Complex cyst tracked for 7 months.

[Andy2004]

I have been having ultrasounds to track a complex cyst for the past six months. It has been increasing in size very slowly, and has changed from a simple cyst, to most recently a "multi-septated mass containing cystic and solid components with shadowing". It currently measures 4.8 x 3.3 x 4.8. The interpretation reads "PID and multiple discreet ovarian cysts (some simple, others hemorrhagic) could account for this finding, but the possibility of a cystic ovarian neoplasm cannot be ruled out".

I have been delaying pregnancy since the cyst was discovered via ultrasound. I've recently been refered to a ob/gyn who made an initial apointment for me in November, but who read my ultraasound and gave me the go ahead for attempting to conceive in the meantime.  

My questions are as follows:
1. What is your impression of my mass? ie. risk of cancer?
2. What is "PID", and a "cystic ovarian neoplasm?" Would I be expected to have any symptoms in either case?
3. What would be your recommendations re. treatment and pregnancy? My family doctor didn't appear to be impressed with the instructions to go ahead and attempt to conceive, but she said that they would monitor me very closely.

Thank you in advance!
Andrea

[Tword]

I just got my ultrasound results back and was told I have multiple complex cysts on my right ovary that resemble follicles what this means I am not sure yet.  The Dr. also said it was strange how many I had.  Another issue is that she found a cyst on my kidney at the same time this was a shock to me.  Does anyone have any advice?

I have to get a CT scan done this week as well...

Thanks,
Tword

[PFunk]

Polycystic ovarian syndrome is a condition that is not really well understood.  I have regular periods, no progesterone deficiency, no cosmetic symptoms of polycystic ovarian syndrome, and I am not overweight.  However, I do have PCOS.  

If you have many follicles it may be a possibility that you have polycystic ovaries.  However, it is not necessarily the case that someone with polycystic ovaries have many follicular cysts (follicles or functional cysts) on their ovaries.  Conversely, just because someone has numerous follicular cysts on their ovaries doesn't mean they have PCOS.  

The doctors and radiologists didn't think it was PCOS at first either.  However, an ob/gyn from Johns Hopkins believes that it is PCOS.  My symptoms are numerous follicular cysts on both ovaries.  A 7 cm complex lesion on my left ovary.  Slightly elevated testosterone and slightly elevated fasting glucose (but not high enough to constitute impairment).

[Andy2004]

Thanks Pfunk. No, no mention of polycystic ovarian syndrome, but the most recent ultrasound notes that my right ovary "contains follicles < 1.0 cm and a thin walled cyst containing internal echoes, peripheral vascularity (2.3x1.7x2.1)". Pfunk - do you have any other symptoms at all? I don't, and have regular periods and a very consistent 28 day cycle. This wouldn't be consistent with Polycystic Ovarian symdrome, would it?

[PFunk]

Hi.  I am sure the nurse will answer soon but in the meantime, I thought I could mention a little bit of what I know so that you might feel better.  

First, PID refers to pelvic inflammatory disease which is generally a result of infection and can lead to infection of the ovary and Fallopian tube.  Many ob/gyn's often test for the leading culprits of these infections during an annual examination.  Those results could yield greater input

Second, neoplasm refers to a tumor, but not necessarily a malignancy.  

Finally, the findings mentioned seemed very similar to the findings of my ultrasounds and laparoscopy.  I am also believed to have polycystic ovarian syndrome.  Is there any mention of the presence of numerous follicular cysts on both ovaries on the ultrasound?