diagnostic method accuracy

I did the ultrasound today. I can see a big cyst on the screen. but the technician said it was median sized. she didn't say more but said I need to discuss with my doctor. does anyone know how big is a median size cyst? my guess is >5 but <10cm?

I will see my doctor on Wednesday. wish I could get a clear diagnose then.

thanks everyone for reading my post. wish all the best to you all.

Tethys41 said:

Cyst

Hi Benita,

Glad to hear the ultrasound is done.  I'm not sure there is a standard for cyst size.  I hope it's not too large.  I had issues with edometriosis in my 30's and my gynecologist then said anything larger than 5cm needed to be removed surgically.  On the other hand, just before I was diagnosed with ovarian cancer, I had a 5cm cyst on my ovary that none of my new doctors seemed at all concerned about.

I hope your appointment goes well today.  Keep us posted.

I got the ultrasound results. it's stated a cyst on my Left ovary over 6cm. my doctor said I could get it removed, or watch for 2 months then get it removed if not going away. I told him to remove it ASAP because I am traveling in 1.5month. the report said it is a hemorrhagic ovarian cyst. but my doctor mentioned 3types instead which he said all are usually benigh. but he agreed to remove it for me. is there anything I need to pay attention during the surgery?

thanks again for all your replies!

Tethys41 said:

Congratulations

Great news, Benita,

I am so glad this is something bengin.  Did your doctor metion whether the surgery will be a laparotomy or laparoscopic?  If it is a laparotomy, meaning he needs to make an incision above your pubic bone, it takes about 6 weeks to fully recover from that procedure.  I don't know if that would interfere with your plans.  A laparoscopic procedure has a much shorter recovery time.  If he is certian about the diagnosis, there probably isn't really anything else to be concerned about and it sounds like it's a good idea to have it removed sooner than later.  If you have a laparotomy, they will probably keep you overnight in the hospital and you will have morphine while you are there and then some pain meds for when you go home.  I hope everytning goes smoothly.

Hi Tethys,

my doctor mentioned having three wholes on my belly. also like 2 weeks recovery time. so I think it's laparoscopy.  I did ask if anything unexpected like cancer found after its taken out. what would happen. he said they will wait for the results and remove all needed if that happens. aldo he would need to call oncologist to perform such sergury.  I am wondering if that's a standard procedure. cause the scheduled procedure is in afternoon. I worry that if such happen, no oncologist is available that late.  I had my thyroid removed five years ago but i had two surgery because the first time results were waited but come back later to indicate cancer and I had to go again to remove the rest.  I don't want to be in such situation this time. so I want to make sure that it is prepared that way.  

I hope it's a standard apporapp so that I don't have to push my doctor to prepare that way. do you know about that?

many thanks!!!

Tethys41 said:

Surgeon

Hi Benita,

I am not clear as to whether they will be testing the cyst while you are still in surgery, or whether he is suggesting that the cyst will be sent off to pathology and if it is cancerous, you will have a second surgery?  I hope they plan to test it immediately and have the gynecologic oncologist take over while you are still in surgery, if necessary.  If there is cancer, the only type of surgeon qualified to handle the surgery is a gynecologic oncologist.  When I had my cyst removed, the gynecologist said there would be an oncologist on standby, in case I needed him.  That is how it should be set up.  When is your surgery scheduled?

hi Tethys,

my surgery is scheduled to be July 18 although I was hoping to have it done sooner. I told them i may be having my period that day but the person who schedule for me didn't think it's an issue. when discussing with my doc he said he would be waiting while surgery and close up after knowing that it is indeed benign. but I didn't ask operational details. I guess I better call them and ask more specific about this.

may I ask how long was the waiting time for you during your surgery to find out the pathology result? what type of cyst was diagnosed for you? was there any suspicious of cancerous about your cyst? was it big? 

abrub said:

My cancer was diagnosed during surgery

They usually send for a frozen section to be reviewed immediately if there is any question. We weren't expecting cancer,  but the oncology surgeon was on call and stepped in. 

hi abrub, thanks for your reply. I am at hospital doing pre admission test. I saw the precedure description saying a possible total hysterectomy. also said diagnosis is complex cyst. felt more worried because I thought it was simple cyst.

may i ask if you had symptoms? I have abdominal pain and stomach discomfort. so I somehow have a bad feekings for this. 

Tethys41 said:

Ovaries

Hi Benita,

You can certainly request to have your ovaries removed.  When I had my surgery for endometriosis, the doctor suggested I do have a complete hysterectomy, ovaries and all, but I was only 39 and didn't want to go into menopause at that point.  That would be the side effect of removing your ovaries.  In hindsight, maybe menopause would have been preferable, buuuuttt.  I know the uncertainty is unnerving right now, but worrying about what may or may not be will only cause you stress.  Try to relax and hope for the best. 

Take care

thank you Tethys. I will do my best to relax. wish you all the best!