Should I get a second opinion about this complex cyst?

A month ago, I went to the meergency room with severe abdominal pain (thought it was appendicitis). I was given a barium enema (OUCH!). When it came back it said I didn't have that, but I had a complex ovarian cyst on my right ovary measuring 3.5cm. Last week, I went to my doctor who said they would do a sonogram in a month to see if it has grown. I got a copy of the films, and it shows what I think seems like alot of free fluid (ascites?) is there supposed to be any?) I have used this information and done some research on ovarian cysts and the symptoms, but it always seems to go back to ovarian cancer. I am 32 yo. I have no risk factors for ovarian cancer, but I am scared to death. As I sit here now, I just want to cry. Should I get a second opinion on waiting a month, or should I just wait the month and see what happens? I have read so much about OC being misdiagnosed or overlooked until it was too late. I really am at a loss, and would feel better if I could just get some opinions.

Should I get a second opinion about this complex cyst?
There is no relationship between an ovarian cyst and ovarian cancer.


Almost all women have an ovarian cyst at one time or another. Usually, we just don't know about it, because they usually resolve on their own.





3.5 cm really isn't very big. Nobody would want to operate on that, unless it persisted, and did not resolve.


Free fluid around the cyst could indicate that it ruptured. That's not a bad thing -- it's the normal process. Once it ruptures it goes away.





Usually ovarian cysts are managed expectantly, which means "wait and see." If it grows, then it may need surgery. If it goes away, then great.


Sometimes oral contraceptive pills are given. This hormonal cycling can help a cyst to resolve.





Finally, let me reassure you that a cyst looks different from cancer on an ultrasound. A cyst is fluid-filled, and looks black. Cancer is a solid mass which is grey and not well-defined.


Talk to your doctor (NOT the emergency room people) about how to manage this. You really do not want unnecessary surgery.
Reply:I would suggest having it taken out soon. I had been having cramps for a couple of years and dr suggested an ultrasound when I finally went. I had a cyst bigger than my fist! It was benign(dermoid cyst) as most are. But I didn't want anything in my body that shouldn't be there, also had a breast lump removed same week(benign). I'm sure it's fine and so small anyway, but take it out. Good luck.
Reply:I wouldn't wait another month. I just had surgery for the very same thing on November 23, 2006. I can't even imagine your doc telling you to wait! Especially going through another period with it in there, its so painful! Don't wory about ov cancer, in most cases they are not. I was worried also waiting for test results, but if you also had blood drawn as part of your testing, your white cell count would have been through the roof if there was some kind of cancer. If they didn't draw blood, then request one. Don't settle with what a doctor tells you if you're not comfortable with it. Get another opinion. The surgery was not bad at all, it was outpatient, and I was back at work 5 days later. Good Luck!
Reply:ive had a cyst close to what your describing and it landed me in hospital. usually these pass and that generates the abdominal pain that youve described. If its this big and they are waiting for it to grow id get a second opinion cause usually they have to be removed surgically especially if they dont pass.
Reply:For a cyst of this size ayurveda has simple medicines and panchkarma treatments. no surgery is done. meet a nearby ayurvedist. even homeopathy has simple solutions.
Reply:If you are worried that much, I would go see someone now. It is always good to get a second opinion on these sort or things anyway.





You could still go back to the regular doctor too, in a month, after getting your second opinion.