Complex Ovarian Mass detected

My CFNP could feel some sort of lump during my pelvic exam. She sent me for an ultrasound and they found a complex ovarian mass on my left ovary. She says I will have to have surgery and has referred me to a gynocologist. Unfortunately I don't see him for a couple of days yet and I am in full panic mode. My fear is not helped by the fact that a friend of mine, only 7 years older than me, was recently diagnosed with stage 4 OVC and will be lucky to get a couple of years.

I have a copy of the ultrasound report and was hoping someone here could help me make sense of some of it. I have been combing the internet and basically scaring myself worse. So here is what they said:

Right ovary 32X17X13 mm unremarkable in appearance. Left ovary 37X21X30mm. Complex 23X19X29 mm left ovarian mass. Color Doppler examination reveals no abnormal vascularity. No free peritoneal fluid is visible.

Impression: a complex left ovarian mass may represent a complicated cyst, endometrioma, abscess etc. Follow up sonography in one month is recommended for further evaluation.

I have also been looking up surgery info and seems like surgery is common for these and possibly a hysterectomy. I am 39 (almost 40), never had kids and don't plan on it. But I didn't realize that this could be such a major surgery! I have never had surgery or even been hospitalized.

I would appretiate any thoughts on this and any ideas for what kinds of questions to ask the Dr.

Hi Bailey769,

I'm not a doctor but I've had my share of ultrasounds and I know it can be really scary.

So here a little from me to you. I can share my experience. I had a dermoid cyst and endometrioma which was diagnosed from an ultra sound. I also have had free fluid which usually isn't a good sign. But I have no signs of malignant cells or even a premalignant cells. I also had a lump removed from my breast and that is also benign.

So with that said, and its easier said than done: Don't stress. I know from experience that sometimes its a lot better than it seems.

I'll be praying for you!

Breathe.....It will be ok. Just wanted to say that these complex cysts are sometimes nothing and resolve on their own. Mine did.....Please don't worry too much, that messes with our bodies as well. See the gynecologist and don't rush into surgery....why not wait and see and re-examine in a few weeks and see if it has dissappeared.

I got all worked up at one point w/ one of these and it resolved completely. Granted, I did have a hysterectomy eventually but for unrelated reasons. Good luck... and keep us posted.

Thanks guys. I am trying hard not to panic. I think my friends situation is making me worry more than I normally would. Her cancer had pretty much taken over her entire abdomen. So even before I went to the Dr. I was already thinking am I bloated today, is that a pain or just gas...... Now every little twinge is a big deal! The mind can do crazy things!

I am posting an update because I am starting to feel paniced again the last few days.

I had a followup with a gynocologist a few weeks ago and he felt the same mass my CFNP felt. He also looked at the ultrasound report and said he wasn't worried but did want to check it again in a few weeks to see if he could feel any changes and possibly schedule another ultrasound. So I go back this Friday and I am getting worried again. I have been worried all along, but have been doing a pretty good at remaining calm. The last couple nights I have been losing sleep again etc.

I am also still concerned with the fact that the ultrasound shows the mass on the left ovary but the Dr.s feel something on the right side. So here I am reading through pages and pages of old posts on the cancer forum here and getting more and more worried again. The thing that is bothering me the most is the fact that it is a complex cyst which ups the chance of cancer.

I just needed to talk to some people that had been there.

	Quote:
Originally Posted by Bailey769 I am posting an update because I am starting to feel paniced again the last few days. I had a followup with a gynocologist a few weeks ago and he felt the same mass my CFNP felt. He also looked at the ultrasound report and said he wasn't worried but did want to check it again in a few weeks to see if he could feel any changes and possibly schedule another ultrasound. So I go back this Friday and I am getting worried again. I have been worried all along, but have been doing a pretty good at remaining calm. The last couple nights I have been losing sleep again etc. I am also still concerned with the fact that the ultrasound shows the mass on the left ovary but the Dr.s feel something on the right side. So here I am reading through pages and pages of old posts on the cancer forum here and getting more and more worried again. The thing that is bothering me the most is the fact that it is a complex cyst which ups the chance of cancer. I just needed to talk to some people that had been there.

I had a complex ovarian mass the size of a small grapefruit, and the doctors weren't sure which ovary it was hanging from because it took up ALL the space behind the uterus. Had surgery (TAH/BSO and a couple of other pieces out, including the appendix) on June 15, and the initial pathological report was "precancerous", which means that, if the full report is the same, they "caught it in time" and no further treatment will be necessary.

You're in my prayers... and try not to worry. It saps your strength and it won't change the outcome.

Big hugs!

So how often are complex masses NOT cancerous? Seems like a lot of people with a complex mass or cyst end up finding out it is cancer.

	Quote:
Originally Posted by Bailey769 So how often are complex masses NOT cancerous? Seems like a lot of people with a complex mass or cyst end up finding out it is cancer.

I'm not a doctor and I can't tell you, but you're in my thoughts

My I take this opportunity to do my DO NOT GOOGLE thing?

If you must do research on the web, stick to the most reliable sites:

www.mayoclinic. com

www.nih.nlm. gov

Hugs and hopes! Be well.

My sister just had a hysterectomy because of fibroids. But during her gyn sonogram, they discovered a complex cyst on her ovary. After the hysterectomy, they tested the ovary and it was NOT cancer. Women form cysts on their ovaries all the time...they usually just burst and don't cause problems. Before my own hysterectomy, I had ovarian cysts ALL THE TIME. I had them taken out as well, as my Mom is an ovarian cancer survivor and I was at high risk myself.

I've had a total of 3 major surgeries, including one for breast cancer. I could tell you to try not to worry, but since this is your first surgery, I can understand your worry. Keep the faith. It will be over before you know it! Please do keep us posted as to how you're doing.