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Considering Surgery?
3 months ago it was discovered that I have a 3 cm cyst on my right ovary.My doctor chose to wait and watch for 3 months to see if it got smaller or disappeared. Today I got another ultrasound and it showed no shrinkage of the cyst. I am 47 years old and am perimenopausal. My doctor told me I had 2 options - wait 6 months and do another ultrasound, or have surgery and remove one or both ovaries. (My left ovary shows 2 small cysts). I am not sure how to proceed. Does anyone have any advice that they can share with me?
This is such a hard decision. You are right there at menopause and so removing the ovaries is timely. However, studies have shown that keeping the ovaries past menopause has benefits to your bones, heart and overall health. Usually, cysts must be removed when they reach 5cm or larger. But, in my opinion, the type of cyst is much more important. Is your cyst entirely simple (fluid filled)? Or..is is complex (has solid parts)? If it is fluid filled it is almost certain it is benign. But, if it is complex, then I would opt ot have it removed. Ovarian cancer is different for every woman. Some cancers grow slowly and other grow quickly. They still don't know for certain if benign cyst can turn into malignnant ones. But, it definitely warrants keeping a close eye on your cyst.
I was diagnosed with early staged ovarian cancer when I was only 37. I have not taken hormones because my tumors were fed by estrogen. I am almost four years post-dx and I have osteoporosis, weight gain, lack of libido and an overall feeling of fatigue. I really do miss my hormones!!!! It is a real physical change and for me....has caused a loss of quality of life. But, I don't think twice about the choice between hormones or cancer.
So, given the size of your cysts, I would think you could watch and wait a bit longer. Or, just have the ovary removed with the larger cyst. Has your doctor offerred any suggestions? It is really a personal decision.
By having your ovaries removed, you will reduce your odds of getting both breast and ovarian cancer. If you are in pain and your cysts are growing, then I would opt to have them removed. I wish you the best on making this decision!
Shelly
I was diagnosed with early staged ovarian cancer when I was only 37. I have not taken hormones because my tumors were fed by estrogen. I am almost four years post-dx and I have osteoporosis, weight gain, lack of libido and an overall feeling of fatigue. I really do miss my hormones!!!! It is a real physical change and for me....has caused a loss of quality of life. But, I don't think twice about the choice between hormones or cancer.
So, given the size of your cysts, I would think you could watch and wait a bit longer. Or, just have the ovary removed with the larger cyst. Has your doctor offerred any suggestions? It is really a personal decision.
By having your ovaries removed, you will reduce your odds of getting both breast and ovarian cancer. If you are in pain and your cysts are growing, then I would opt to have them removed. I wish you the best on making this decision!
Shelly
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