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Internal scan ovaries

monkey42
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I made a more detailed post in pre diagnosis, however someone recommended I ask about the difference between malignant cysts and benign on ultrasound scans here. 

I am 20yrs old, have been having debilitating periods, pelvic pain unrelated to my cycle and gastrointestinal issues since I was 18. To keep it short I was diagnosed with a 5cm cyst in July via ultrasound, in August the cyst was the same size, but now haemorrhagic. I had a scan today, but it was internal, the ‘cyst’ is now 7 cm and the radiographer believes it may be an endometrioma.  How do you know the difference between an endometrioma and a tumor?

I’m so worried I won’t be taken seriously because of my age, I’m in my final year of university and I feel like everything is just going wrong and out of my control. im not even under an endometriosis specialist, but a gynecologist, who when I first met them, they told me about the damage that surgery can do to the bladder and bowel, so that’s put me off having a surgery done by them.

my other post is in a lot more detail, it’s so close to Christmas and I’m just so worried it’s cancerous. 

thanks. 

  • Welcome to our forum, monkey42.

    I’m sorry to hear how much you’ve been dealing with recently, it sounds like an incredibly challenging time for you. It’s completely understandable to feel worried and overwhelmed, especially as you’re trying to manage university alongside everything else.

    Whilst we can’t provide medical advice, it’s good that you’re seeking answers and working with healthcare professionals. If you’re unsure about your care plan or feel like your concerns aren’t being taken seriously, it’s absolutely fine to ask for a second opinion or seek additional support. 

    I hope you’ll hear from others here who may have had similar concerns and experiences. 

    If you’d like to speak to someone directly, our friendly team of nurses are available to listen and provide general information. You can call them on 0808 800 4040, Monday to Friday (except for Christmas hours), between 9 am and 5 pm.

    Wishing you all the best,

    Renata, Cancer Chat Moderator

  • Hello monkey42 and thank you for posting,

    I am sorry to learn that you are worried and feel like you won't be taken seriously about your concerns, this must be a difficult time, it sounds like you have a lot on with your last year at university.

    It is important to know that ovarian cysts are very common. You can read about ovarian cysts on the NHS website. An endometrioma also known as chocolate cysts occurs when there is bleeding into a cyst. They are called chocolate cysts because the blood is dark-coloured and looks like liquid chocolate. Ovarian cancer will have different characteristics.

    It may be helpful to speak with your GP about your concerns as they know your situation and may be able to give you more reassurance. You can also speak with them or the gynaecologist about being referred to an endometriosis specialist.

    You may also find it helpful to contact Endometriosis UK who provide information and support to anyone affected by endometriosis, they also have a helpline you can call.

    I hope you can get some more information soon and the reassurance you need.

    Take care,

    kind regards

    Jemma

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