Should I be worried? 7cm dermoid ovarian cyst

Hi everyone,

Today I had an external and internal ultrasound scan in relation to my Pre-Menstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD).

The internal scan unexpectedly picked up a large (7cm plus) cyst on my right ovary.

The specialist said they thought it was a dermoid cyst.

On the spot I was given a blood test and I am having an MRI scan arranged. The specialist has recommended surgery to remove it.

Is this the norm? Should I be concerned? Is it a cancer check?

Any advice appreciated! 37yo woman

  • I had 2 dermoid cysts, one 10 cm that they suspected was cancer until they did the biopsy. I'm assuming there must have been something in the imaging that suggested yours wasn't cancer but if there's any chance it might be they do MRIs etc. I was offered a hysterectomy at 39 but chose the more cancer risky ovary removal because I didn't want to go through menopause so young if it wasn't cancer. The surgeon said if it was she'd do the hysterectomy but I was lucky. I think dermoid cysts are much more common than the type of cancer that they worry it might be. I can't even remember what it's called but when I had the blood tests etc I was completely freaking out. Oh, I remember. Immature teratoma. It's not the ovarian cancer that's most common and if it's caught early it's got a good prognosis.

    It's good they're investigating to keep you safe. The unknown is so hard though.

  • Being given an urgent contrast MRI this Friday - they don’t even have a time slot, was just told as I was ‘urgent’ they would fit me in? When i had my Ultrasound I was told it was nothing urgent and nothing was a rush - but at that appointment I had my bloods taken. Maybe my levels were higher than they expected? Not sure why, but its making me a little more nervous…

  • I had this too, a full body CT with contrast and concerning blood markers. There's still hope that it's not cancer. It's scary though, lovely, I hope you've got people supporting you and doing a bit of hand holding. I remember truly thinking I had cancer up until the biopsy results. It's a horrible limbo to be in. I'll be thinking of you on Friday. Hopes and prayers xx

    (Scans and things are never pleasant but orders of magnitude worse when the "c" question is over it.)

  • Thank you Lyns thats actually very comforting and reassuring. Thank you for your kind wishes too! Fingers crossed!

  • Just wondered how the MRI went and if they indicated how long you'll be waiting for results. The waiting is horrible. Keeping everything crossed  

  • Had an MRI with contrast yesterday - and I think I will be having a consultation to discuss the results along with my blood test results mid-late next weeks. So anxious i can’t focus! Xx

  • Yeah, the waiting is awful. I had myself written off at times. I had the cyst at the same time as my partner was struggling with melanoma before we knew his had spread but he had real trouble empathising with me and my fears as his was an actuality which caused difficulties between us. Partly as I'd never had surgery before. I really hope you've got a less intense environment and have good support to deal with your situation xx

  • So sorry to hear that! Yes sometimes i feel like it will be cancer and other times I think its so unlikely! I am blessed to have a very supportive family and wife and am so lucky. Thank you for understanding it makes this journey easier to share with others who get it! Xxx

  • Have been given a provisional appointment to speak with the consultant and discuss blood test/mri results on Friday. Will be a difficult week for concentration! 

  • I'll be secularly praying for you. Got everything crossed that this all goes smoothly and when you get to where this is going it's not cancer. I'll be checking this thread to see how you get on xx