Could This Be Ovarian Cancer

[Kelley41]

I am a 41 year old woman and I recently went to the emergency room after having a severe cramp in my stomach and passing out.  Once there I had a CT of the abdomen and an ultrasound.  The results of my ultra sound read as follows:
Dominant finding is the presence of complex mass in the right ovary.  The differential diagnosis includes pelvic inflammatory disease, possible endometrioma, or cyctic neoplasm.  A small amount of intra-endometrial fluis is noted. the uterus is enlarged and heterogeneous.  
Last year I was suppose to have a hysterectomy due to anemia.  Though I have good insurance they would not sanction it until I had tried others methods such as ablasion.
The ER Doctors says he thinks this could be Ovarian Cancer.  The earliest I can see my gynecologist is next week.  I am very worried, does this sound like cancer?

[Kelley41]

Thank you. I am feeling better just the fear has the best of me. This is a wondergul sight I have stumbled upon, all of your advice is appreciated. Continuous Blessings. Kelley

[Jane39]

Gail you took the words right out of my mouth.  Welcome Kelley.  Did they say how large your mass was?  Worry you will, that is the common beast of this problem, try not to read too much, as it will just put even more fear in you. Take one step at a time.  Certainly hope you are feeling better since your trip to the ER (passing out and stomach pains)!!  Seeing your GYN next week is good, so start writing down your questions now, but absolutely, if surgery is necessary, then ask for a referral to a GYN/oncologist.  Good Luck, and please keep up updated.  Take Care!!  And Good Luck!!  We are here to help and listen.  Jane

[Kelley41]

Thank you so much for your words of wisdom.  I had no idea about a GYN Oncologist, for this information I am grateful. I will try my best to stay optimistic.  

Thank You Again and Continuous Blessings.

Kelley

[gah_70]

Could the ER doctor have said it could possibly be cancer instead of saying he actually thought it was?  Because if he told you he thought it was ovarian cancer based on what you've mentioned in your post, he has no business being in the diagnostic business.  Ovarian cancer is not easily diagnosed, and a picture on a CT scan isn't nearly enough to make that sort of diagnosis.  In fact, the only way ovarian cancer can be diagnosed is via biopsy during surgery.

You are doing the right thing to have it checked out.  Your GYN will probably order some blood work, specifically a CA125. It will probably come back elevated, but conditions other than cancer can elevate it. We already know you have a mass of some kind, so your CA125 could be elevated whether benign or malignant.  If surgery enters the picture, then please ask to be refered to a Gyn Oncologist.  That's is the doctor you want doing your surgery even if you GYN insists he/she can do it.  GYN Oncologists are trained in that specific expertise.  If it does happen to be cancer, you don't want to take any chances.  A GYN Oncologist is more experienced in removing cancers of women's reproductive system and can fully debulk (remove anything around it that might be cancerous, as well).  

Having said all that, more than 90% of all cysts/masses are not cancer, so your odds are pretty good.  I wish I could tell you not to worry, but the ER doc put the fear in you, and infortunatlely, it probably isn't going away until you see your GYN.  But worry won't make the appointment come any faster.  Maybe you can try to find some things to keep you busy until then.  Hopefully the weekend will bring some activities that will help distract your mind.  Please do let us know what happens at your appointment.  You are more than welcome to come back any time with questions, or just to get things off your mind if you need to.  

Best wishes to you.

Gail