Active discussions

Meet the Other Phone. Only the apps you allow.

Meet the Other Phone.
Only the apps you allow.

Buy now

Please or to access all these features

Talk
General health

Mumsnet doesn't verify the qualifications of users. If you have medical concerns, please consult a healthcare professional.

Original poster

Ovarian cyst pain

26 replies

randomhealthquery · 26/03/2025 00:37

I have an ovarian dermoid cyst, discovered a couple few years ago at 3cm, was 4cm last June and recently measured 7cm. Was initially found due to a scan because of lower abdominal pain. The pain has always been a cramp type pain and now had it for years.

However the last couple days I keep getting really sharp pain on the right side where the cyst is, its not there all the time but comes and goes for a few minutes at a time. Its intense pain but it does eventually ease off. Is this anything to be concerned about or is this normal? Looking online some places say it could be torsion but wouldnt that hurt constantly? Is pain normal given that its larger and expected?

I am currently waiting for a referral but could be several months and then I imagine if they decide to remove it, will be several more months, so just trying to figure out what is normal pain to expect and when to try and see someone. If the pain increases then I will speak to my GP but its a nightmare to speak to or see anyone so trying not to unless necessary.

OP posts:
Catatedog · 26/03/2025 00:51

Sorry you are in pain how seveer is it?

Original poster
randomhealthquery · 26/03/2025 01:06

When im getting the stabbing pain its really intense, but it only is that bad for a few minutes at a time and I can go a while between bursts of pain. But when I get it, it stops me in my tracks and I cant move and I deal with a lot of pain day to day so like to think I am quite good at dealing with pain normally.

OP posts:
Reginald123 · 26/03/2025 11:46

I had a cyst that would give a very sharp stabbing pain - a bit like a very fine needle or knife. The pain came and went with various trips to AE for opioid injections when it was at its worst so I could keep working.
I was offered Zoladex injections as I was told they would shrink the cyst so I could have key hole surgery to remove it but after 12 months of Zoladex and no check up scans it had continued to grow. After the delay keyhole surgery wasn't an option.
If you can face asking for a doctors appointment or gynaecology appointment I would do so as I eventually had to have the ovary and other bits removed because it had continued to grow to a size that made surgery difficult.
Don't want to worry you as sure my complications were rare but your description of the intense stabbing pain reminded me of the time that mine just kept growing and twisting while I patiently waited.

Original poster
randomhealthquery · 26/03/2025 12:02

Reginald123 · 26/03/2025 11:46

I had a cyst that would give a very sharp stabbing pain - a bit like a very fine needle or knife. The pain came and went with various trips to AE for opioid injections when it was at its worst so I could keep working.
I was offered Zoladex injections as I was told they would shrink the cyst so I could have key hole surgery to remove it but after 12 months of Zoladex and no check up scans it had continued to grow. After the delay keyhole surgery wasn't an option.
If you can face asking for a doctors appointment or gynaecology appointment I would do so as I eventually had to have the ovary and other bits removed because it had continued to grow to a size that made surgery difficult.
Don't want to worry you as sure my complications were rare but your description of the intense stabbing pain reminded me of the time that mine just kept growing and twisting while I patiently waited.

When you had the stabbing pain, they didn't seem concerned?

I do have a gynae referral back to the doctor who saw me back in 2022, but that is likely to not be fast. I might speak to GP if it keeps happening, I think it was just the fact the pain was on and off rather than constant. It seems better so far this morning but it was pain that literally made me shout in pain and few times, really intense pain but it went after a few minutes. Happened a whole bunch last night.

OP posts:
Reginald123 · 26/03/2025 12:15

No they were not concerned but for the first year I was told it was stress and not real pain then I was told it was probably a viral illness etc. Then i was told it was endo and a cyst but just routine.

They only got worried after I had 2 surgeries in one day and they were running down the hospital corridors with me to get me back into surgery but by that time it was a bit late.

I probably had about three years of the very sharp needle stab pains in total - like you they came and went . I only went to AE when I could not stand up right with it - it was one of those visits that made them decide it wasn't stress or indigestion.

I was eventually told I should have said I was in a lot of pain while waiting for the surgery so hoping that if you do so they might listen!

Original poster
randomhealthquery · 26/03/2025 12:32

Reginald123 · 26/03/2025 12:15

No they were not concerned but for the first year I was told it was stress and not real pain then I was told it was probably a viral illness etc. Then i was told it was endo and a cyst but just routine.

They only got worried after I had 2 surgeries in one day and they were running down the hospital corridors with me to get me back into surgery but by that time it was a bit late.

I probably had about three years of the very sharp needle stab pains in total - like you they came and went . I only went to AE when I could not stand up right with it - it was one of those visits that made them decide it wasn't stress or indigestion.

I was eventually told I should have said I was in a lot of pain while waiting for the surgery so hoping that if you do so they might listen!

If it starts happening again, I will reach out to the GP.

