Should I ask for a CA125 test or just wait until my next ultrasound in 2 months to see if the mass is still the same size?

[starrynight5626]

I had my MRI at the end of June after an ultrasound and CT scan couldn't tell for sure if there was a mass or not. The MRI shows it to be a 3.2 cm endometrioma along with a 1.5 cm pedunculated cyst. The OB/GYN I saw the week after the MRI said they could do a laparoscopy and take it out as that's the only way to tell what it is or she said, since I don't have any pain or symptoms (the only pain was when I was diagnosed with diverticulitis and that's when this was noticed as an incidental on the CT scan) that it could be monitored by getting an ultrasound every three months for the next year and see if it grows. If it grows, then have the surgery, but if it stays the same or shrinks then we can discontinue monitoring it after a year.

I opted to see how it goes with ultrasounds. I mean I guess it's good it was 3.2 cm back in March when first noticed and 4 months later it's remained the same size. However, do you think I should ask for a CA125 test while waiting for this next ultrasound? Or do you think I'll be told that a CA125 isn't necessary because they think there is low concern for it to be cancer and how even if an elevated number came back that it could be for endometriosis or the like?

[Redditch]

CA125 is very useful in recurrent cancer but not for diagnosis. You certainly could get a negative CA125 that would make you think you were fine but actually you're maybe not.

I would go hysterectomy

You are 52,; wouldn't you rather just remove the risk?

[starrynight5626 in reply to Redditch]

The OB/GYN wasn't talking about a full hysterectomy, she was just talking about surgery to remove the ovary and endometrioma. I mean I realize at my age that I don't need those anymore but a full hysterectomy seems pretty radical, doesn't it?

[N-A-58 in reply to starrynight5626]

I think most people on this site would opt for the op, it’s a big operation but recovery I’m told isn’t as bad as expected.

[SpecialUnicorn]

My CA125 was in the normal range even after a biopsy confirmed cancer. My oncologist told me it is more about the trend of my CA125 numbers. So a one time CA125 test probably wouldn't be useful.

[N-A-58]

I would opt to have them removed too. My mum was offered quarterly bloods or ovary removal. She opted for the operation and they found the cancer then, stage 3.

[starrynight5626 in reply to N-A-58]

What did your mom have? An endometrioma? How large was it and did it grow before the operation?

[N-A-58 in reply to starrynight5626]

My mum had 3 clear ultrasounds and a clear CT scan at Nov 2018. Stage 3 OC on 4th Jan 2019. OC is sneaky.

[starrynight5626 in reply to N-A-58]

How is she doing now?

[SuffolkJen in reply to starrynight5626]

N-A-58’s lovely mum passed away a year ago. Its’s sometimes a good idea to check previous posts to get information….

[starrynight5626 in reply to SuffolkJen]

I'm so sorry.