the Mayo article, they say that if it isn’t over 10 centimeters and has no associated pain then there’s probably nothing to “worry about.”  But if I were you, I would insist on determining for certain that is indeed “nothing to worry about.”  Am I going to say you may have Ovarian cancer—no—but I think you should have it thoroughly checked out to relieve your worries.

Mayo says, “If a cyst is small or medium-size and isn’t causing you any pain or other symptoms, then your doctor likely will recommend monitoring it. That usually involves getting a pelvic ultrasound once every few months to see if the cyst has changed in size. Typically no other treatment is needed. In many cases, the cyst goes away in a few months on its own. “If a cyst is larger than about 10 centimeters, or if it causes pain, a feeling of fullness in your pelvis or other symptoms, then doctors usually recommend surgery to remove it.” 

My only question at this point is:  Did the gyn conduct an ultrasound and tell you how large the cyst is?  You are having pain.  In that case, obviously Mayo thinks a pelvic ultrasound should be conducted to see if there is a change in the size.  Believe me, once you’ve had a cancer diagnosis, “just WATCHING something” could be “giving it time to change into something more severe too!  So I would tell the doctor that you’re not content to just “watch it.”  If she hasn’t and won’t give you an ultrasound, then find a gynecologic oncologist who will—that’s my advice.  The two references below my name are “all inclusive, especially the second one.  So check out each topic and you will be fully informed and able to have an intelligent conversation with your doctor.  She should respect your concerns, if for nothing else, your peace of mind.  One cancer is enough and once you have been diagnosed with cancer, let’s be honest—you will wonder if the doctors were able to remove it all—will it recur somewhere else?  Of course those questions are really usually unanswerable and give us much cause for concern.  But like you say, “Go with your gut” and find someone that will listen.

You need peace of mind, and that’s one way to find out for sure the source and reason for your pain.

Wishing of course, that all will be well.

Loretta

Peritoneal Carcinomatosis/Ovarian Cancer Stage IV

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1.       https://newsnetwork.mayoclinic.org/discussion/mayo-clinic-q-and-a-hemorrhagic-ovarian-cysts-typically-dont-have-impact-on-fertility/

“Mayo Clinic Q and A: Hemorrhagic Ovarian Cysts Typically Don’t Have Impact on Fertility - February 23, 2016

DEAR MAYO CLINIC: What causes hemorrhagic ovarian cysts, and what is the treatment for them? Will having one of these cysts affect my ability to conceive?

ANSWER: Hemorrhagic ovarian cysts happen in women who haven’t gone through menopause. They are a result of ovulation. Why some women develop these cysts and others do not isn’t clear. Treatment for hemorrhagic ovarian cysts depends on the size of the cyst and if it causes symptoms. The cysts typically don’t have an impact on a woman’s fertility.

Your two ovaries are located on either side of your uterus. They’re each about the size and shape of an almond. Eggs, also called ova, develop and mature in the ovaries and are released in monthly cycles during your childbearing years. Ovarian cysts are fluid-filled sacs or pockets within or on the surface of an ovary. Hemorrhagic ovarian cysts develop during ovulation when an egg is released through an ovarian follicle on its surface, and that follicle bleeds into a cyst. Doctors don’t know why this happens.

Having a hemorrhagic ovarian cyst is not necessarily a problem. Many times these cysts don’t cause symptoms and are often found during a pelvic exam that’s done for another reason. If a cyst is small or medium-size and isn’t causing you any pain or other symptoms, then your doctor likely will recommend monitoring it. That usually involves getting a pelvic ultrasound once every few months to see if the cyst has changed in size. Typically no other treatment is needed. In many cases, the cyst goes away in a few months on its own.

If a cyst is larger than about 10 centimeters, or if it causes pain, a feeling of fullness in your pelvis or other symptoms, then doctors usually recommend surgery to remove it. Some cysts can be taken out without removing the entire ovary. But if the cyst has damaged the ovary to the point that no healthy tissue can be saved, the surgeon removes all of the ovary.

In general, hemorrhagic cysts do not have a negative impact on fertility. Even if you need to have one ovary removed, as long as the other ovary remains healthy, you likely will be able to conceive, assuming you don’t have other medical issues that could affect your fertility. The only time fertility may become an issue as a result of hemorrhagic ovarian cysts is when cysts develop on both ovaries and both ovaries need to be removed.

There’s no proven way to prevent new hemorrhagic ovarian cysts from developing. Some evidence suggests that suppressing ovulation by taking birth control pills could reduce the risk of ovarian cysts. But that is not always effective.