I think the thing thats concerning me is its suddenly grown fast. It went from 3cm to 4cm from Jan 2022 to June 2024, but then from 4cm to over 7cm in 9 months. And I know nothing is going to move fast with these referrals.

OP posts:
booksandbakinglover · 26/03/2025 12:57

You must be very careful as the cyst is now 7cm, that’s quite large, it could cause ovarian torsion due to the weight of the cyst pulling on your ovary, which is incredibly painful and considered a medical emergency

booksandbakinglover · 26/03/2025 12:58

Following my comment, if the pain persists or get worse, I’d go to A&E. Even just so it’s on record, it might speed up your referral

Original poster
randomhealthquery · 26/03/2025 16:28

booksandbakinglover · 26/03/2025 12:57

You must be very careful as the cyst is now 7cm, that’s quite large, it could cause ovarian torsion due to the weight of the cyst pulling on your ovary, which is incredibly painful and considered a medical emergency

That was my concern but I also dont want to be seen if its not necessary so was trying to figure when to be concerned really.
I think if the pain increases any I will get seen, it was just odd being on and off pain, ive got pain today but not as intense, its just hard to know when its concerning and when to just try and tolerate it.

I finally got told my referral has been accepted today so now just waiting for the appointment but no idea what the wait times are like.

OP posts:
WillimNot · 26/03/2025 16:29

I get pain and I go up a jeans size when I am mid cycle, I have PCOS in both ovaries.
I use a microwave heat pad to help, make sure my jeans aren't too tight and drink lots of water.
Nuromol helps as well.

Original poster
randomhealthquery · 26/03/2025 17:58

WillimNot · 26/03/2025 16:29

I get pain and I go up a jeans size when I am mid cycle, I have PCOS in both ovaries.
I use a microwave heat pad to help, make sure my jeans aren't too tight and drink lots of water.
Nuromol helps as well.

Honestly ive had pain and bloating for years with this. Its more this newer, intense pain that is concerning and trying to figure out if its normal or something that needs looking at.

I am just hoping my referral doesnt take too long but also not holding out hope of it being particularly fast.

OP posts:
TeaRoseTallulah · 28/03/2025 21:51

Have they not said anything about removing it? It's over 5cm which is as big as they like to leave dermoid ones. I've recently had one removed. It was made very clear to me that any sharp pains like you are describing were to be taken seriously and I was to go to the hospital to rule out torsion which is serious.

Original poster
randomhealthquery · 28/03/2025 23:36

TeaRoseTallulah · 28/03/2025 21:51

Have they not said anything about removing it? It's over 5cm which is as big as they like to leave dermoid ones. I've recently had one removed. It was made very clear to me that any sharp pains like you are describing were to be taken seriously and I was to go to the hospital to rule out torsion which is serious.

Ive not seen anyone other than my GP since 2022, ive been referred back to gynae but now have to wait for an appointment which I suspect will be months.

I half expect they will suggest removing it now given the growth but given how slow things move, I cant see it being this year if im honest. But will wait to see what they say when I get my appointment.

Ive only had those pains twice more so hoping its eased up for now.

OP posts:
Meadowfinch · 28/03/2025 23:56

OP, I had an ovarian dermoid that my gp decided was me 'seeking attention'. It went on for 6 months before I collapsed. You should call your GP, explain what is happening and say you think the dermoid has twisted.

If you get any of the following symptoms, go to A&E immediately. Call an ambulance if you have to...

Boil-like sores across your back
A pain in that side that makes you want to keep bringing your knee up to your chest
Sickness, dizziness, fainting

Thanks to my idiot GP I lost an ovary & tube, needed an emergency op after passing out in A&E triage at 3am, had a necrotic dermoid the size of a grapefruit removed, spent a week in women's surgical and seven weeks off work.

Do not mess about with this, don't try to be brave. I hope you are seen soon.

TeaRoseTallulah · 29/03/2025 00:31

Look up NICE guidelines for dermoid cysts, anything over 7 cm should be operated on due to risk of torsion, under 5cm should be scanned every 3-6 months. Get back to the GP and start quoting this to them,they need to step things up asap. You might have a bit of a wait depending where you live but then again depends on your hospital and you can chose where you go.

TeaRoseTallulah · 29/03/2025 00:31

Meadowfinch · 28/03/2025 23:56

OP, I had an ovarian dermoid that my gp decided was me 'seeking attention'. It went on for 6 months before I collapsed. You should call your GP, explain what is happening and say you think the dermoid has twisted.

If you get any of the following symptoms, go to A&E immediately. Call an ambulance if you have to...

Boil-like sores across your back
A pain in that side that makes you want to keep bringing your knee up to your chest
Sickness, dizziness, fainting

Thanks to my idiot GP I lost an ovary & tube, needed an emergency op after passing out in A&E triage at 3am, had a necrotic dermoid the size of a grapefruit removed, spent a week in women's surgical and seven weeks off work.

Do not mess about with this, don't try to be brave. I hope you are seen soon.

