Potential dermoid cyst.

Hi crr

Thanks for getting in touch with us. Welcome to the online community and I hope you find it a helpful space to communicate with others. I’m Debbie, one of the cancer information nurse specialists on the Macmillan Support Line.

You mentioned that you have PCOS (polycystic ovary syndrome), which can cause multiple cysts to form on the ovaries. Cysts are fluid-filled sacs and are benign (not cancerous). It is good that your CT scan was clean and that no masses were seen. Masses refers to lumps or areas that are abnormal and these can be non-cancerous or cancerous. Atypical means that an area looks different to normal but this doesn’t necessarily mean that it is a cancer. It can refer to benign changes.  

Cysts and lumps can often form on the surface of the ovaries and then shrink down and disappear. So this can sometimes explain why different things are seen on scans at different times.

You mention that you now have more masses / cysts on both ovaries and a possible dermoid ovarian cyst. Dermoid cysts are not usually cancerous but they have the potential to get very big. They can sometimes grow up to 15cm (6 inches) in diameter and will usually need to be surgically removed. It is good that you have been referred back on the rapid diagnosis pathway so that you will have tests as quickly as possible. Then the doctors can find out what the masses or cysts are and they can recommend more tests or appropriate treatment, if needed.

Your GP may be able to talk this through with you and offer appropriate support. Or there may be a clinical nurse specialist in your team at the hospital, who can explain the results and what they mean. They can also discuss possible next steps.

We would be happy to talk this through with you if you would like to call us on 0808 808 0000. It is often easier to discuss things by phone. Our lines are open from 8am to 8pm, every day. Or you can email us or contact us by webchat. Here at the Macmillan Support Line, we can give general information and support. We are independent from the NHS and don’t have access to medical records, so we can’t give personalised information.

I can understand you being anxious. It can be very worrying to wait for appointments, or tests, or results. It might help you to read this information about ways of dealing with anxiety when waiting for test results. The MIND website also has information about self-care when you have anxiety. 

I hope that this information is helpful in explaining why the situation can change from one scan to another. But please do feel welcome to get back in touch with us if we can be of further help.

With best wishes
Debbie C
Cancer Information Nurse Specialist 

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