Ovarian cysts

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Hi im a 41 year old,  I've been having a ovarian cysts monitored for 1 year and a half it's now 5.9cm it grown a little bit since scans. It does not look sinister and blood tests are fine. I have opted for it to be removed but not yet concented. Its quite a hard decision as if you leave it it could rupture or get even bigger and  start  causing problems and a worse operation but then there the risks to the operation. Also I worry because I've already had 2 other cancers. I just wondered as a nurse what your view is. I know its my choice, I'm just trying to weigh up the benefits and the risks. 

  • Hi Miss mole

    Welcome to our Online Community.  My name is Tricia and I’m one of the Cancer Information Nurse Specialists .

    It sounds good that they have been monitoring your ovarian cyst and that they don’t feel it looks sinister and the blood tests are fine.

    Most ovarian cysts will be benign but can cause pain or other symptoms. Occasionally you can have complications and this sometimes can result in the need for emergency surgery if there is ovarian torsion (twists in the ovary). It sounds like the gynaecologist have said that you can have planned surgery for your cyst as it has persisted and increased in size. As you say it is your choice as to whether to continue with watchful waiting or have the planned surgery.

    It is important that you discuss your pros and cons with your gynaecologist. This can include conversation regarding any risks to your fertility or early menopause. If you choose to have surgery, the surgical treatment  will be decided by the surgeon and often it is done with keyhole surgery where possible which means you usually recover more quickly. You will be seen by an anaesthetist in a pre-op clinic to ensure you are fit and fully prepared for your surgery.

    You can help yourself to prepare for surgery by eating a healthy diet, exercising, getting adequate sleep and stopping smoking and reducing alcohol intake prior to surgery if possible.

    I was sorry to hear you have had two cancer diagnosis in the past. I hope your cancer treatments went well, and you are fully recovered. We are here for you if you need any support.

    Please don’t hesitate to get back in touch at any time.

    Sending best wishes,

     

    Tricia
    Macmillan Cancer Information Nurse Specialist

    You can also speak with the Macmillan Support Line team of experts. Phone free on 0808 808 0000 (7 days a week, 8am-8pm) or send us an email

     

    Ref: TT/AC

  • Thank you for the reply. Both options are recommended. I think its more  benefits having it taken out as if I wait might still need it out in future. Plus if it gets bigger it could cause problems. I'm not worried about fertility as not planning to have children . I'm in clear for other 2 cancers, thyroid cancer very low risks if coming back. And melanoma I'm on sullivance scans, skin checks. I did try treatment drugs for melanoma but only lasted 4 months because of side affects and finding thyroid cancer. Of course I'm a bit worried about another operation. Also I have just been taken of calcium  adcal tablets, I guess they should give me blood test at pre op to check calcium levels.