does this rule out ovarian cancer?

iVillage Member
Registered: 09-28-2003
does this rule out ovarian cancer?
2
Mon, 10-06-2003 - 12:56am
HI everyone. I cannot sleep right now due to worry. I need some imput on this. I have surgery scheduled for a VERY LG cyst on my ovary for Nov 21st. I have been told during an ultrasound that both ovaries still have "good blood flow." I need to know: does this rule out ovarian cancer? My gyn told me that she expected that she would have to make a slightly larger incision than usual to get this off. She did have to warn me that I could lose my ovary. I could have a complete hysterectomy right now, and even though it would be difficult to accept at first, I have become so afraid of dying, anything regarding my health short of that seems trivial. I have noticed some of the other symptoms before I even knew they were symptoms, so right now I am pretty scared.
iVillage Member
Registered: 03-27-2003
Mon, 10-06-2003 - 6:19am
Did your doctor tell you what type of cyst it was? Did he say why he is removing it, rather than waiting for it to resolve on it's own - is it just because of the size? I don't know what good blood flow to the ovaries mean but I do know that the majority of cysts are benign. The symptoms of ovarian cancer are often caused by pressure from the tumor so I would think a large cyst could cause the same symptoms.

Try not to worry - I know that's easier said than done. Let us know how you make out.

Karen

iVillage Member
Registered: 09-28-2003
Mon, 10-06-2003 - 10:59am
HI. Thank you for your words of encouragement. No, she didn't tell me what type they were. I was just told that they were not blood filled. She wants to take it off because I have been having a CONSIDERABLE amount of pain and fainting for a year and a half during my cycles, and because it is so large. The nurse practioner I saw in the same practice just treated me with birth control as though they were functional. I don't feel as though she really listened to me. These cysts have been here for more than the standard 2-3 months for functional cysts, and the pain is not slight. The problem is that I am only 23, and I don't feel like I am taken seriously. That is exactly why it has taken over a year to get an ultra sound! But anyway. Thank you for your response again. I realize that the pressure of the cyst can cause pregnancy like symptoms which can also be symptoms of ovarian cancer. I know that the odds are really in my favor, so I guess I will try to calm down. Thanks again.