Ovarian cysts..could it be cancer??

Hi all, 

This is the first time I've ever posted on anything like this but I'm after some reassurance or just some feedback from people who have experience similar?? 

I am 31 years old and have been experiencing lower left abdominal pain and lower left back pain for almost 2 years. As well as this I have recently been feeling full quickly resulting in me not finishing my meals and the pain from my abdomen has travelled down my left hip. I've been back and forth to the drs regarding this more times than I can count! Each time I've been fobbed off until 2 weeks ago when I demanded they referred me for an mri of my abdomen and pelvis. 

I called the GP on Monday to be told over the phone by a receptionist that they discovered cysts on my ovaries and wanted to refer me for an internal ultrasound. I asked if they were definitely just cysts and all she could tell me was that is what the further tests are for. I have this booked for Tuesday but I am going out of my mind with worry. Everything I've read online says that you can tell a cancerous cyst from a normal one on an mri so I don't understand what the ultrasound is for? I've also read that cysts don't cause you pain like this unless cancerous?? Can anybody share any experiences with me that may put my mind at ease?? 

 

Thanks guys x 

  • Hello Emgd123

    I'm sorry to hear that you've been experiencing some ongoing health concerns and that following your recent MRI you're now booked to have a further scan this week. It's understandable that you're feeling anxious about things. 

    Ovarian cysts are very common and do not usually cause any symptoms however sometimes they can cause symptoms similar to those that you've described in your post. You can read more information about ovarian cysts on the NHS website

    Whilst the MRI report will have given your GP some information about the cysts and what was found, it's not uncommon for people to have different types of scans such as ultrasounds or CT scans during the diagnostic process. Try not to worry too much about this. The internal ultrasound you're booked for on Tuesday should give the sonographer a much closer picture of your ovaries and hopefully, your GP will then be better placed to give you some answers and reassurance about the next steps. 

    We know that this period of uncertainty and waiting can be difficult for many people. If you'd like to chat things through with one of our team of nruses you're welcome to call them on 0808 800 4040, Monday to Friday 9 am to 5 pm. I'm sure they will be happy to offer any advice and information that they can to help. 

    I hope that you have some news soon. Keep in touch and let us know how you're doing. 

    Best wishes, 
    Jenn
    Cancer Chat moderator 

  • I had left sided abdominal pain and bowel problems during the colonoscopy they found complex ovarian cysts, After MRI, ultrasounds and repeated bloods my overies were removed, surgery took over 4. 1/2 hrs due to extensive adhesions they took multiple biopsies.
    Fortunately they were all benign, my surgeon was great to have persevered with the adhesions, as she said many others would have left them, lm glad to say l feel better  and I am pleased to have had the operation. 
    l hope you have a similar experience take care 

    susie