Obscured ovaries

I found written in my notes 'obscured ovaries"and googled it to find out what this meant.don't know if this is the right forum to post on but googling this I came across two replies to someone's question that ovarian cancer can't be detected by ultrasound scan and only by biopsy.is this true.I d like to know before I see a gynae.

[Boot1947]

Hi Patricia. I don't know in general, but after my ultrasound scan, I got a speedy call-back from my GP to tell me the scan 'didn't look very reassuring' (!) and she referred me to the fast-track gynae clinic, where I was diagnosed with ovca. I think they did a biopsy during my hysterectomy to be able to stage the cancer (in my case, stage 3 (a). Googling is ok, but probably best to stick to Macmillan and Cancer Research UK.

All the best, Deb

[BJ_UK]

Ultrasound scans can give useful information to help doctors decide whether or not you are likely to have ovarian cancer, but can't tell them for 100% certain. Not only that, but sometimes, as in your case, the ovaries are in a position where the ultrasound can't pick them up - in those circumstances the ultrasound won't tell your doctor much.

I was told that on the results of my scan, which showed a large complex cyst, there was at least 50% chance that I had ovarian cancer, and once they had the result of my CA125 test that went up to 75% certainty that I had it, but I didn't find out for certain till I had had my operation to remove the tumour (and both ovaries, fallopian tubes, uterus and omentum) and received the pathology results. Unfortunately I did have ovarian cancer, but it was caught at stage 1A, and I have been free of disease for 4 years now.

Here's hoping that you prove not to have anything to worry about!

Barbara

[Lily-Anne]

The U/S can show any abnormalities. Mine identified a cyst on my ovaries, but there was an assumption that was all it was. Biopsy showed stage 1C, clear for 3 years, recurrence now.

So I would say definitely the only certain way is a biopsy to test for abnormal cells.

LA

[ScottishMisty]

I should think cancer can't be confirmed by anything until a biopsy is done but I may be wrong. They saw the mass on my ovary and I didn't know til 2 weeks after major surgery that it had been borderline. Good luck and do let us know how you get on.

[Hidden]

Thank you everyone for your replies.have had scans always said to be normal and misdiagnosed as IBS and suggested menopausal when periods stopped in 2008 three years before problems began.I've never had a biopsy taken.I believe my dog(s) knows.hopefully the gynaecologist will do more than a scan biopsy as well.meantime my GP asked how eating affected me,so wrote to her telling so and also measurements of abdomen hips and legs to show her I have lost weight elsewhere to my abdomen.as Its never been believed that one can lose weight in one area and gain In another ie abdomen.waiting for appointment to come thru.Will keep everyone informed.I wouldn't be so concerned if I had support from family and previous gp.they've done nothing to reassure me otherwise.

[Hidden]

Having had cancer my experience is that if a scan leaves any serious doubt then it is further investigated. Also since your scan was so long ago if there had been anything untoward almost certainly by now you would know,without any doubt whatsoever that what is causing your issues.to have a biopsy there has to be something to take the biopsy from- ovaries being obscured means just that.many things can obscure them usually it is gas from bowel blowing the abdominal cavity up and obscuring them.

[Hidden]

Hi sillymiss

Nothing else said other than obscurity.mention of "gas" or anything.mine always been persistent.what scan are you referring to?it can take a long time to confirm OC.Got copies of my hospital notes and ca125 was shown as 15 and 10.where Same test at same time by another authority was 37 at lowest.

[thesilent1]

My USS showed Ovarian cyst with solid bits in it (they showed up as white bits). The cons then referred me for MRI scan. My CA125 was very raised and the results of MRI wasn good either but cons would still not say it was Cancer until he operated. I had surgery within 4 weeks of my consultation with him. He confirmed with me the following day that I had Ovarian Cancer.

Good luck.

Ann x

[Hidden]

The hospital sent my paper 'records yesterday and CD rooms today of scans,have viewed one of them but cannot read the writing .I will try and upload one and see what you think.there are lots of white areas,what I think are ovaries -one being solid white and the other clear.?I'll have to try and post pics on as a new post