Multiseptated Ovarian Cyst, Fibriods and Endometriosis

[susyqtt]

This post is not a question but rather me sharing my experience with those going through a similar situation. I began feeling pain on right side which radiated down my leg. My Gynaecologist did an ultrasound and found my right ovary was enlarged, a hydrosalpinx present on the fallopian tube and fibroids (which I already knew I had)
He ordered a CA-125 which came back with a level of 45. (Ladies at this point I must interject that a rise in CA-125 levels does not necessarily mean Ovarian Cancer. The are many conditions that cause an elevation including fibroids, endometriosis and cysts) .

My second ultrasound was more specific and it showed a multi-septated cystic mass measuring 6cm x 4cm within the right adnexa, a normal ovary could not be delineated separate from the mass. A hydrosalpinx was present on the same side and at least six intramural fibroids the largest measuring 5cm. My left ovary and fallopian tube was normal.

At this point I was really concerned and took the advice of other women on the many forums I've read and went to a Gynaecological Oncologist. He went through something called a cancer index with me, taking into account my age, family medical history etc. I'm 37, no children and no history of breast or ovarian cancer in my immediate family. He concluded that I was at a low risk for cancer and placed me on a low dose birth control pill for three months to monitor the growth, surgery at that point was still considered a last resort.

I completed the course of BC and my third ultrasound showed that the hydrosalpinx was still there but this Sonographer measured the cyst at 4.7cm x 3.7cm. I took the results to my doctor who said the BC was helping and I should continue taking it. I said to him I did not want to do continue because of the side effects and especially because I wanted children. He then said to me he doesn't think that pregnancy will happen for me and I should remove everything and move on with my life.

I promptly left his office and made an appointment with another Gynaecologist, one who would be interested in preserving my fertility. She reviewed all my test and ultrasound results and said surgery was necessary. Although at that time she was not sure what was on my ovary, she said different Sonographers see different things and the shrinkage was not considerable enough. Additionally, the fibroids needed the be removed as they would continue to grow. I went into surgery done via a laparotomy and it was discovered that cyst was actually an endometrioma (chocolate cyst) and endometriosis covered both my ovary and fallopian tube. Additionally, what showed as six fibroids on the ultrasound turned out to be twelve (no wonder my periods were a nightmare). She removed the fibroids along with my right ovary and fallopian tube (unilateral salpingo oophorectomy). My left ovary and fallopian tube was untouched and completely normal. I also wanted to mention that my doctor sent me for a AMH test (Anti Mullerian Hormone) and my level was in optimal range. The level of AMH in a woman's blood is generally a good indicator of her ovarian reserve.

I am now three weeks post-op and doing very well in my recovery. The fear and uncertainty is over and while I had multiple issues none of them were cancerous and the problems were removed which preserved my fertility. Of course now I know for sure that my problems were as result of endometriosis, life changes have been made regarding my diet, products I use, etc. Endometriosis and fibriods are estrogen dominant conditions and making changes should help. I hope that my experience will help those of you who read this and it helps you to understand that ovarian cancer is not a forgone conclusion. God is good all the time!!!