I feel like everyone knows but me...

[BrandiB]

In March I was admitted to the hospital for crazy high blood pressure and severe enteritis. On my CT, they found bilateral abnormal complex adnexal cysts. Of course I have so many symptoms of ovarian cancer, but they are so vague really what woman doesn't? I was sent for an ultrasound and the Dr called and now they want to send me for a MRI. They didn't tell me anything about these cysts except the ultrasound wasn't definitive. Isn't an ultrasound the go to test? My doc said not to worry because cancer is rarely bilateral but why aren't they telling me the characteristics of these cysts? Please share your experience if your cysts were bilateral or not.

[delia2]

Hi. My OC was not bilateral, only in left ovary/ fallopian tube and other areas of pelvis. The ultrasound is never definitive; only a biopsy is. You could ask if the cysts are complex or have any solid areas. They need to rule out OC and maybe the MRI will do that. I hope so!

[BrandiB in reply to delia2]

My paperwork diagnosed me with complex cysts from the CT, although the CT says nothing about complex cysts. The only thing the US says is left and right side echogenic mass.

[Moonbeams33]

Both of my ovaries had masses at diagnosis for ovarian cancer. The biopsies were taken during my debulking surgery. They should be able to provide more info with CT scan or MRI. I was diagnosed in ER after CT scan that I needed to follow up with Gynological Oncologist. You could also ask them for a CA-125 blood test.

[Lizchips]

Tell them you need and want a CT and pet scan.

[marra159]

I just had both my ovaries removed because I had a cyst on each and I am post menopausal. If you’re past having children, it might actually be the best option because any kind of cyst or growth can become cancer over time. The surgery (laparoscopy) is super easy, there’s no pain afterwards and just 4 tiny scars.

When they analyzed both ovaries and tubes, each had different markers and one had a marker that was pre-pre-cancerous. Since I had breast cancer and surgery for that, it was an easy decision. But I am extremely happy afterwards since left alone, this could’ve been another area of risk. Many ob-gyns and/or surgeons will propose a prophylactic precedure like that as imaging doesn’t show the early stages and OC often gets dignosed too late. It also evolves fast so I wouldn’t wait too long and insist with doctors a more thorough follow up. If not, second and third opinions can be worth gold! You have the power! All the best

[Doggies221 in reply to marra159]

What about the lack of hormones that brings other health problems from ovary removal, even in postmenopausal women? Problems like osteoporosis, dimentia, heart disease, arthritis? Ovaries are the main hormone producing organs in the body - functions that have nothing to do w having children. Aren’t these things weighing against “prophylactic surgery”? Thanks.

[marra159 in reply to Doggies221]

I don’t believe they do. You have other areas in the body that produce those hormones aside from the ovaries. Actually, there are several studies and publications where doctors are debating whether removing ovaries should be standard procedure when you have some other surgery done. This because OC is lethal in most cases. Your choice . But after menopause ovaries don’t produce much and you don’t need them at all! I felt no effects after removing those and it was not a scary surgery at all.

[marra159 in reply to Doggies221]

and ovaries don’t produce (for the most part) hormones after menopause! That’s the whole definition of menopause. They stop working. So you don’t need them anymore.