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Had an oncology appointment through - does this mean it is definitely cancer?

Sunflowergirl123
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Hi - I posted a similar question but realised it wasn't in the nurses section so reposting here. Hope that's ok. 

I've posted previously about investigations I've been having for possible ovarian cancer - I have a 14cm complex cyst on my ovary.

I had an appointment where the Dr said he wanted to do an MRI as the ultrasound had some potentially concerning features. He said I'd get a letter with the results.

Anyway, I got a text today (no letter yet) 'reminding' me about a gynaecology oncology appointment next week. 

Does this mean it is definitely cancer? Can they tell for sure without actually taking it out? Will the MRI have told them what type/stage etc if it is cancerous? Does the cyst being large indicate it is more likely to be cancerous/ more advanced? 

Any advice about what this appointment might involve?

Thanks in advance - I'm panicking!

  • Hello and thanks for your post

    Gynaecology/oncology services cover diagnostic tests so I don't think it is out of the ordinary to be referred to this team.It doesn't mean that you definitely have cancer.

    Most complex cysts are benign (not cancer) but a few complex cysts may have worrying features and may need further investigations.  A complex cyst that does not show too many worrying features may just be monitored.

    Waiting to find out more is invariably stressful, but try not to anticipate what might be the matter, not even your doctor can be sure at the moment. It's also quite possible that nothing serious may be the matter.

    The next step is to wait and see the gynaecologist and have the MRI scan, and see what they say next. Until then no one will be able to tell you more for now.

    Waiting is never easy and I’m afraid there is no real way around this. Some people find sticking to a routine and keeping busy and talking to family and friends can sometimes help. But until you know more it’s natural to worry.

    I hope you know more soon. Give us a ring if you would like to talk anything over. The number to call is Freephone 0808 800 4040 and the lines are open from 9am till 5pm Monday to Friday.

    Kind regards,

    Celene

  • Offline in reply to CRUK Nurse Celene

    Thank you for the reply. 

    Sorry, I wasn't very clear - I have had the MRI a week and a half ago. 

    Is it possible to diagnose a cancer from the MRI? Or simply give an indication of likeliness? 

    Thank you 

  • Offline in reply to Sunflowergirl123

    It is unlikely you will get a diagnosis prior to surgery/histology results. I was diagnosed with ovarian cancer a year ago, a scan showed a suspicious mass, I had a CT the following day and an ascitic biopsy the day after that. I was told it was highly likely to be cancer, but not definitively diagnosed until the pathology results were in roughly 4 weeks after my hysterectomy. It’s a really stressful and rubbish place to be, I’m sorry. 

  • Offline in reply to Kay1985

    Hi Kay, 

    Thank you so much for replying. Sorry to hear you've been through this - I hope treatment has gone well for you. 

    What is a ascitic biopsy?

    Xx

  • in reply to Sunflowergirl123

    Hello Sunflowergirl123 and thanks for getting back to us, 

    I can't be sure because nurses aren't usually involved in interpreting scans to diagnose anyone or rule cancer out. But I think the value of MRIs to evaluate ovarian cysts if an ultrasound isn't conclusive is to add more detail to the overall picture which includes the results of other tests and the clinical history.

    There may be some features seen on an MRI that are suggestive of cancer but it probably depends on what these are as to whether they would be considered to be as good as diagnostic.  I think probably more often than not if MRI results do suggest cancer it is more about a likeliness than a certainty but they might also be able to clarify features seen on ultrasound that were potentially concerning so the doctors feel confident to decide a cyst is benign (not cancer).   

    I hope your specialist can explain more when you see them next week. Try and keep an open mind about everything for now. 

    Give us a ring if you want to talk anything over.   The number to call is Freephone 0808 800 4040 and the lines are open from 9am till 5pm Monday to Friday.

  • Offline in reply to Sunflowergirl123

    Hi, 

    Without a biopsy it isn’t really possible to diagnose cancer, though an MRI, PET or CT scan will show up any unusual lumps or growths. A scan will give an experienced health professional an idea of what is likely to be diagnosed but at best that’s an educated guess. 

    Good luck!

    Dave

  • Offline

    As Dave said, a biopsy is needed. I

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