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Complex ovarian cyst & thickened endrometrium - postmenopausal
Hello everyone,
I have never used social media before but am worried about my health and need some perspective. I am 59 years old and 6 years postmenopausal. I went for my pap test in July and they found a polyp on my cervix which the dr wasn't able to remove. Dr sent me for transvaginal ultrasound and results were 5.5 mm thickened endrometrial lining, slightly larger 1.1 cm complex cyst on right ovary and some small fibroids. I have had no postmenopausal bleeding.
My pap test came back negative and always did over my lifetime. I had breast cancer in 2015 (hormone positive) and had total mastectomy, no need for radiation/chemo. The ultrasound is going to be redone Oct 14th. When I went for my follow up on the first ultrasound my Dr seemed very hesitant about what to do.
I am terrified I have cancer again. Feel like I just need some perspective if you have any. I see my gynecologist again in Oct after the next ultrasound. I have my annual oncologist appt in late Oct and I wanted a second opinion from a gynecologist so I have that set up for Dec (first appt I could get). Am I over-reacting? Thank you
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Not overreacting! I understand your concern! I’m 71, 3 years post BC surgery, on tamoxifen, and seeing a gynecologist annually to watch for uterine cancer. Uterine thickening and fibroids can be a benign result, from what I’ve read. I would expect them to do follow-up testing for a complex uterine cyst. I’d ask for a pelvic MRI.
Here’s my checklist of things to do/watch for:
-Genetic testing*
-HPV test, often done along with a Pap smear
-Blood markers for uterine specific cancer**
-Changes over time in results of transvaginal US
-Pelvic MRI
-Go to a comprehensive cancer center to get an expert review of your current cancer risk*** These centers often prioritize scans, like MRI, for diagnosis
-Prior HRT, of some drug types, or breast cancer hormone therapy can increase risk, include details in health history
-If high risk, ask about a salpingectomy, removal of the fallopean tubes is least invasive and may reduce risk without removing ovaries****
*Invitae, a genetic testing site, has been used by Mayo Clinic, MD Anderson and Memorial Sloan Kettering from patient report. I only paid a small co-pay for the blood draw, genetic testing was paid by insurance. They also have a discounted direct pay option, details on their site. https://www.invitae.com/us/providers/test-catalog/test-01201
** Blood markers https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10455076/
*** There is a misconception that a referral is required to go to a cancer center. Not true. You can “self refer”. I did at MD Anderson because they were the closest to me. On the Mayo Clinic site, you can request an appointment. I’d follow it up with a phone call if the appt options are too far in the future.
https://www.mayoclinic.org/departments-centers/mayo-clinic-cancer-center/cancer-care/appointments
**** Salpingectomy https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/treatments/21879-salpingectomy