Cancer Research UK main site

Dermoid ovarian cyst

Manbar13
Offline

Hi, just wondering if anyone can share if they've had similar experiences to me. I had an ultrasound scan in November 2021 where they found an 8x5x4cm suspected dermoid cyst on my right ovary. 

I was referred for the ultrasound due to bleeding after sex, irregular bleeding, discomfort in my tummy and frequent weeing. 

I had bloods taken including testing for ca125 levels which came back normal. 

The consultant had a telephone appointment with me in January 2022 and said he would need to do a laparoscopic operation to remove the cyst and I would possibly lose the ovary due to the size of the cyst. However due to delays caused by covid by operation is unlikely to be until January 2023. So more than a year after the initial ultrasound. 

I find it strange that the cyst is not being monitored for growth or changes during that time? 

I am also now experiencing lower back ache and struggling to fully empty my bladder. I'm also having periods every 14 days. 

Whilst my ca125 levels were normal I can't help but worry that it could be cancerous. I am hoping the assessment by the sonographer was accurate. But the consultant said they cannot be 100% sure until they remove it. 

I am just wondering if anyone else is facing a long wait for a cyst removal and also if others have suffered with these same symptoms from a dermoid cyst. 

Thanks 

 

 

  • Offline

    Hi there,

    Unfortunately I can't answer your questions but that does sound like a very long wait especially when you are still experiencing discomfort. I am awaiting a scan after pelvic and lower back pain,  feeling pressure to wee more, nausea at times and a little bit of spotting. My ca125 result was in the normal range and I'm thinking maybe a cyst but still driving myself mad googling and thinking cancer.

    Maybe you could discuss with your GP the worries and more symptoms you have? They may be able to push for an earlier date.

    I am perimenopausal age so know that probably doesn't help.

    Lou

  • Offline in reply to Lou1511

    Hi Lou, thanks for your reply. I hope you get your scan quickly. 

    Unfortunately I am already down as an urgent and the wait is still Jan 2023. I'm also on the short notice cancellation list so hopefully I may get in before then. 

  • Offline

    Hi Manbar13, I'm so sorry you are having to wait so long for surgery, that must be extremely stressful for you. I had a 13 x 13 x 12cm dermoid removed via laparotomy last year. I only had to wait 2 weeks but I think that was partly due to its size as it was more likely it could have turned or would turn cancerous, but also wait times were fortunately much better at the time. I can only imagine how stressed I would have been if I'd had to wait until next year. One piece of encouraging news for you, my cyst was considerably bigger than yours and I was able to keep my entire ovary ( I struggled to find anyone with one close to my size and every doctor I saw seemed astounded at the size which was really anxiety-provoking) Mine was discovered via ultrasound, I paid privately as the wait time for an NHS scan was 2 months and I just knew something wasn't right. I had very similar symptoms to you, especially the frequent need to pee, It got to the stage where it was every 15 mins. I did have a follow-up MRI as they weren't able to be 100% sure from the ultrasound that it was a dermoid and not cancer, again due to its size and other characteristics. I guess what I'm getting at is, while the Doctor's can't be 100% sure it isn't cancer until it's biopsied the chances of it being cancer based on your scan, blood test and lack of red flag symptoms such as weight loss are really very low. The fact they haven't ordered and MRI tells me Your Doctor can be very confident it's just a dermoid based on the ultrasound,  and while yes some dermoids can turn cancerous, it's very rare and more common in post-menopausal women I believe. I'd say try not to worry but I know that is so much easier said than done. Remember a lot of dermoids are just left to grow until where they reach such a size that they become problematic in regards to a greater risk of ovarian torsion and discomfort from symptoms such as the ones you describe, but the fact that they are left for long periods tells you much about the low risk and concern of cancer. All I can say is, if mine could have freaked Doctors out the way it did at the size it was and mine turned out to be completely benign then there's every reason yours will be benign too. 

    I hope this helps to reassure you, but if you want to ask my any questions feel free to reach out x

  • Offline in reply to Kate88

    Hi Kate88.

    Thank you so much for your reply! That is reassuring and I appreciate you taking the time to respond to me. 

    My gynaecologist has referred me for a follow up ultrasound to check on the size,since my last ultrasound sound was in November 2021 and my symptoms are worsening. So I feel happier that it is at least being monitored whilst I wait for it to be removed. 

    He has also moved me to a priority three case so hopefully the operation will be sooner than Jan 2023. 

    I am glad you didn't have to wait long for your operation and you were well taken care of, with positive results that it was benign. 

    Can I ask whether you felt that your cyst caused any hormonal issues?weight gain, spots etc? 

    Thanks again 

    X

     

     

     

     

  • Offline in reply to Manbar13

    Hi Manbar13, glad I could be of help :) and great that you are getting another scan. I hope it will reassure you. I take the mini pill so haven't actually had a period in years so hormonally I struggle to know, had I not been on the pill I may have experienced weight gain and spots. What I can tell you is that since I've had mine removed my hormones have felt really out of wack, to the point where I've spoken to the GP about it. I feel as though having my cyst removed has almost put my body into an adjustment period and I've had terrible spots on my back, awful mood swings and have been so emotional that I cry at andrex adverts! So, it really doesn't surprise me if you are experiencing hormonal symptoms!

  • Offline in reply to Kate88

    Oh no! I hope the GP is able to get to the bottom of these new hormonal symptoms you're experiencing! And hopefully they don't last long. 

    My cyst is causing me to have periods every two weeks, this last one lasted for 11 days

Speak to a nurse

Quick links

Follow us

Registered with Fundraising Regulator (logo)
Cancer Research UK is a registered charity in England and Wales (1089464), Scotland (SC041666), the Isle of Man (1103) and Jersey (247). A company limited by guarantee. Registered company in England and Wales (4325234) and the Isle of Man (5713F). Registered address: 2 Redman Place, London, E20 1JQ.