Dermoid cyst???

[Frenchy80]

Hi,
I see there are a few old posts on here about Dermoid Cysts. I had a scan a few weeks ago that found a 10cm ‘mass’ covering my right ovary.
The sonography suspects a dermoid cyst but I have to have further blood tests and an MRI to see whether cancer is suspected. I am beside myself with worry!
Wondered if anyone has had something similar?

So yesterday I got a call to say my operation was booked for 18th March. Still no results at this point and obviously thought it must be cancer if they want to operate so quickly.
Finally got hold of my consultant’s secretary who told me the MRI shows no worrying features and they still think dermoid cyst.
I was pretty elated yesterday to hear this but my over-active imagination is at work again and little niggles are creeping in. Did you feel like this whilst you were waiting for surgery?

I was given an operation within 3 weeks of seeing the gynae consultant, even though my cyst wasn't thought to be cancerous. It was rushed through due to size (25cm x 16cm). I don't think the health professionals would give any indications if they thought cancer was highly possible.

I did find doubts creeping in as the op approached and I think it's normal. Good luck with your surgery. I found my operation and recovery very straightforward. Hope it's the same for you :)

My post sounds wrong. I meant to say that health professionals would give indications if they thought it could be a high risk of cancer. They were always upfront with me.

Thanks Meredith12!
Wow - mine isn’t as big as yours. Think mine is around 11cm but I know that is still classed as large.
I know they have to be upfront - I’m just extremely anxious and should actually be pleased they’re acting quickly!

I had my surgery the day after mine was diagnosed, so no time to worry. Hopefully it is just a cyst and nothing worse is found. I now feel amazing, have lost more weight, and I’ve found my anxieties about everything have receded. I’d put them down to me getting old, but now I think it was because I felt so awful. I was looking at my ankles yesterday, and remembered last year looking at them and thinking they were really podgy, they’re really bony again now! Yes I’m like you, quite svelte on top with big bum and thighs.

I keep saying - I wish mine had twisted and then It maybe would have been done quickly with no time to think. I probably need to be careful what I’m wishing for though as I’m sure it was very painful and frightening.
Had my pre op yesterday and saw consultant who said that my hospital is currently only booking urgent operations which is why mine is so fast. Apparently most routine operations have been cancelled since January so I’d have had to wait for months if he classed it as routine.
He confirmed they’re currently not suspecting cancer but can’t confirm until it’s out. I know that’s standard but it definitely raises my anxiety levels.
I’m currently petrified about the operation. He’s confirmed it will be open surgery and he won’t know about my ovary until he “gets in there”.
Can anyone offer any bits of advice for recovery? Keeping calm before the operation? What to expect afterwards etc??

My advice with recovery is just to take each day as it comes and don't overdo it. I was only in one night, but once I got home, I just relaxed in bed, but as soon as I could walk, I was out and about even just around the block. I felt almost back to normal in 2-3 weeks but other people take 12 weeks.

It was the same with mine where they couldn't confirm if it was cancerous until it was sent off for biopsy, although it was highly unlikely they thought. It's normal to stress. I just kept really busy before operation to try and take my mind off it.

Both me & my mum have had Ovarian Cysts. My mum was in pain for a year, they messed her around saying it was appendicitis, then kidney stones, it wasn't until she started collapsing that our GP got her admitted, she had open surgery that day, her cyst was the size of a melon, it had twisted, her ovary was nearly dead. They removed her Ovary, the cyst, & her tube. I started with pain & was referred to a Gynaecologist, I had a laparoscopy to have a look round but I didn't give consent for anything to be removed, he found a cyst & endometriosis. I had another laparoscopy to remove the cyst, my ovary & both tubes as they were grey & blocked. My cyst was 6 x 2cm.

How did it go?. Watching with interest as having mine out in April.....

Hi OP - how did it go? Just found your thread as I have posted one about my dermoids having come back - I only had them out 7 months ok! Mine was laparoscopic so can't tell you much about recovery, but hope you are doing ok.

Just to confirm as well that I had the same messages about not confirming cancer or saving ovary/tube before op, so not to worry.

Hi derelict,
Ymir all went ok thank you. Has an uncomfortable few days and didn’t manage to get any sleep in hospital. Home yesterday and slept like a log. Yes, it’s sore and recovery slow but not unmanageable!
The surgeon managed to save my ovary and will write to me with the results. I’m trying not to think about that (too much) and just focus on recovery!

*it all

Glad it went well and that you are feeling better

Derelict,
Dirrr to hear it has come back. Will if need to be removed again or is it being monitored?

Hi Frenchy

Glad to hear you're on the mend! Even with laproscopic I remember how hard it was to sleep - I had to sleep on my back for a few weeks which felt so unnatural to me, plus be wedged in by pillows on both sides.

One TMI tip is lactulose if you're not there yet - I was so worried about backing up and needing to strain given I was full of stitches, so I got this over the counter as a pre-emptive measure. Stong painkillers can often make you constipated.

Not sure what will happen with me yet - was only scanned and diagnosed on Thursday (they wouldn't check until 6 months post-op ) so have been formally referred back to hospital gynae but have a GP app today to follow-up.

Oh Derelict - only 6 months post op and it’s back! That is rubbish!

The worst part for me has been the trapped air, that was so painful but things are moving a bit now

I’m also feeling quite low and fed up! I know this can be normal after an operation but just want my life back to normal! Think I’m very tired and probably need more sleep but as you say - sleeping on your back is the only option and that’s not comfortable for me!