diagnosis process

[Kerri1402]

hey all,

I posted last week regarding my mum who was awaiting her results. They had MDT on Thursday and called her straight in for 08:30am Friday to see gynae/onc consultant for results.

They didn’t mention anywhere else on her CT other than what we already knew about the ovary so we are assuming if there was anywhere else/spread they surely would have said?

However, the lump/growth on her right ovary is 8cm. They said there is fluid around the ovaries and the fluid is lying right the way down to her bowel wall.

This is where I can’t rack my head around it.

They haven’t absolutely confirmed ovarian cancer yet, they suspect it is but want to do an ultrasound guided biopsy this week. They’ve warned they sometimes struggle to get the fluid off to test and if that’s the case they will go straight ahead and do a total hysterectomy. There’s also a 2 week wait for results if they are able to do a biopsy. So not really any further forward re. Diagnosis.

I can’t get my head around the process. To mum, and the entire family, we would have felt better if they just got her in straight away for a total hysterectomy and the biopsies after. Because surely the longer it’s in it could spread?

They’ve also given her a nurse specialist to call so again, leads us to think it is cancerous. It’s all confusing.

Is this a normal process?

HOWEVER, we take the positives and are so so thankful the rest of her scan was clear (we assume).

[tealblue1]

Hi Kerri1402

I also had a tumour 35cms on one of my ovaries. The doctors were sure it probably was cancer but wouldn't give an absolute diagnosis until the surgery was done. I was offered a frozen slice where they take a sample during the op to test it because they didn't want to rupture the tumour. This was when they confirmed cancer. It then meant they were more invasive when completing the op. if you have fluid around the tumour , it could be that they are trying the biopsy to find out first is it cancer - because you can also get benign tumours - what type of cancer it is and how far it has spread. It is a worrying time for your mum and your family because when you hear the word tumour, you just want it out. But the more information the doctors have the better way they can treat your mum that is the best outcome for her. Everyone is different, no situation is the same. Your mum should have a specialist nurse who you can talk things through. they are amazing and will answer any sort of question. sometimes its useful to write down questions before you see the consultant as your brain can be in a whirl with all the information. I wish your mum all the best, and that you get answers soon. 🙏 X

[Lyndy]

Hi Kerri1402

It’s frustrating but there are good clinical reasons for going slowly. They will want to be sure that they don’t inadvertently spread microscopic bits around when removing the organs during surgery. Also they have to have a positive ID for cancer before they can give you chemo (which is quite reassuring I think) .

They will want to go in to do the absolute best op possible for your Mum, whether or not it’s cancer so try to bear with…another few weeks isn’t going to make a huge difference but getting an optimum result from surgery definitely will xx

[Morini]

It seemed to take ages to get a diagnosis for me too. I had a fluid drain which was inconclusive so then had a biopsy which confirmed it to be ovarian cancer. I did have a CNS for support throughout that process too.

I think they need to be sure because it really determines treatment e.g. the extent of the operation and the need for chemo (possibly prior to operation).