Surgical opinion - endometrioma

[LL2006]

Complex cyst filled with debris and solid projections off the lateral anterior wall with features suggestive of an endometrioma.  FHx - mother - breast CA; maternal aunt - ovarian CA; sister - stage IV (T4bN1M1) colon CA.

My ob/gyn has decided to continue monitoring left sided ovarian lesion (currently every 6/12) by means of transvaginal ultrasounds.  Of note, but less importance and significance - elevated CA125 at 134.

Should I be considering an oopherectomy?

[ticked]

where in canada do you live?  I think that you should see and ONC/GYNO not an obgyn they dont have as much knowledge.  If you are near Toronto let me know I know a good one.

[juliesmom]

As my doc says, pain is never normal!  Don't trick yourself into thinking that it is, if you have pain it's your body's way of telling you that something is not as it should be.

Since preserving your fertility is no longer a concern and you're 51, I'd say that unless your family has a history of late menopause, I'd have it yanked out.  Think of the positives, no more pain, no girlie things to buy, no more ruining your favorite pair of undies...there's an upside to everything.  Lord knows, I'm telling myself all the same thing as my hubby and I have decided that a hysterectomy is my only option at this point, I'm 34 and have hoped and prayed for another child for several years now...no luck.  It's time to get rid of the pain, focus on my beautiful 14 yo daughter and try to figure out exactly what plan God has for me since more children is obviously not it.  

I'm sending you a hug!
Shelley

[LL2006]

Preserving my fertility is no longer of concern.  I just turned 51 y.o. and have two beautiful adult children.  My GP has been the one to run serial CA125's (ranging in values from 87 to 134), all done at varying points in my cycle.  I suspect the endometrioma is the cause for this elevation.  I live in a large Canadian city.  Perhaps our ob/gyn's here approach things differently.  I've had a DVT in the past, although with an exploratory lap I would be up & about soon thereafter.  Of more concern would be the total hysterectomy route.  I am asymtomatic for the most part (painful periods, although I thought that was normal) :).  Thank you for your kind reply.

[juliesmom]

With all of that taken into perspective, I'd say yep.  At the very least an exploratory lap with the understanding that the ovary may need to go.  How old are you?  The CA125 at 134 is a bit high, where were you in your cycle when it was done?  The elevation can vary throughout the month.  With a complex cyst, family history and elevated CA125 I'd probably do it, unless preserving your fertility is a concern.