Need Opinions

sunnyskye
sunnyskye Member Posts: 31
edited March 2014 in Ovarian Cancer #1
Hello. I was told that I have an ADNEXAL CYSTIC LESION on my left side which appears to have small internal septation measuring 2.9 X 2.5 cm. I was diagnosed with breast cancer in Aug, 2002. Grade 3, Stage 1, 9 mm invasive ductal carcinoma with dcis. Had a lumpectomy, had a resection for clearer margins and 6 weeks radiation. Now, my GP is telling me to wait and watch this thing, whatever it is on my ovary and I'm freaking out about it. Can anyone explain just what it is, what does septation mean and if I ought to pursue this more since I have a history of breast cancer? In addition I wanted to mention I had a partial hysterectomy over 10 years ago and am pre-menopausal, age 47, having kept both ovaries. In my mind I want them removed now especially with this new development. I'd rather not have to worry about another form of cancer. Please giv eme your opinions...thanks so much, sunny_skye@hotmail.com

Comments

  • groundeffect
    groundeffect Member Posts: 639 Member
    #2
    It sounds to me as though you need more information from your doctor. Has anyone suggested a CA-125 test? It's not a totally positive test to determine ovarian cancer, but it's the best available, short of a biopsy. If you were to have a BRCA genetic test, and it came back positive, you might want to consider having a prophylactic removal of your ovaries. It's drastic, but it would remove that much worry of developing ovarian cancer. It seems to me that your history of breast cancer would give an insurance company cause to cooperate with a genetic test and/or removal.

    I had a myomectomy (surgical fibroid tumor removal) at the age of 42 to preserve my uterus and ovaries, but was diagnosed with uterine and ovarian cancers at age 49. Although they weren't related to the fibroids, it would have saved me another surgery (and chemo) if I had them removed. I really didn't want to go through menopause at that time! Fortunately, I haven't had much to complain about with menopausal symptoms.
  • pshnyc
    pshnyc Member Posts: 45
    #3
    Don't freak out, but do go to see a specialist -- you do not want a GP diagnosing a gynecological syptom. I would at least see an obgyn as the first step and ask him/her about seeing a gynecological oncologist. If your GP can feel a cyst, then you definitely should get it checked out. Where do you live?
  • groundeffect
    groundeffect Member Posts: 639 Member
    #4
    I wanted to add that a friend of mine was dx with breast cancer in the summer of '02, was treated for it, and then was found to have Stage 3A ovarian just after I completed my chemo in Jan. '03. She was referred to an oncologist by her OB/GYN (coincidentally the same one I go to) as soon as she had an ultrasound that showed the masses!

    Don't wait on going to a specialist, as pshnyc says-you have little to lose if it's "nothing", but a lot of trouble if you delay treatment and it's something like ovarian cancer.

    I've read that many doctors have an opinion that "young" (under 50) women typically don't have OVCA, but that's untrue. The youngest that I've personally me was in her 20's, and I know it can be found in teenagers. My doctors/nurses kept commenting about how young I was at 49...
  • JanQ
    JanQ Member Posts: 236
    #5
    I also had a hysterectomy leaving my ovaries in 1995. I have now had surgery for stage 3 ovarian cancer. I would tell my Dr. if there were any ques. to remove everything pertaining to ovaries.God Bless you and Good Luck
  • sunnyskye
    sunnyskye Member Posts: 31
    #6
    JanQ said:

    I also had a hysterectomy leaving my ovaries in 1995. I have now had surgery for stage 3 ovarian cancer. I would tell my Dr. if there were any ques. to remove everything pertaining to ovaries.God Bless you and Good Luck

    Thank you all very much. I had a vaginal ultrasound done yesterday. There was no mention of what they found on the left side but now they are saying I have something on the right side...it is not on the ovary tho, just floating freely around it. weird huh? so, i took the plunge and have an appointment with an gyn/oncologist next week. no sense driving myself crazy for an extended period of time here. i'm going right to the top and get my answers and if there is any doubt whatsoever i want the ovaries removed. i'm 47 pre-menopausal anyway so who needs em? will keep you posted on what's going on. i am praying tho. and i'm scared. the breast cancer thing was hard to to thru mentally....not sure i can handle another cancer and keep my sanity. : )
  • MONTE
    MONTE Member Posts: 6
    #7
    Had OVCA in 2003, everything gone. 27 years ago my OBGYN , found a small centimeter cyst and told me to leave it alone, and we will keep check on it, so, we did sonograms every year, . The one year i didnt, the growth grew to triple its size, so they decided to do a total Hyst. My advice to you would be, if it doesnt belong there get it taken out. The chemo and side effects are very rough. Try to avoid at all costs. My prayers are with you.
  • sunnyskye
    sunnyskye Member Posts: 31
    #8
    pshnyc said:

    Don't freak out, but do go to see a specialist -- you do not want a GP diagnosing a gynecological syptom. I would at least see an obgyn as the first step and ask him/her about seeing a gynecological oncologist. If your GP can feel a cyst, then you definitely should get it checked out. Where do you live?

    Thank you. I live in MD and have an appointment on Weds with a gyn/onc I've decided already I want it all removed. Take it all out ..... one less worry in my life. And heck, I'm getting hot flashes now anyway so I'd rather have the hormone issues to deal with from not having ovaries then cancer issues from having them. I am so amazed at how nonchalantly findings in the pelvis are taken. come back in 6 weeks, then come back in 12 weeks. welp the waiting game is over for me as im not real good at that game. thanks so much, diana

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