"Ultrasound with Character"

iVillage Member
Registered: 03-27-2003
"Ultrasound with Character"
4
Fri, 10-03-2003 - 6:46pm
I posted last spring when I had a cervical polyp removed. That biopsy came back normal and everything was fine until a few weeks ago, when I noticed spotting after intercourse again. I assumed it was a recurrent cervical polyp and had an appointment coming up for my annual ultrasound to screen for Ovarian Cancer, due to a family history. I figured I would discuss it then.

So, I had the ultrasound on Wednesday. The technician described it as "having even more character than last year. (Last year I had a complex ovarian cyst which resolved itself before the rescan six weeks later)

So, this is what she saw this year:

Two simple cysts on my left ovary - nothing to worry about.

One small complex cyst on my right ovary - could be from ovulation but can't be sure where I am in my cycle because I'm so irregular. Last period was 6 weeks ago.

Two fibroids in my uterus.

Thickened Endometrium, which could be normal if I'm about to start my period.

Free fluid in my uterus, which could be normal, if I'm about to start my period.

Either an endometrial polyp or a blood clot - she couldn't tell.

My doctor will probably call me on Monday to discuss the next steps but I'm wondering what experienced women would suggest. They had recommended an endometrial biopsy if my irregular bleeding continued and I'm thinking it might be a good idea, given the spotting after intercourse and spotting for days after my last period. Or could that be caused by the endometrial polyp?

I figure I'm looking at another ultrasound in 6 weeks because of the complex cyst anyway. Maybe I should just wait and see what that shows. I still have not started my period.

Is there anyone out there with a Family history of Ovarian Cancer? Do you do the regular ultrasounds? I've read that they really are not a good screening tool and the last two have caused more concern than necessary. I wonder if they are really worth it. Still, it's the best thing I've got right now.

Thanks for any answers, if you've stuck with me this long.

Karen

iVillage Member
Registered: 05-14-2003
Mon, 10-06-2003 - 3:39pm

Hey Karen.


I just wanted to see how you were doing.

 


 


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iVillage Member
Registered: 03-27-2003
Mon, 10-06-2003 - 7:33pm
Kristin - thanks for checking in! I haven't talked to my doctor yet. I love my doctor but it's so frustrating to get test results from her office. When I started seeing her, she was a one-woman practice - that was 20 years ago. Now there are 4 docs and two nurse practitioners and I don't know how many office staff. I called today and the secretary said a nurse would call me back this afternoon. From experience, I know that the nurse saw the results and knew a doc would have to look at them so she forwarded them to a doctor so they could call me. I will call again tomorrow. Last year when I had a complex cyst it took me three days of calling before I finally got to talk to someone. It's not as bad this time because I'm not really worried but last year was the first time my ultrasound showed anything and I was a nervous wreck. My mom died a week after being diagnosed with Ovarian Cancer so I want to be sure I catch anything early.

I'll check in when I know anything.

Karen

iVillage Member
Registered: 03-27-2003
Tue, 10-07-2003 - 2:10pm
Talked with the doctor today. She wants me to have a sonohystogram, or something like that. It's basically an ultrasound where they inject some water into the uterus so they can see things more clearly. That will tell them for sure if I have polyps and may give them more information about my endometrium. They like to do this test at a certain point in your cycle and I am way overdue for my period. So, they are putting me on progesterone for 10 days to induce my period, then they will schedule the test.

She said I'm probably looking at day surgery to remove the polyps and biopsy my endometrium but this test will tell us for sure if that is necessary.

Karen

iVillage Member
Registered: 05-14-2003
Tue, 10-07-2003 - 3:11pm

Oh, Karen!

 


 


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