Diagnosed with 3.5 cm ovarian endo, CEA and CA125 normal. Should I get a laparoscopy or watch and wa

Ladies, I am a visitor from the Uterine/Endometrial cancer page. I like to see how the other gyn cancers are doing, so I hope you don't mind me just adding my two cents.

I was fortunate my gyn said, "Let's find out what is going on." I also was fortunate that as soon as it was cancer I was automatically turned over to a gynecologic oncologist. I had no idea, so that you all found this place to chat is just fantastic.

I will say, you have to be your own advocate. It is your health, and if there is a history in your family, please PUSH them for more. The earlier cancer is found the better. Hugs to all of you and don't be afraid to ask for a second opinion. It is all about you.

I, too, would opt for a hysterectomy. If you are post-menopausal or not planning on children in the future, your lady parts are not doing anything, so why risk keeping them. My (radical) hysterectomy was done robotically, same day, no hospital stay, and recovery was not too bad. I had lots of scans that indicated benign fibroids with hysterectomy recommended. Only after surgery and post-op pathology, was stage 2 ovarian endometrioid carcinoma found - and it was a large tumor that looked like a fibroid on CT and MRI scans. It is really hard to diagnose from scans and tests. And it can move quickly. A biopsy will only show cells where they take them, and can spread cancerous cells from the biopsy procedure itself. Good luck with all this. It can be a physical and emotional rollercoaster. And, feel free to get a second opinion!

Due to intense pelvic pain, I had an transvaginal ultrasound August 5th 2024 that showed a 3cm "complex cyst' on my right ovary. When I had an MRI done 3 weeks later, it showed this cyst had grown to 8.4cm - and it was now called a "mass."

I was referred to a gynecological oncologist. We tested tumor markers (all were within normal range) & CT scan of my chest, abdomen, pelvis (all clear). On Sep. 23rd I had another transvaginal ultrasound that showed the "mass" was now 11.3cm…so very rapidly growing and surgery to remove the mass was scheduled right away.

I went in for surgery to remove my right ovary & fallopian tube, as well as the mass Sep. 25th - but at that time, we still did not know for certain if this mass was benign or cancerous. Unfortunately, post-surgery, the pathology report for the biopsy of the mass showed it was indeed ovarian cancer. I was very lucky to catch this early (I was staged at Stage1-2) and get the mass out of my body before cancer could spread anywhere else.

I am now scheduled to go back in for surgery for a total hysterectomy (I didn't need any fertility sparing) and complete lymph node extract with further biopsies of those removed organs + chemotherapy to follow.

Cysts will usually burst and go away with time, but if you have a persistent growth, it could indicate something else. That said, I would not to recommend a hysterectomy if you don't need it - while there are the pros of knowing you can't get cancer on organs you don't have…there are downsides to getting a hysterectomy as well (early menopause without option for hormone therapy, surgical risks, prolapse, etc…). You may want to get some genetic testing done to see if you have an increased risk for this kind of cancer. And definitely will want to monitor the growth - especially if you have any accompanying pain.

I have just founded out about this thread on the subject of ovary mass when browsing through this forum because tonight I have some intermittent sharp pains on my right pelvic while walking and I am concerned. Have any one had something like that? The pain is gone now but i am worried. This is my story. I am having a complex, right ovary mass too and it measured about 6.7cm. It was accidentally discovered in December 2023 when I had a MRI done for my back issues. My gynecology oncologist did the pelvic exam and she said she felt the soft mass so she said that’s a good sign. My CA125 test result was 8 so it’s normal. At first, my doctor said that i should have a hysterectomy done since i am menopausal and there is no need for them. I asked to have just the mass or both ovaries removed and she said no because she is worried about the spillages if it’s turned out that it is cancerous. She said its best to take all out but I am worried about prolapse, incontinence and dementia. I am so terrified of surgery as i have never had major surgeries and she said we can monitoring it. So far, I have had 3 pelvic/transvaginal ultrasounds done and the mass has not changed in size. My last ultrasound was on November 3 and my doctor has switched me to an annual pelvic/transvaginal ultrasound from now on. I have asked for having an MRI done and she said it’s not needed as it only shows the picture of the mass. She thinks it is more likely a benign and over times it will confirm that. Because of the mass, when i go to the bathroom, it would take me a while to empty my bladders. I don't have any history of cancers on both sides of my families, but the fact that i have a mass inside, even it’s unchanged, I am still very worried. I don't know what to do about it and if it will ever getting smaller or going away. 😢

AnneN, thanks for sharing your experience. How big was your mass? And how long did you have it before the removal? How long was your recovery from the surgery? My bladder muscles aren't very strong, and sometimes i am leaking when i sneeze so i am afraid with hysterectomy, I will be incontinence .

didyouknow213, Thanks. The doctor I have been seeing is a gynecological oncologist. I will write my doctor and ask for the genetic testing. The last time we messaged, she feels strongly that surgery is not necessary. Should i be asking for a second opinion with another doctor? Right now, i cant have the surgery as my husband has had a recurrence with his Prostate cancer and everything is up in the air right now. I need to be able to helping him if he gets his treatments soon. The whole worlds have collapsed on my family this year and i am suffering from depression.

AnneN Thanks so much for your reply. It’s been a year with no changes in my mass but I can’t live with the fears that something is inside of me when it shouldn’t be there in the first place. I will write my doctor and seriously considering the surgery. Thanks again AnneN.

Thanks AnneN