Signs of ovarian cysts in women
Common Questions and Answers about Signs of ovarian cysts in women
ovarian-cysts
Although it’s not known for sure whether benign ovarian cysts or polycystic ovaries develop into ovarian cancer, the vast majority of ovarian cysts appear to be unrelated.
Women who have polycystic ovaries or ovarian cancer seldom have obvious symptoms early on. However, in both disorders, symptoms are noticed as the condition progresses. Because the ovaries are affected on both disorders, the some of the symptoms can be similar.
Ovarian cysts are common and almost always benign (non-cancerous) including ones that have some suspicious traits. A woman's lifetime risk of ovarian cancer (OC) is less than 2% (1.3% per U.S. government statistics). Imaging is not exact and doctors have to cover their bases hence the reason for saying malignancy cannot be ruled out. Biopsy is the only way to know for sure
Erratic bleeding is pretty much the norm during perimenopause.
ve heard of some women having only the cysts removed and leaving some or all of the ovaries intact. You could ask your doctor about that possibility or get another opinion. Some doctors are not as comfortable doing something that delicate. It's easier to pull the whole works. If you can keep some ovary, then you'll still have your hormones that can lead to a natural menopause.
Are you nervous about HRT or about the surgery?
An OB/GYN is usually the the doctor who would perform a hysterectomy and they also often remove ovarian cysts. However, if malignancy is even a possibility, you need to also consult with a gynecologic oncologist prior to surgery, if possible.
It is a standard recommendation within the medical community and among cancer organizations, that women should consult with a gynecologic oncologist when they require surgery for a condition that has signs worrisome for malignancy.
Also I have found a small, hard knot behind the opening of my cervix. Ovarian cysts, ovarian cancer, and endometriosis are something that has occurred in my family many times. I am terrified. I have made an appointment at my gynecologist (sp?) but I have to have a referral to see them. My appointment is in 6 days and I don't know any doctors around where I now live to receive a referral. I am curious to know if others have had these symptoms and what did they turn out to be.
It's my understanding that 95% of all ovarian cysts are benign.. Actually I've heard that Ovarian Cancer, while not "rare" , is uncommon. You see a lot of women that have Ovarian Cancer on the Ovca Forum, but that's just a concentrated number of women. It isn't a common cancer.
And, just a piece of advice.. try not to worry yourself to death by going on the internet too frequently, or analyzing too much... We've all been there and done that..
I also have small ovarian cysts as well in the past. My breasts feel like they getting bigger, but I tend to obcess about things and maybe my brain is playing tricks on me. Maybe my boobs are getting bigger and it's completely natural... When I had sex, the guy came outside of me and then we had intercourse after he ejaculated out side of me. Could I be pregnant even though I took four pregnancy test recently and they all were negative??
Most ovarian masses / tumors / cysts, even in menopausal women, are benign (non-cancerous). They can cause pain. I am sorry to hear that 4 family members died of cancer so it is no wonder you are worried. Did they have gynecological cancers or other type(s)? Ovarian cancer is generally not related to other cancers except for the inherited disorder called Lynch Syndrome a.k.a. hereditary nonpolyposis colorectal cancer (HNPCC).
Hi there,
First off take a deep breath and know that most cysts even the complex ones are benign 95% of the time. Do you know if she is post menopausal? The Ca125 results are very unpredictable in pre menopausal women. Many things affect the result. Inflammation, viruses/colds all can through the results off. Do you know if she had a transvaginal ultrasound? That is the best test to keep an eye on things.
Hello,
This mass can be a cyst , benign or malignant mass. Ovarian cysts in post-menopausal women are common but any cysts in a postmenopausal woman should be taken seriously and ovarian cancer should be ruled out by means of CA125 which you have already got done. Ovarian cysts are considered for removal if they cause pain or have tendency to become malignant or there is elevated CA125. Given your history of abdominal swelling, ovarian malignancy can be a possibility.
However, you will most likely find women who can help you, women who have been in your situation in the Ovarian Cyst forum. If you scoll down to the right side of this page you will see Related Communities (underneath Community Members) and the Ovarian Cyst link is there. Those women are very experienced with ovarian cysts and I am sure they will be able to answer your questions.
Most ovarian cysts, even complex ones and even in post-menopausal women, are benign. Most cysts go away on their own. I wonder if these are indeed the same ones as seen on CT 2 years ago or possibly different ones.
Imaging is not exact so they cannot always tell the type of cyst. However, I'm not sure which type of imaging (e.g., CT, MRI, ultrasound) is the best for viewing ovarian cysts. Do you have a copy of the report? If so, what does it say about the characteristics of the cysts?
By far, most ovarian cysts are benign even complex ones. Most cysts resolve on their own in 3 cycles or so but complex ones are less apt to resolve. Since removal of even one ovary can impair fertility and even lifelong health (since the ovaries produce hormones a woman's whole life), it is best to have just the cyst removed (cystectomy) versus the ovary (oophorectomy).
Ultrasound of ovarian cysts is not an exact science. Most ovarian cysts are benign and most go away in 2 to 3 cycles / months. Yours is still small which is also good. If you do not have a family history / genetic predisposition for ovarian cancer then your lifetime risk is less than 2% (1.3% per government statistics).
If there is a concern about malignancy, you will want to see a gynecologic oncologist.
I have alot of the symptoms of ovarian cancer. pelvic pain. low back pain, fullness in my abdomen...I had a CT scan done at the E.R. a couple of weeks ago but it didn't show any masses or anything. Would it have definately show something or are there other tests that are more definate at diagnosing...
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