Mumsnet Talk

Hello

I'd like know what are the signs for Ovarian Cyst/Cancer? I had a smear test last year and came back clear.

I'm asking this because I have been experiencing on/off dull achy pain near my left ovary/abdomen, in the last 3 or 4 weeks now. But I am due on next week.

Does this sound like a cyst? I' am quite concerned about it and I have made myself an appointment to see my GP for next Monday.

Thanks.

i was at docs for same thing last week he said he thinks it is being caused by my fibroid which i had diagnosed initially because of pain they are very common non cancerous growths your doc will probably send yu for an ultrasound scan to find out if this is the case try not to worry easy for me to say i know but the chances of it being something sinister are very unlikely

Thank you for replying back to me.

I could not get a doctor appointment till next Monday, as they are full.

If my GP does send me for an Ultrasound scan, how long will I have to wait for the appointment come through?

I've been trying not to worry for the last few days, but I do get the dull achy pain occassionally.

Thanks.

My Mm had ovarian cancer last year. She is now recovered.

Her symptoms were a constant need to wee, indigestion and a very large cyst which caused her pain. She was also post menopausal.

The chances of you having ovarian cancer are very very small indeed. It is rare. You may well have a benign cyst or a fibroid etc.. but please do not worry unduly. Really, no need.

Hope you get your reassurance soon.

It is unlikely to be a cyst and if so, the chances of it being cancer are tiny.
Pain is not a feature of ovarian cancer and that is why it is often not caught early.

I have a small 3cms cyst which has been scanned for over 18 months now- last time it was shrinking. I had no idea it was ther until I had an MOT and my gynae scanned me as routine.

It is not likely your dr would send you for a scan- they will ask you questions and maybe do an internal exam to see if they can feel anything on your ovary.

Try not to worry- abdo pain can be caused by so many things.

I had what I would describe as severe lower left abdo pain in the summer for over 6 weeks. Was convinced it must be a cyst / tumour and asked my Gp to refer me for an ultrasound. I had to go to the ultrasound dept of my local hospital and book my own appointment, and they fitted me in within 10 days. I was convinced they were going yo see something, but scan was clear (I asked them to scan my bladder too just to check nothing there) and all was fine. Pain slowly subsided. I have come to the conclusion it must have been a badly strined muscle as my stomach muscles have all but gone since giving birth. Try not to worry.

Thank you - for your all replies.

Update:

I went to see my GP on Monday. My GP don't think it's a cyst, as she could not feel any lumps near my ovary. She thinks it was just ovulation pain. I started my period over the weekend and still experiencing the dull ache now and again.

I'm going back to the doctors on next Wednesday, to have a vaginal swab done to check if there is any infection. If the result come back clear and still have the dull achy pain. My GP is going to send me for an ultrasound scan.

I had this but pain was severe. Got referred to hosp, got scanned and diagnosed with endemetriosis - only 3cm on one of my ovaries.

Had it burnt away under general anathestic as consultant said it could spread to other organs and could end up with a hystrectomy

Hello again - I went to see my GP today to had the vaginal swab done.

My GP is going to send me to the hospital for an scan just incase if it's a cyst.

It hadn't occurred to me that it might be internal. I think my GP said it might be an internal, which I am dreading basically. I do not want an Internal. Is it uncomforable? I'd like a Utrasound scan.

Thanks.

If you have an internal ultrasound it will be very painless- I have had loads- was having them every 3-4 months.

The scanner is a probe which is inserted- a bit like a large plastic tampon- best way to describe it. It doesn't hurt, you lie on your back and the room is darkened so they can see the screen. Takes about 5 minutes.

Thank you for replying back to me - purplepeony.

Internal ultrasound scan - Pleased to hear that it will be painless and it has put my mind at ease a bit. But I cannot help thinking it will uncomforable through. Oh well at least I will find out one way or another if I have got a cyst or not.

Thank you for all your replies!

Hi Hatuk - internal scan is painless, I was asked to make 2 fists and sit my bottom on them to tilt me up!!!! It actually made me laugh and took away from the nervousness. They found endermetriosis and a blood filled cyst.

Went for surgery as I was told it could spread - was terrified but recovered well and have been pain free since

Dont suffer

Two fists? Blimey! I get a soft foam wedge shaped cushion to lift my bottom up!

Hi Natuk - I have pain on my ovary which is due to scar tissue. The scarring was discovered when I had a laparoscopy to investigate secondary infertility. It was good to know what caused the pain (as you tend to think the worst), although the scarring (which is quite extensive) has meant I can't have any more babies, which wasn't so good to know!
Good luck with your scan and I hope everything is ok.

Update!

I went for a Pelvic Ultrasound last week. (I was offered to have the Internal Scan too (Transvaginal Scan) but I declined it. Tbh I was scared. Anyway they checked on both of my ovaries. The results - I was told it was normal and all was fine. Which I was happy and I was convinced I had a ovarian cyst or somethink.

But this morning My GP asked me to come in and see her. I was told that I have got Poycystic Ovary Disease on both of my ovaries. I am confused as I never heard of this before, My GP explain that not all women with PCOS have difficulty becoming pregnant, can lead fertility problems etc. Will I have any health problems in the future?

BTW - I have got a son and I am a single mum.

Thank you for your all replies.

Natuk- I am sure you will get lots of replies but PCOS is common and if you google you will find lots of info.

BTW if you have to have the internal probe/ultrasound any time it is no big deal- I was having it done very 3 months at one point. They get a better picture.

Thanks - Purplepeony.

The last few weeks the dull ache pain slowly subsided, I get it occassionally. My GP said it's "nothing seriously" and it's common for women with PCOS, as you said. The last few weeks the dull ache pain slowly subsided. My GP didn't asks me to come back again, if only my dull-ache get bad.

Sorry I am slightly confused here the fact that, I have been diagnosed Poycystic Ovary Disease on both of my ovaries. I do gets heavy painful periods.

My GP doesn't seem to be too concern and didn't asks me to come back. I'd make an appointment if my dull-achey get worse. (Is it because I'm a single mum, not in a relationship and have a son). I don't know what to think at the moment. Sorry for rambling on.