large ovary cyst and pregnant

[Adora69]

Hi, my 1st post in this forum. I’m just over 18 weeks pregnant and 12 week scan they found large cyst on my ovary 14cm. They were not concerned at 12 week following the MRI they said its fluid filled simple cyst. Another scan at 17 weeks its got bigger 16cm(1.5ltr), ob suggested for a surgery. I’ve been really worried since last meet with my ob. I’ve requested for a week time to decide. Did anyone here been through similar situation . Very stressful to make up my mind for surgery. They also said not having removed could be emergency in case of rupture or twist. Please help

Didn't want to read and run OP, can't offer you any advise as I haven't got experience myself but here for a handhold

Have they given you any risk factors of the surgery? As in, are they comfortable that you and baby will be okay?

Thank you. they said chances of miscarriage will be 1 to 3% and it will be general anesthesia . For mum its only the recovery time and they won't offer much stronger pain killer like any other surgery because of pregnancy. They said they will try for laparoscopy.

I had exactly this at 10 weeks pregnant and they ummed and ahhed for days (while I was in pain, nil by mouth and suffering morning sickness so couldn't keep pain relief down!) about surgery. In the end they drained it via a huge syringe in my belly! I just had local anaesthesia and although it still took a week or two to feel better, there were no issues with the pregnancy and when I went back 6 months after ds was born to have a scan they said the sac of the cyst had dissolved and that was that! Maybe draining is a possibility you could suggest? It may depend where your cyst is located of course but worth asking if you are anxious?

I will definitely ask if the draining is an option for me on Tuesday. My cyst is on right ovary. did you get your cyst fluid drained at 10 weeks ?

Unfortunately the miscarriage risk is worth it, you won't be able to be a mum if you die from this :(

@Adora69

I will definitely ask if the draining is an option for me on Tuesday. My cyst is on right ovary. did you get your cyst fluid drained at 10 weeks ?

I think it was discovered at 10 weeks and drained at 12 weeks.

I have this. Large cyst (15cm) discovered at 12 wk scan. Had extra scan at 17 wks (18cm!) & later an MRI too. Had to do lots of chasing but ultimately once they were happy it wasn't cancerous (they diagnosed endometriosis) they decided to leave it for surgery after I've recovered from pregnancy. I'm 40 weeks now, down for a normal birth centre delivery. Had a growth scan at 38wks for unrelated reasons that showed the cyst very much still there.

In my case the size stabilised by 17wks so isn't still growing. They were never considering surgery in pregnancy unless torsion or rupture happened but did think about recommending a c section to have cyst removed then. In the end they decided no reason to need that (if I end up with an unplanned section they will do it then if possible). I have a consultant follow up booked in for May for another scan to check cyst after birth and schedule laparoscopy removal after that if still needed (they can magically disappear). I was worried about bursting in labour but they are happy my cyst is well out of the way of uterus do don't think that is a risk for me.

The cyst hasn't caused me or baby any problems at all. My step sister had one that twisted and had emergency surgery to remove, again no problems so try not to worry and just ask any questions about what the options are and why they are making recommendations for certain actions in your specific case but hopefully all will be fine.

Thank you so much Cekaelta
, your message is ray of hope for me. I hope you do don’t mind asking which side your cyst was? Mine is in the right side and did they do any extra test to confirm it wasn't cancerous. For me after MRI they said it’s a simple cyst that was at 12 week scan. I’m in a dilemma because ob said it could rupture and possible risk of twist.

I’ve been having multiple ultrasound this week, (with a hope of size of the cyst would have done down a little bit). So my 1sy scan on 23rd Feb(17w+5d ) =167.0mmX115.0mmX151.0mm vol 1.518L. on 24th Feb (17w+6d) 116.3X202.9X163.7 vol 2.022L and 28th Feb (18w+3d) 17.5X12.7X11.7 vol 1.23L. 1st scan is NHS and remaining 2 is private in 2 different places. Though not much difference in the size but so much difference in the volume? Any thoughts?

Mine is right side too, although I actually have a much smaller just fluid filled cyst on left too. I am now 41weeks and all good still, heading towards induction on Tues if baby doesn't get a wriggle on!

The volume of mine has varied too, largely just due to different sonographers measuring and different positions of the baby etc. They struggle to get mine in a single view to accurately measure it now baby has taken up so much room, but generally they feel it is fairly stable in size

My mother had one removed when pregnant with my brother. Risky, but if left could have killed them both.
All went fine, brother later delivered by Caesarian though I don’t know if that’s because of the surgery or another reason. It was late 80’s and she hasn’t been with us a long time so can’t ask.

How did it go OP?
I've got what they think is a dermoid cyst on my right ovary - 6x5x5 approx. They want to monitor me more to check it so I've got an extra scan coming up (currently 15 weeks)

I don't have the experience of having one while pregnant but I did have to have an operation to remove one. The operation was fine and it took a week or two to recover from the keyhole surgery and the scars have faded so wasn't a big issue. I appreciate it's much different if you're pregnant as you're worried about the pregnancy. I hope things go well.

Thank you Cekaelta. I pray for your safe and smooth delivery.

I did discuss about draining option, but my op says it could re-fill and draining at the later stage is not an option. So Friday I need to let my op know about my decision(surgery or no surgery) when I have my 20 week scan. If I refuse then the other option she gave is go have elective C-section at 37 weeks.

Just giving a quick update here for anyone looking for info in the future. I had a vaginal delivery after outpatient induction. Had some drama as my boy was big but no issues related to the cysts. Had follow up 8 weeks later with an internal ultrasound and both cysts were completely gone and everything else was normal so fully discharged with no further action needed. Pretty incredible given the size of mine but its apparently a thing that can happen just from pregnancy hormones.

Hi I’m not sure if you’ll see this, could I ask whether you had surgery please?
im in a similar position and consultant wants to operate at 17 weeks pregnant, and I’m petrified about the whole thing!!