Aa
Aa
A
A
A
Close
Avatar universal

should I worry if I have a CA125 of 23 with a mucinous cyst/no ultrasound?

I have a large pelvic mass, and a follow up CT scan indicates a "mucinous cystadenoma" on one ovary. I understand this is probably a benign condition. My CA125 is 23. My PCP referred me to a Gyn Oncologist; I asked the GYN Onc for an ultrasound in addition to the CT scan to make sure nothing is wrong with my other ovary. dr said the ultrasound is not necessary since I had the CT scan, and is 90% sure the cyst I have is benign, and I have no fluid in the abdomen, which is also good. Dr also told me that if it is malignant, I will require a total hysterectomy and staging. Is there anyway I can find out before surgery if the cyst is in fact benign? I want to avoid a total hysterectomy but have agreed to have one ovary removed with the mucinous cyst. I'm kind of nervous because the consent form also includes "possible TAH-BSO/possible staging." Am I worrying for nothing? I told the dr not to perform a total hysterectomy if I don't have cancer. I have no history of breast or ovarian cancer in my family, and have never had children. I'm in my early 40s and still have regular periods with no problems, and still hope to have a baby in the near future. All of my research indicates I should also have an ultrasound, but I am unable to find anything that states an ultrasound is not necessary if I've already had the CT scan. Is the ultrasound more reliable than a CT scan? Thanks in advance for any guidance you can provide.
2 Responses
Sort by: Helpful Oldest Newest
Avatar universal
I can only say that the cat scan covers the entire body - usually neck down and is usually with contrast to light the body up.  Get a copy of your report - you are entitled to it to see what it says.  Sometimes the doctors dont tell you everything on the report.  Then if you have another cat scan down the road you could compare the reports for any changes.  A sonogram is different, and a pet scan is a cat scan that shows cancer in your cells.
Abdominal surgery is difficult.  Sleeping in a recliner can be helpful because your stomach muscles cant be used to pull yourself up from bed.
The freezing food idea is good - have a family member or be sure someone is there to help you.  Be sure to move around - you can get clots if you dont move your legs around.
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
I would say that the ultrasound is probably less reliable than the CT scan.  If the doctor says he doesn't need an ultrasound, then the CT shows everything he/she needs.  

Glad you're seeing a gyn/oncologist.  They have more training and experience and generally get better results.  The doctor's instincts are probably correct, so the mass is probably benign.  But there's no way to tell without the surgery.  The surgeon usually sends the removed ovary to pathology for an immediate opinion -- and will do a full hysterectomy only if the pathologist says it's malignant.  The surgeon probably "knows" by looking, but will wait until the pathologist confirms before proceeding to finish the surgery.  

It's hard not to worry, but it really won't help.  Perhaps you could distract yourself by finding out what is likely to happen post-op.  How long will recovery be?  What about stairs?  Driving?  What help will you need?  Perhaps you can recruit some help in advance.  You could do a little cooking and freezing in advance if you have time, too.  

Come back with any questions you have.  Good luck and God bless...


Helpful - 0
Have an Answer?

You are reading content posted in the Ovarian Cancer Community

Didn't find the answer you were looking for?
Ask a question
Popular Resources
Learn how to spot the warning signs of this “silent killer.”
Diet and digestion have more to do with cancer prevention than you may realize
A list of national and international resources and hotlines to help connect you to needed health and medical services.
Herpes sores blister, then burst, scab and heal.
Herpes spreads by oral, vaginal and anal sex.
STIs are the most common cause of genital sores.