Getting regular pelvic exams is one way to help ensure that any new changes in your ovaries — including new cysts — are found as soon as possible. Along with those exams, pay attention to changes in your monthly cycle, including symptoms that may accompany menstruation that aren’t typical for you or that last for more than a few cycles. Symptoms to watch for include persistent pelvic pain, a feeling of fullness or heaviness in your pelvis, and pain during sex or during a bowel movement. Talk with your doctor about any symptoms or changes that you may notice. — Dr. Kristina Butler, Obstetrics and Gynecology, Mayo Clinic, Scottsdale, Ariz.”

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2.       https://www.emedicinehealth.com/ovarian_cysts/article_em.htm - OVARIAN CYSTS

Ovarian Cysts Symptoms - What are the Symptoms?

Most functional ovarian cysts do not cause symptoms. The larger the cyst is, the more likely it is to cause symptoms. Symptoms can include:

• Pain or aching in your lower belly, usually when you are in the middle of your menstrual cycle.
• A delay in the start of your menstrual period.
• Vaginal bleeding when you are not having your period.

SOURCE: Healthwise - Read more about ovarian cysts symptoms and treatment »…  Ovarian cancers: Most ovarian cysts are benign (non-cancerous); however, rarely, ovarian cysts may be related to ovarian cancers.”

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I also had a cyst that didn't go away. It was only 3cm big, so my doctor wasn't worried about it. Until I started having other symptoms - bloating, pain, abnormal bleeding. It ended up being clear cell ovarian cancer.

It is better to get checked and find out nothing is wrong than miss something more serious.

Babygirl05 said:

How did they find out it was

How did they find out it was cancer?  Did you insist on a biopsy, or did they just remove it?  I'm worried that my GYN is going to just push me off with "its just a cyst" and do nothing, so I want to push for an ultrasound or catscan.  Did you have to insist on more testing?

I had an ultrasound and that came back saying it was a dermoid cyst (obviously wrong). My CA 125 test also came back normal. We ended up monitoring the "cyst" for over a year. They finally did surgery to remove it after I started having more symptoms and insisted they remove it. My doctor sent it for biopsy once she got inside because "it looked odd" - her exact words. Apparently they tried to peel off the cyst to preserve my ovary, but the draininge didn't look right. She was shocked that it came back cancer. Luckily stage 1, but still...

If your current doctor won't listen, then I recommend seeing someone else. You are your best advocate.

Dear Babygirl

It’s a bit late for me to help with the questions to ask today, since I’ve only sat down tonight to check the CSN site, and it is now past 7:00 PM – EST.

And by now you will have already experienced all that I was aiming to send to you.  However, I’ll send it anyway.  There will be others here who will be having pelvic ultrasounds and will need to know the procedure.  Hope the gyn is correct, but she really can’t be “sure” unless she does an ultrasound.  “Better to be safe than sorry” would always be my motto!  So let us know what the results are.  I’m glad she listened to you and agreed to perform the test.  Peace of mind is priceless!  Hope all went well.

Loretta

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1.       https://www.radiologyinfo.org/en/info.cfm?pg=pelvus

Ultrasound - Pelvis

“Ultrasound imaging of the pelvis uses sound waves to produce pictures of the structures and organs in the lower abdomen and pelvis. There are three types of pelvic ultrasound: abdominal, vaginal (for women), and rectal (for men). These exams are frequently used to evaluate the reproductive and urinary systems. Ultrasound is safe, noninvasive and does not use ionizing radiation.

This procedure requires little to no special preparation. You may be asked to drink water prior to the examination to fill your bladder. Leave jewelry at home and wear loose, comfortable clothing. You may be asked to wear a gown.

1. What is Pelvic Ultrasound Imaging?
2.  What are some common uses of the procedure?
3.  How should I prepare?
4.  What does the equipment look like?
5.  How does the procedure work?
6. How is the procedure performed?
7.  What will I experience during and after the procedure?
8.  Who interprets the results and how do I get them?
9.  What are the benefits vs. risks?
10.  What are the limitations of Pelvic Ultrasound Imaging?...”

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Babygirl05 said:

The tech who did my

The tech who did my ultrasound said the cyst was still there and looked pretty much the same as my last scan.  I asked her if it was a fluid filled cyst and her reply was "no, it has some stuff in it, but you will talk to the doctor about that."  UGH....  So now I'm worried sick.  I hope the doctor calls first thing tomorrow morning.

Good afternoon “Babygirl”~

Since you’ve already told us that you are a “worrier”, probably anything that I suggest won’t quell that anxiety.  However, you will just have to “wait”.  So how are you going to spend your time today?

