Hemorrhagic Ovarian Cyst + Polycystic Ovary, scared of cance

Hi, 

I've posted a couple of times now regarding an ongoing mystery illness including constant abdominal/pelvic pain for the last 5yrs every day and 10yrs of it overall (first 5yrs were more flare ups than everyday pain like the last 5 have been). Since October 2022 I got even worse, experiencing bouts of severe diarrhea for 2 weeks at a time, nocturnal episodes of diarrhea and HORRENDOUS pain, breathtaking pain every single morning in my gut/pelvis. So finally, after having a small bowel mri they happened to find multiple cystic areas in my pelvis. Even though I had a laparoscopy in 2020 which only revealed 1 normal cyst which I wasn't told about at the time. So I had an ultrasound following this mri which has now revealed polycystic ovary on my left ovary (over 20 cysts) and 1 irregular looking hemorrhagic cyst at 4cm on my left ovary. Dr's are saying they aren't overly concerned but there is some concern due to it having some solid areas, however there is no blood supply to this cyst. The cyst contains a blood clot which has bled into the cyst. This cyst on the right side was not picked up on my previous mri, only the left cystic areas were and that was end of November, so I'm thinking this irregular looking cyst must have developed between end of November and now. However, once again, due to how severely unwell I'm feeling head to toe, I am concerned this 1 cyst could be cancerous. I've had an awful gut feeling all along that there's something badly wrong with me and have been called a hyperchondriac because up to now nothing has been found. I finally feel I'm not going crazy, but also scared as I feel I now have an actual reason in black and white to be somewhat fearful of the worst. They're running a ca125 blood test on Monday as well as hormone bloods to see if I have PCOS as I also have hair thinning and acne. Then I won't get another scan until 6 weeks time. So until then I have to worry sick that I'm going to die, sounds dramatic but I think anyone who felt as poorly as I do right now would struggle to not think these awful thoughts. Any information on this, how likely these cysts are to be cancerous given my symptoms too, would be appreciated. I need help to reassure my mind as I feel like I'm unable to cope right now. It's been 5yrs of absolute hell and my mind is so tired. 

 

Thankyou.

  • Hi Lj98 and thanks for posting,

    I'm sorry to hear you are still having such a worrying time.

    Unfortunately no one on this forum can tell you how likely the cysts are to be cancerous. You say you have had some investigations now and are waiting for an ultrasound and some blood tests.  All these things will help the team caring for you build a picture of what is happening, and make a plan for treatment or management of your symptoms.

    I know six weeks can seem like such a long time to wait for another scan.  If the team were worried that the cysts were cancerous they could send you on an urgent pathway, but as you said, they aren't overly concerned.  It may be helpful if you talk through your worries when you have the bloods tests on Monday.

    I mentioned in a previous reply about the website Every Mind Matters which gives ideas about managing these overwhelming thoughts.  Anxiety UK also has some helpful information. You may also like to talk to your GP about how anxious you feel about your health.  They will be able to support you too.

    It might also be useful to talk to a friend or family member about how you have been feeling. 

    I hope you know more about your health soon.

    Please get back to us if you need any more information or support.  You may find it helpful to talk things through with one of the nurses on our helpline.  The number to call is Freephone 0808 800 4040 and the lines are open from 9am till 5pm Monday to Friday.

    Take care,

    Rachel