Confused and worried

FormerMember
FormerMember
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Hi everyone , I don’t ever post on forums but I’m panicking and looking for reassurance.

I’m 24 years old and last year I had a cystectomy to remove an 11cm dermoid cyst on my left ovary ... after a month I had another emergency surgery for aceties and infection on ovary.


This was in July 2017 and in September I started noticeing symptoms again for example; pain durin intercourse, abdominal pains 

I ignored as thought I was just being paranoid after recent events however just before Xmas my belly felt bloated and I was putting on unnecessary weight. At this point I took seval pregancy tests and it felt like pregnancy 


Since then I have been to gp who sent me out for ultrasound after an examination , the ultrasound found a cyst on left ovary but they weren’t able to tell me what type of cyst as said it was abnormal. I then went back to gp who sent me for blood test (ca125) and referred me to gynaecologist.


I went to gynaecologist where he was a consultant and specialised in cancer patients and told me it was unusual to see someone with my age and he didn’t know why I was sent to him as my bloods are normal. After he said this he told me he’s going to go to wait and see approach and that I will be passed on to his benign colleagues and won’t see him again


Week later I got a letter from this consultant telling me after speaking to other colleagues he has decided to give me an mri scan and see me himself the following week 


- I’m now scared as I haven’t been told a lot and I’m someone who gets confused with change and no explanations ... I’m also now worried as I’m not sure why I’m still under a cancer specialist when he told me I don’t have it as too young and bloods normal and why do I need an mri 


I’m so confused can anyone spread some light I’m not sleeping and the pain is getting more severe and panicking all the time 

  • Hi mlsmith,

    I'm so sorry that you have been left so confused and worried by what's happening, no wonder after what you have been told, or not told. I think it might help you to call the Macmillan helpline on 0808 808 0000, they are open until 8pm, and ask to speak to a nurse. 

    My problem is with my womb so I've not had your experience, although I did have lots of cysts on my womb which were non cancerous.

    If the pain is getting bad there is nothing stopping you going back to your gp for pain relief whilst you wait.

    Lots of love and please let me know how you get on.

    Xxx

  • FormerMember
    FormerMember

    Hello! I am going through something similar. Did they ever test the dermoid to rule out cancer? Did they do an AFP test? It is rare for a dermoid to be that big. 

    I am 28 years old and recently gave birth to a little boy 5 months ago. I have a history of dermoid cysts and just cysts in general as well. During my pregnancy, I had a left dermoid cyst that started growing and also one on my right ovary that stayed pretty much the same. They tested my AFP during pregnancy and it was elevated slightly more than normal (128) but nothing was wrong with my son. Fast forward to about 4 months after I gave birth and i was a bit tender in my pelvis and having pain during sex. My doctor checked me out and sent me for an ultrasound where they found what was thought to be an 11cm dermoid cyst. I was sent for an MRI due to the size and it came back abnormal possibly Immature teratoma. I got blood taken and had a slightly elevated AFP. I immediately scheduled appointment with oncology gyno and had surgery to remove the mass. Turns out I have an immature teratoma (basically a malignant dermoid cyst). PLEASE do not let the doctors tell you that it’s unlikely because of your age. Dermoid cysts are not suppose to grow that large. You have to advocate for yourself and don’t let them brush you off. Germ cell cancer is super rare but when it happens, it happens in our age group. I knew something wasn’t right and did not let the doctors brush me off. I scheduled appointments with multiple doctors and fought to get the soonest appointments available. I opted for an open cut surgery as well instead to minimize rupture just in case. 

  • FormerMember
    FormerMember in reply to FormerMember

    You are very brave and very wise, Ambiee.

    Everyone can learn something from your post.

    Arm yourself with knowledge, bring a close and understanding friend or relative and don't give up.

    You should not be in this much pain or distress.

    I wish you all the best,

    Laura

  • FormerMember
    FormerMember in reply to FormerMember

    Ι know it's a long time but I would like to ask something about the dermoid cyst because I was diagnosed with one (January 2021) and removed it (August 2021). I was told but my gyn to remove it but I didn't have to rush. When I removed it the biopsy showed cancer cells on the cyst and now I am advised to remove my ovary and tube and send them for biopsy. I hope they are clear. If they are not clear the suggect full hysterectomy. I am 32 and doctors said it is quite rare incident. Could you please let me know what happened next with the cyst in your case? Thank you