Since it’s the only day you have, is there some “little something” that you have put off doing that you can do today?  Maybe it’s cleaning out a closet, chasing a few dust balls, or going shopping or having lunch with a good friend.  Maybe it’s doing some small thing for someone that is hurting worse than you are.

Speaking of cleaning out closets--my closet is filled with “small, medium and large” articles of clothing that gave me great joy when I purchased them.  Usually there was a big “yellow on-sale tag” that lured me into the dressing room.  There’s just something between me and “on-sale” tags.  Well, maybe the skirt was a little tight, but “when I lose 10# it will fit perfectly I mused!  I just can’t pass this up.” 

And yes, many are those “can’t-pass-this-up” pieces of clothing are still hanging in the closet with the price tags still on it.  Some time ago, I went through those treasures and gave the Salvation Army a slew of new clothing that I said, “Humph…Guess I’ll never get into this!” The belts weren’t meeting in the middle, much less buckling to say nothing of blouses that wouldn’t button! 

Fast forward to today.  I’ve developed a new complication, cachexia, a chemo-induced weight loss that has caused rapid weight loss & muscle loss.  Now I’m trying to eat “calorie intense foods” to try to put on some weight.  That’s just how it goes.  Things that didn’t fit a year ago, now are too big!  But yet, I couldn’t wear all of them if I wore a new outfit every day.  That comes from “impulse buying”.  Am I the only woman that’s guilty of dreaming of getting into a size 8 when you’re a size 12, 14, or 16?  Well, I’ve been all those sizes, but now am between a 10 and an 8--not by my own choosing. 

(I remember weighing 149 with my first child when my normal weight was 112.)  As I ate any and everything I wanted, the weight increased, but I told myself, when the baby is born, it will all disappear!  Talk about self-deception!  The baby boy weighed 7 # and I “kept the rest” for the most part.  So then I had 2 more boys, each time “keeping the excess weight.  Finally, I reached a pinnacle of 176 pounds!  I then said, “Oh to only weigh 149 again.”  Never did I dream I would be buying “condensed milk” among other delicacies and using it in recipes in order to gain weight!  Now I’m weighing 135.  I lost 5# in one week and that’s why I’m now on a quest to keep the weight on.  But I still keep all this in perspective—I’ve lived 5 years when I could have already died—so I refuse to complain, although it’s something I wish had not happened.

So, if you can, try to meet a friend, go out to lunch—or go shopping—or do something for someone that has greater needs than you have right now.  My mama had a good saying, “If money can fix it—it ain’t a problem!”  I’ve adopted that philosophy and altered it a bit.  “If it ain’t cancer, it ain’t a problem!” 

That serves me well to put most things into perspective.  I confess to getting upset over “little things” but quickly settle back into reality.  However, there are still others suffering with problems that are altering their lives and the lives of their families even though it is not a cancer diagnosis.  They’re suffering too!  So I still have 2 legs and can walk.  I still have 2 eyes and can see.  My brain is still working.  Having lived with my younger invalid, wheel-chair bound sister who suffered all her life with one malady or another, including mental retardation, grand mal epilepsy, as well as breast cancer, for 70 years, gives me an appreciation for the things God gave me that “are working.”   It also gave me a “hands-on” real life lesson in how God can give you the ability to “survive when you depend on HIM for strength that we just cannot conjure up on our own!  So when I find myself fretting over “small things”, He says to me, “Loretta, is that your biggest problem today?” 

So “Babygirl05” I know you’re troubled about many things but you have convinced the gyn to perform the ultrasound. From all the info I am reading, seems that while these cysts are present and can cause pain, most of the time they are benign.  So hopefully that will be the conclusion reached in your case.

 Now can you fill your time today with something you want to do just for the sheer enjoyment of being able to do it?  It’s so true—God answers prayers in 3 ways—YES—NO or WAIT!  Today you’re in His “waiting room”.  What will you do with “your today?”  It’s the only day you and I really have!

Bottom line—what am I trying to say?  You can make a conscious choice to wallow in worry or count your blessings.  When I look around and see what others are coping with—and yes—worrying about—I say, “Okay Lord there are others hurting more than me—so I’ll just keep the cancer I’ve got and depend on YOU to give me the physical and mental strength to cope—and HE has!

Love Loretta

(Still alive when I could have died 5 years ago with Peritoneal Carcinomatosis/Ovarian Cancer Stage IV)

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Here are references that might explain the “stuff” the tech mentioned, although she wasn’t supposed to tell you ”anything!”  You could call and ask when to expect a consultation with the gyn to discuss the results of the ultrasound.  Then try to fill the “wait time” with something productive be it frivolous or necessary!