Edited

I'm angry just reading that!

Original poster
randomhealthquery · 29/03/2025 00:49

Meadowfinch · 28/03/2025 23:56

OP, I had an ovarian dermoid that my gp decided was me 'seeking attention'. It went on for 6 months before I collapsed. You should call your GP, explain what is happening and say you think the dermoid has twisted.

If you get any of the following symptoms, go to A&E immediately. Call an ambulance if you have to...

Boil-like sores across your back
A pain in that side that makes you want to keep bringing your knee up to your chest
Sickness, dizziness, fainting

Thanks to my idiot GP I lost an ovary & tube, needed an emergency op after passing out in A&E triage at 3am, had a necrotic dermoid the size of a grapefruit removed, spent a week in women's surgical and seven weeks off work.

Do not mess about with this, don't try to be brave. I hope you are seen soon.

Edited

That is awful, im so sorry you were treated so badly, I really hope you complained about that GP.

I have only had the sharp pains a couple more times, today it doesnt seem too bad but it it gets any worse or even stays the same I will alert the GP.

I know on the gynae referral they have mentioned the change in size and the size now so hopefully if they feel it needs sorting soon, they will speed up the referral.

But I will watch out for any of those things, thank you

OP posts:
Original poster
randomhealthquery · 29/03/2025 00:50

TeaRoseTallulah · 29/03/2025 00:31

Look up NICE guidelines for dermoid cysts, anything over 7 cm should be operated on due to risk of torsion, under 5cm should be scanned every 3-6 months. Get back to the GP and start quoting this to them,they need to step things up asap. You might have a bit of a wait depending where you live but then again depends on your hospital and you can chose where you go.

I think if I keep getting pain I will alert the GP but also may chase up the referral to find out an estimated wait and can let them know too. Am hoping to hear at least a rough wait time soon.

OP posts:
TeaRoseTallulah · 02/04/2025 20:38

How are you OP?

cstaff · 02/04/2025 20:53

I had something similar recently. It was a pain in my right hand side. I thought it was my appendix so after about 5 days I went to the GP who referred me to casualty the following day. I have been diagnosed with Ovarian cancer so don't take any chances op.

I am not trying to scare you but it's got to be worth a visit to the GP just in case.

Original poster
randomhealthquery · 02/04/2025 21:38

TeaRoseTallulah · 02/04/2025 20:38

How are you OP?

Funny enough I chased up today as I had an appointment with a menopause specialist who thinks im in perimenopause but is unable to prescribe anything until we have a plan. So she suggested requesting a CA125 blood test (which my GP has agreed to do in 2 weeks time) and also suggested chasing up gynae.

I chased and they said the wait time is 46-48 weeks. My Husband then called and said what can we do to speed that up, and they have said the only way it would be any quicker is to have my GP expedite it. So I have a GP appointment in 2 weeks and hopefully they can help with this.

OP posts:
Original poster
randomhealthquery · 02/04/2025 21:40

cstaff · 02/04/2025 20:53

I had something similar recently. It was a pain in my right hand side. I thought it was my appendix so after about 5 days I went to the GP who referred me to casualty the following day. I have been diagnosed with Ovarian cancer so don't take any chances op.

I am not trying to scare you but it's got to be worth a visit to the GP just in case.

It is a slight concern of mine especially due to the growth, its odd as some people seem to have concern that it isnt being dealt with whereas others seem to think almost a year of waiting for an appointment is fine, so im not sure what to do so shall ask the GP in 2 weeks their thoughts. That was the soonest appointment I could get.

OP posts:
cstaff · 02/04/2025 22:27

I'm in ireland so not sure of the difference in the health systems. I know my GP was concerned and gave me a letter and told me to check into casualty the following morning and produce the letter. This was about 5/6 weeks ago and am now in the process of getting chemo and then a hysterectomy. Definitely go with whatever appointment you have been given and follow up.

Best of luck.

TeaRoseTallulah · 02/04/2025 22:36

randomhealthquery · 02/04/2025 21:38

Funny enough I chased up today as I had an appointment with a menopause specialist who thinks im in perimenopause but is unable to prescribe anything until we have a plan. So she suggested requesting a CA125 blood test (which my GP has agreed to do in 2 weeks time) and also suggested chasing up gynae.

I chased and they said the wait time is 46-48 weeks. My Husband then called and said what can we do to speed that up, and they have said the only way it would be any quicker is to have my GP expedite it. So I have a GP appointment in 2 weeks and hopefully they can help with this.

Show quote history

Why the 2 weeks wait for the test? Have you had one before.?

burnoutbabe · 02/04/2025 23:37

I got sudden pains (like string period cramps) for about a week before they died down. Ultrasound a few weeks later showed the cyst and it was removed 4 months later (along with ovary as it had been killed off at time of the pain)

gp Diagnosed it via a house visit on day 2-3 I think due to location of pain. But ultrasound (can’t recall if internal or external one) confirmed it. Never knew I had a large cyst before that week.