help with "significant" cysts, only one ovary left!

Hi all! I'm pretty stressed- I had a pelvic ultrasound (oh those are SO much fun) on Tuesday, and the woman doing the ultrasound said there were 4 "significant" non-functional cysts on my left ovary.

My right ovary was removed last year along with a tumor that was later determined to be of borderline malignancy.

The tech said there were also functional cysts on the ovary but those are nothing to worry about, but the other 4 non-functional cysts on the other hand... she was very subdued. And looking at me with a sad look on her face.


I'm still waiting to hear back from my doctor, but I've had a hard time finding out on the internet what my options will be. As far as I understand it, functional cysts go away on their own. Non-functional ones don't, and normally have to be removed surgically.

HOWEVER... since I only have one ovary now, and it has 4 big bad cysts on it (i don't know the exact classification of them other than they weren't functional) does that mean surgery?

I'm only 23! My oncologist has been trying so hard to keep my ovary right where it is since I do want to have kids someday. I'm on birth control, and that was to hopefully keep cysts from forming. I was only off the birth control for a couple months and in that short time period this happened...


I'm feeling pretty dejected and anxious. Can they remove the cysts laporscopically, even though there are 4? Or will they have to make the big incision and I will have to go through that awful long recovery time again?

OR... gulp... will I lose that ovary? That scares me to death...

Any input of anything anyone may know or similar experiences would really be appreciated! Google has failed me. Oh, I don't have PCOS as far as I know. I don't exhibit any of the symptoms apparently.

Hi Jackaroo

I have no knowledge regarding 'borderline malignancy'. But, I do strongly suggest that you see a gynecologic oncologist. They are the experts, and also would be able to advise you on ways to preserve your fertility, if these are more than simple cysts.

Try not to stress about the unknown - see what a gyne/onc says, and move forward from there.

Let us know whats happening!

I had my right ovary removed because of borderline ovarian cancer, and at the time he removed a few non functional cysts from my left ovary. I kept the left ovary and was able to get pregnant afterward. Please let us know how you're doing and what your doctor decided. Hoping for the best for you.