1.        https://www.reference.com/health/complicated-ovarian-cyst-d4d27fedf8582e56?aq=Complex+Ovarian+Cyst#

“What is a complicated ovarian cyst?

A: QUICK ANSWER

A complicated, or complex, ovarian cyst consists of a sac on or inside of the ovary that contains both fluid and solid components, according to EmpowHER. 

 The solid contents distinguish complex ovarian cysts from simple ovarian cysts, which are only filled with fluid. 

  o   What is a complex ovarian cyst?

o   What causes ovarian cysts?

o   What are the symptoms of a ruptured ovarian cyst?

FULL ANSWER

Three examples of complex ovarian cysts are dermoid cysts, cystadenomas and endometriomas, notes EmpowHER. The solid components of dermoid ovarian cysts can include pieces of skin tissue, hair, teeth or bones. Although dermoid cysts are rarely cancerous, they can grow to a rather large size and cause pain by pushing the ovary out of its normal position.

A cystadenoma cyst is filled with mucous or a watery fluid, explains EmpowHER. Women with this type of complex ovarian cyst do not usually experience symptoms, but the cyst can burst, resulting in severe pain and necessitating emergency surgery.

Endometriomas form when the lining of the womb grows in parts of a woman's body outside of her womb, notes EmpowHER. When patches of lining grow on the ovaries, they bleed during menstrual periods and fill with old, thickened blood since there is nowhere for the blood to exit the body. These cysts produce symptoms such as headaches and stomach pain…”

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2.       http://www.ultrasound-images.com/ovarian-masses/

• ovarian masses

Ultrasound images of ovarian tumours

Contents of this page

1. Benign complex cystic masses of ovary
2. Hemorrhagic cyst of ovary
3. A typical serous cystadenoma of the ovary: (case-2)
4. Serous cystadenoma- case-3
5. Mucinous cystadenoma of ovary
6. Mucinous cystadenoma- Case-2
7. Cystadenocarcinoma
8. Calcific masses of the ovary…”

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3.     https://blogs.webmd.com/womens-health/2008/03/my-ultrasound-found-an-ovarian-cyst.html

“…Each of the cysts described above can start with a normal process and become a medically significant cyst. They are all described as benign cysts. By contrast there are ovarian cysts which are not related to variations in normal processes. Endometriomas are cysts filled with old blood. This gave rise to the nickname “chocolate cysts” as the cyst fluid looked like chocolate syrup. Endometriomas can grow to 6-8 cm. They are formed when bits of uterine lining tissue (“endometriosis”) attach to pelvic organs such as ovaries.

Dermoid cysts (“cystic teratomas”) can contain bits of hair, teeth, or other body tissues. It is still not known why dermoid cysts form. At an incidence of 66%, dermoids are most common kind of benign tumors of the ovary.

Cystadenomas (“serous cystadenomas”) are formed from epithelial cells on the covering of the ovary. These cysts are filled with a fluid or a gel like material. Cystadenomas comprise 20% of benign tumors.

The concept of benign tumors sounds like a contradiction in terms. It means that there is a very small chance of this type of ovarian cyst to become cancerous. For example, in one study (Scully, 1973) less than 2% of dermoid cysts showed evidence of malignancy…”

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Loretta you. Are the best! Such great advice for baby girl and all of us!

Babygirl05 said:

My GYN called me

She said that the cyst appears to be resolving since its a little smaller now than it was on my last scan.  She said there was free fluid in the pelvis, but it could have been coming from the cyst.  She said I have nothing to worry about. 

I'm not sure what this free fluid is or where it is coming from but she didn't seem concerned.  I have a CT scan tomorrow that my urologist ordered so maybe he can shed some light on it. 

If the cyst is getting smaller, then I would think that is a good sign. I would definitely ask questions after getting the CT scan. The right tests are being ordered for you, so that is great news. You should have answers soon.

Hip hip hooray~Now U can sleep like a baby!

Hello again - If you had not insisted on an ultrasound, you would always be "wondering" about "what's happening now?"  So I'm glad you went, and I'm glad the report showed no new growths, masses, etc.  And about every little ache or pain, yes it always raises the "worry" factor.  Am I having a recurrence?  If something new happens, will I be able to have it "fixed?"  The only way to settle the questions in your mind is to find a doctor who listens to you, and will conduct the necessary test to relieve your worries.  You did all the right things, but try working on "smelling the roses" and don't let "worry" constantly conjure up "what ifs" and rob you of the joy of still being alive today.  So we all celebrate with you.

So now I'm hoping you get a good night's sleep.  You should now be able to "sleep like a baby!"  

Love Loretta