ovarian cysts and enlarged uterus

I found out 1/15/03 that a sonogram shows two cysts on one ovary (I am mid-cycle) and an enlarged uterus. I have had a golf ball size fibroid for about 10 years. The sonogram was ordered because of irregular bleeding. The nurse called me with the results and would tell me nothing more than I needed to schedule a consult with the OB-GYN for February. Do I get concerned yet? Was hoping someone would have suggestions on what kinds of questions I should be asking and what tests I should be insisting on. My appointment is February 13, 2003.

s BEQ

Are you concerned about ovarian cancer after reading Jill's post?
Although you may see some similarites between yourself and Jill, ovarian cysts and fibroids are not uncommon gyn findings.
As for further questions you might want to ask your doctor and a few questions for you:
Was your ultrasound a vaginal or abdominal US?
Did your doctor perform a recto-vaginal exam. This is the method used to best palpate ovaries.
What words does the doctor use to describe your cysts? Simple, fluid filled, complex etc?
Does he plan followup ultrasounds to watch the cysts in a month to six weeks?
How large is the fibroid?
And you might want to request an endometrial biopsy for the unusual bleeding. This can be done right in the doc's office. I've had one done twice.
Hope this helps! Keep in touch.

karenann

I agree with all the questions listed above and with the idea of asking if your doctor would do an endometrial biopsy. I've also had one twice and they can certainly provide a lot of good information. The other issue is that if you have significant concerns about having cancer it might be a good idea to ask for a referral to a gyncologic oncologist.

Karenann,

Thanks for the feedback. It was a vaginal ultrasound that was done. I'm not really alarmed at this point in time that there may be a possibility of cancer. I sense that if they were suspect they would not have had me wait until February for the consult with the doctor.

However, I do want to be as informed as possible prior to the consult so that I can ask the right questions then, instead of thinking of them afterwards. Jill's posting was the only one I was able to locate that dealt with the same issues. Your input is quite helpful. Interesting that you mention checking the ovaries rectally, because it makes me realize the OB-GYN I see now has never performed a rectal check yet my previous one did.

Lots of time to continue to educate myself, so if you think of anything else....I'd love to hear it.

HI BEQ

My only adivce to you would be see an oncologist gynocologist and do let the name scare you. They are the specialists that know it all and will put your mind at ease. I know mine did.
Take Care
Rosalie