estria

Hello,

You definitely need to get more information about this cyst. Get a copy of the radiology report. This will indicate what type of cyst you have. A simple, fluid filled, thin walled cyst (even of this size) is not an indication for surgery (although I am not familiar with your age or family history so this may have to be considered as well). A cyst that has solid components can normally be addressed in further detail by the radiologist .. for example, a dermoid cyst does have to be removed as it is unlikely to disappear on its own and may cause problems such as twisting etc.. A hemmorrhagic cyst is filled with blood and may or may not go away on its own .. a cyst filled with certain types of solid tissue may have to be removed and biopsied, just to be absolutely sure that there is nothing sinister going on (although this is still rare).

You definitely should not be "rushed" into surgery and if you did not get enough information, call your doctor or gynecologist and arrange to see or talk to them to get the information that you need in order to be sure that you are in agreement with the surgery. I actually find it rather strange that they have not bothered to inform you more about the situation, however, some doctors take it for granted that we patients are all a bunch of retards who couldn't possibly understand the circumstances so they don't bother trying to explain (it is also less work for them this way).

I would insist on knowing what this surgical decision is based on and if you feel that you are being rushed in unnecessarily, seek out a second opinion. However, if your doctor explains that you have something that needs to come out and be biopsied due to the radiologist's concerns, then I would definitely follow his or her advice. The radiologist or gynecologist who did the ultrasound should be able to tell you what the cyst is filled with and if the cyst looks sinister (this will be in that report). This is what ultrasounds are for.

I also have a large cyst on my left ovary which is about 8 cm. It is a simple, thin walled, fluid filled cyst and it has been there for about a year. I too am nervous about surgery and want to avoid it unless I absolutely have to (if I need it, then I will get it done but not unless absolutely necessary). My doctors are in complete agreement and have told me that the cyst is harmless. Over here they do not operate on simple cysts that are less than 10 cm. I know that in the US the magic number is 5 cms so perhaps this is why they want to operate on you. You definitely need more information.

I hope I have of some assitance to you. Take care of yourself and let us know how you are doing with this.

All the best.

Estria