Large Adnexal Cyst found by CT scan

I had a large ovarian cyst (18-20) cm removed, as well as a smaller one, both of which were benign. But the gyn oncologist and my gyn recommended removal, and a complete hysterectomy. I had prenatal DES (diethylstilbestrol) exposure, and a very slightly elevated CA-125 test. I was about 52. While your cyst is not likely to be malignant (that's what my radiologist said), my onc said there was a 20% chance of malignancy in part because of its large size and shape. Mine was increasing in size, so that's different from your situation. But perhaps yours could, and since you only monitor it at certain intervals, you might miss an increase. It would be better to remove it before it gets larger. And given your breast cancer history, I think I would seriously consider your docs' advice, especially since all of them concur.
If it is malignant (unlikely), it would be better to get it out sooner than later if it increases in size, when there might be complications.

Thank you for your reply !

A 3.8 cm Adnexal Mass was found on ovary 2 months ago during an MRI suggestive of Endometrioma. This past Thursday I had Intravaginal Ultrasound & results said now it 4.4 cm Complex Solid Cystic Mass on ovary so it grew in 2 months & waiting to see a Dr & I'm scared because I don't know exactly what this is. I don't want anything to be cancer. I see the word solid & think cancer? I'm 45

@candybeason45, I see you also started this discussion and are getting support from fellow members:
- Endometriomas https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/endometriomas/

It is natural to be scared, but you and your doctors will want to investigate to find out exactly what the mass is. While you don't want it to be cancer, I believe you want to know so that you can treat as early IF it is cancer. Solid does not necessarily mean it is cancer.

"If the cyst has solid components, it may be benign or malignant and should have further evaluation." Read more here:
- Tumor vs. cyst: What's the difference? https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/cancer/expert-answers/tumor/faq-20057829

@eigna32, how are you doing? Did you decide to go ahead with getting the cyst removed?

I went to the Dr Tuesday and he told me this doesn't look good at all. He said if it had just said cystic then that's fluid & we can monitor it but the fact that it says solid he said he feels that it's cancer & cancer runs all thru my family ony dad's side. He said my only option is surgery so he's doing an abdominal partial hysterectomy with the possibility of a full hysterectomy on the 28th of this month.

Candy, I'm sorry that this doesn't look favorable, but I'm glad you are getting it taken care of. My mom had a similar situation and a hysterectomy was all that she needed even though the cyst was cancerous. That was over 20 years ago. She's now 83 and runs circles around me.

That is wonderful news & I pray that the hysterectomy is all I need. ❤️

@colleenyoung
I’m still thinking about this surgery although I did put my name down for surgery and I’m still waiting for a surgery date.
Today I had an appointment with my doctor and he recommends that I do the surgery because it’s large and then they will do pathology on the cyst even if in my case it’s not suspicious. But I’m still scared about this because I’ve done that path before where each test I did they told me not to worry about it and finally at the end I was diagnosed with breast cancer when biopsy turned out not being benign! All the imaging that I’ve done so far shows a simple cyst, stable not growing but still I am freaking out.

It's hard not to freak out especially when it's something to do with our body. I've never been thru this before we so I feel like I'm stepping into the unknown. I didn't have a choice about surgery. He immediately told me I have no other option but surgery. Not sure why he chose the abdominal partial hysterectomy verses the laparoscopic way. I've had 3 cesarean births so I already know the pain I will be feeling and the recovery time of being cut open down there so not looking forward to that. I do hope you get a surgery date soon & get yours taken care of quickly so your mind can be at ease. My surgery is in 2 weeks on the 28th & each day that passes & that date gets closer, the more scared & nervous I get because I still fear the unknown...not knowing the worse until he opens me up. Looks like you are having to do the same...fear the unknown and that's scary for us so I know exactly how you feel. Had my tumor just been cystic it wouldn't be so bad but because it's complex and solid and growing is not good according to my Dr. But I can surely keep you updated on what I find out when I wake up from surgery and I will keep you in my prayers as well 😊❤️🤗

Yes we are going through similar emotions. Not knowing what the future holds is scary. However what I learned from my past experience is we need to enjoy the present to the max because we don’t know what the future holds. Try to enjoy the present without too much worrying about what’s coming up. I will keep you in my prayers. I will let you know of my surgery date as soon as I find out. Hopefully sooner than later. 🙏🙏🙏