Chocolate cyst...surgery or not...ADVICE NEEDED PLEASE!!!!

[jillj]

Hi, I really need some advice on the following. I went to GP a few weeks ago with slight bloating & tiredness. A few blood tests later, he sent me for an ultrasound due to borderline CA125, which picked up on a 4cm chocolate cyst on my left ovary. The consultant was very matter of fact & said I need a laparoscopy to have it removed. He's also said the lap will confirm his endometriosis diagnosis. I had a lap about 10 years ago when I was first diagnosed with endo, so not sure why he feels that I need to be rediagnosed I just wonder whether he's being a bit hasty with the lap given that the cyst isn't causing me any pain. Do you think I should take his advice & get the cyst out or maybe monitor the cyst for a month or so? Anyone had a similar experience?

Well the waiting time for the lap is likely to be 12-18 weeks I would imagine so you won't be whisked in for the op next week even if you agreed. There is a very good chance that the cyst will cause you pain and you will want it out (mine did and I did!) at some point as chocolate cysts are not cysts that go on their own - or at least not in any way you would want it to (ie rupture). Have you have any/lots of endo problems since your last lap?

Thanks for replying pandsbear. I get private medical insurance through work so I'm booked in for 9th Dec. I've been pretty much symptom free since my last lap about 10 years ago. I was on hormone medication for a couple of years which suppressed everything. I stopped taking the medication to try for a family & was lucky enough to have 2 children. The endo hasn't really caused any pain since my daughter was born 2 years ago. I'm hoping it's not all about to kick off again! Obviously, I don't want to have surgery if it's not bothering me too much but see the benefit of having it out in case it ruptures. The gyn also mentioned that another cyst may develop in the future so don't want a lap to be a recurring event. Not sure what to do for the best :-(

I would get it removed even though it may re-occur as if left it may get bigger, twist or rupture and could well cause you pain.

Before you have your op ask the gynae how the cyst is being removed. Sometimes cysts are just drained but if the outer wall is removed as well, they are less likely to return.

Good luck with your op.

Thanks Orangeflutie. My gynae is planning on removing the wall so I'm keeping my fingers crossed that it won't return. I'm booked in for the 9th Dec but absolutely frantic about the thought of the anaesthetic. I just want it over & done with now. Do you know how long it takes to recover? I just don't want it to spoil Xmas!

You'll be ok for Christmas. It usually takes around two weeks to recover. The first few days you'll feel a bit battered and bruised, just take it easy and stay on top of the pain relief. Try not to worry too much about the anaesthetic. I've found everyone to be really kind and it's over before you know it.