Complex ovarian cyst surgery

[Annie2609]

I have had this complex 2 cm cyst on my left ovary for 14 years now. It was under observation with periodic ulatrasounds. Now as I’ve entered menopause last year, I really think that surgery is my best option. I don’t have a family history of breast or ovarian cancer, but there were other cancers on my father’s side. Did anyone here have a more complicared health history with major surgery? I’m just concerned as I also have microvascular angina and never had general anesthesia before. I’m really scared that my heart will misbehave while I’m under (I’m not afraid of the surgery itself) and looking to hear other people’s stories about similar experience. Thank you so much.

[SopSinger]

If your doctors are recommending surgery they will take your entire medical history into account. There may even be an alternative to general anaesthesia, such as epidural or spinal. Anaesthetists are clever and versatile and can work these things out. It sounds as if your cyst is stable, so there's no rush. I had a 15 cm complex cyst at diagnosis and it grew 2 cm in 3 weeks, so my surgery was more urgent, but I didn't have any complicating conditions. My anaesthetist was my favourite person in the world (even ahead of the surgeon) the day after my surgery, because I was pain-free for the first time for weeks. Sending hugs!

[wendydee]

Hi Annie,

I’m sure that your medical history will be taken into account when your team decide on what is the best approach for your surgery.

I didn’t have any family history of ovarian or other cancers when I was diagnosed and, because it was caught before it spread beyond my ovaries and omentum, I had successful surgery over 20 years ago now. It was my first experience of surgery too.

I hope you’ll find the help you need to make your decision.

Love Wendy xx