Hemorrhagic cyst and hysterectomy recommended?

I just found out Wednesday that I will need a hysterectomy. I have had bloating feelings off and on for more than 2 years. I also would have some twinges of pain in the ovary area. I finally got scared enough to mention it to my doctor. I'm almost 60 and have gone thru menopause.........no period since Jan. 2001.

My doctor found a mass while trying to do a transvaginal ultrasound. I have a CAT scan and was told that I had a cyst ....I believe he called it a hemorraghic cyst, not certain, I was in shock. The cyst is about the size of an orange. He said that it wasn't cancer but I can't believe they can tell for sure. He did say that it had been there for a long time.

I was told that this cyst would have to be removed abdominally (I suppose because of the size) and that due to my age and the fact that I was adopted and had no info on parents that he would prefer to take EVERYTHING including ovaries. I've heard people say ABSOLUTELY DO NOT allow him to take ovaries. I'm so confused.

I am thinking of getting a second opinion but love my doctor. My surgery is scheduled for 9/25. I've never spent the night in a hospital except for when my son was born over 40 years ago. Also can't shake the cancer fear. Any words of wisdom????

I would get a 2nd opinion if you're questioning anything your doctor is telling you. If you're not 100% sure about what's best for you, then talking to another doctor won't hurt. It's best to make sure you know all your options before going through major surgery. I wish you the best in whatever you decide.

I am so sorry you're having so much difficulty right now.

We have had many (((sisters))) who have dealt with hemorrhagic cysts, and I hope some of them will stop by to offer some additional support for you. From what I have read, these cysts are actually fairly common and often resolve on their own -- although they can be very painful.

I would definitely recommend getting an additional medical opinion before having a hysterectomy, however. Has your doctor said why the surgery is necessary? There should be an actual reason to have the organs removed, at least in my opinion.

I'm not trying to suggest that your doctor's opinion isn't the best in this case -- but before having such a major surgery, I would definitely get a second (or third, or fourth) opinion before going through with it.

(((Reijo))) I had a hemorrhagic cyst 7 months after I had my TAH. I suffered the bloating and uncomfortableness that you are describing. I had a transvaginal ultrasound and could see that the cyst was draining. My dr recommended having the ovary removed. I was suppose to have a laproscopic surgery but it was converted to a laprotomy due to dense adhesions. I ended up having both ovaries removed. The ovary with the cyst on it was sandwiched between the vaginal cuff and the other ovary with dense adhesions. I think that it is always best to get a second opinion if you are not comfortable with your dr's recommendation. I assume that you have gone through menopause, are you taking any type of hormones? I know that even after menopause your ovaries still produce a small amount, so that maybe something you will want to address. My dr said that the odds of a hemorrhagic cyst being cancerous was very low. Are you having any trouble with your uterus? Is there anyway he could just remove the ovary with the cyst on it? I would recommend doing all the research that you can so that you can make the best decision for you. I wish you the best on whatever you decide to do. Keep us posted.
Lots of 's,
Carol

Carol, thank you SO much for responding to my post. Yes I have gone thru menopause but haven't had to take any typ of hormones, I've been lucky. I've actually had NO problems at all other than the very ocassional (a few times a year) twinge of pain and this bloated feeling. I will need to talk with my doctor more. He was so good to me trying to reassure me, he's very much of an optomist and I suppose I'm just the opposite when it comes to my health. I've say here this weekend and totally torn apart everything he told me and have convinced myself that he is trying to get me NOT to worry. Just me........I worry when I'm not worrying. I did have the CA-125 test and should have the results of that this week and also have my mammogram. Let's just hope those turn out okay. This past week was the week from hell. On top of my problem, my husband was diagnosed with his third melanoma. At least this last one was more PRE melanoma. We don't need more problems.

Carol, again, thank you for taking the time to answer. This is a wonderful website.

Hi Reijo!

I had a hemorrhagic cyst a few years post hysterectomy. It was the size of an egg. My cyst dissolved on its own with no need for surgery.

I would suggest a second opinion to be sure the hysterectomy is right for you. I have a spotting family history -- we know there were female cancer issues resulting in death on both sides of the family but no specifics on the exact cancers were. My grandmother could not remember for her mother and her own records had been purged so we don't know the specifics for her. A language barrier prevents me from getting specific information about my paternal grandmother. Even with that history, none of my doctors has ever suggested removing my ovaries -- not when I had my hysterectomy almost eight years ago and not this year when I had another pelvic surgery. Granted, I was/am much younger and no where near menopause.

I wish you all the best for whatever you and your medical team decides is best for you! Keep searching the site, ask your questions, and know we are sending s your way!