Dermoid

Okay, I'm new, and this is my first post here, so please take it easy on me.

I have been diagnosed with a dermoid tumour/cyst on my right ovary. My doctor was hopeful that he would be able to do a "simple laparoscopy" and remove the tumour itself. Unfortunately, I have since learned that the tumour/cyst is quite a bit larger than we expected (6.1 x 7.9 cm) and it looks like a laparotomy will be required. I am hopeful, although not very so, that they may be able to save the ovary.

I am 32, single, but am certain that I want to have children in the future. I am interested to hear any other similar experiences.

Hi! Most important thing first: If you still have your left ovary and everything else is okay your fertility will not be affected!

I only had one ovary when my daughter was conceived. All it took was a twinkle in our eyes and no effort NOT to conceive one weekend. (That was a bit of a surprise, although no less welcome for the promptness.)

I and others have written a little bit about dermoid experience on the board here. Do a search for keyword: dermoid. The Search link is at the top of the page on the right.

Take good care, and feel free to PM me if you have questions. I've been there, done that and know how alarming it is the first time.

Anna

Thanks so much for the quick response. What I didn't say previously is that my medical reports seem to also indicate a "lesion" on my left ovary, and the opinion that they can't rule out bilateral dermoid cysts/tumours. I am very scared that this will lead to an incredible difficulty in becoming pregnant, especially since by the time that this will likely occur, I will be in my late 30's.

Mejayne, that does put a different spin on it. But dermoid cysts are only "bilateral" about 10% of the time, so the odds are with you. AND if a dermoid isn't big, it can usually be removed from the ovary without destroying the ovary.

Talk to your doc about what he believes he might find and about your concern about future children. Most Docs are very respectful of a woman's desire to keep the reproductive stuff as intact as possible.

I'm glad I'm up with post op insomnia tonight! It is interesting always to hear from a fellow dermoid sufferer.

Anna

Anna, are you post-op laparoscopy or laparotomy? Looks like with this size for me, will be the latter, but would love to hear experiences for both.

Gosh I wish I could tell you about Laparoscopy! I've only had laparotomy.

Most of the hints here about recovery apply very well to any abdominal surgery.

What was your experience after laparotomy? What was the recovery experience, and how long to return to work?

Hi MeJane,

I too had a dermoid cyst. It was on my left ovary and too big to be removed by laparoscopy. I also had a fibroid on my uteris...it too was removed.

I was told that the chances of a recurrence of this type of cyst was only 10%. I left the doctor's office feeling relieved that I wouldn't have to have abdominal surgery again.

Less than two years later my dermoid cyst was back on the same ovary as well as the fibroid. I chose to have a TAH/BSO. I felt that if I left the right ovary in it would only be a matter of time before I was back for another surgery. I just had my TAH/BSO on January 6th. This time around I also had endometriosis. I feel great and don't regret my decision. As a matter of fact, I should have done it sooner as I was experiencing quite a bit of discomfort.


Anna is right, as long as you have you have one ovary you should still be very much able to conceive. Even if they cannot save all of the ovary, they still may be able to save some of it. I know it is easier said than done, but try not to worry.

I wish you the best of luck.

CB