can an ovarian cyst be removed without removing the ovary?
July 5, 2008 - 8:09am
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i'm 35 years old. when i was 17, my left ovary was removed because of a large cyst found in it. i got married at 25 and had 3 children. now, i had my routine check-up and it was found out that my right ovary had a cyst in it, measuring around 6.8 cm by 8 cm. my obgyne advised for a hysterectomy. is there any other option than removing everything including my uterus? can the cyst be removed without removing my ovary? i'm still very young...
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Hi hsaperocho
Thanks for your question and I'm sorry to read you have yet another ovarian cyst but delighted you have been able to have 3 children!
You are correct - 35 is very young to have to consider such a serious decision like hysterectomy. Our reproductive systems are much more than baby makers and carriers. A hysterectomy can sometimes have far- reaching consequences for women.
For my own education, as well as other women who may be reading your question, here is a list of the various types of cysts a woman can have:
Functional Cysts
These normal cysts will often shrink and disappear within two or three menstrual cycles. Because this type of cyst is formed during ovulation it rarely occurs in menopausal women because eggs are no longer being produced.
Dermoid Cysts
Ovarian cysts which are filled with various types of tissues including hair and skin.
Endometrioma Cysts
These cysts are also known as the chocolate cysts of endometriosis and form when tissue similar to the lining of the uterus attaches to the ovaries.
Cystadenoma Cysts
These are ovarian cysts which develop from cells on the outer surface of the ovaries
Polycystic Ovarian Disease
Cysts that form from a buildup of follicle cysts which cause the ovaries to thicken. These cysts cause the ovaries to enlarge and create a thick outer covering which may prevent ovulation from occurring and are often the cause of fertility problems.
http://womenshealth.about.com/cs/ovariancysts/a/ovariancysts.htm
Has your doctor advised you of the kind of cyst you have? The kind of tretment you need may depend on the type of cyst on your ovary.
Women have had their cysts disappear by themselves, certain birth control pills or medications have helped, or they have the cyst removed with surgery. Some, like in your case when you were younger, have the entire ovary removed. And in some serious cases, women have had to have a hysterectomy.
Has your doctor explained why he/she thinks a hysterectomy is needed? Have you asked about medications or the removal of the cyst itself or the removal of your ovary?
Please keep us imformed!
i remembered my cyst 18 years ago...i think it was a dermoid cyst. i don't know yet the type of cyst that i have now. my obgyne advised for a hysterectomy considering there will be no more ovaries to give eggs to it (layman language). she scheduled me for the operation next month. i still hope and pray that there will be another remedy to this. thanks for your info.
You never need a hysterectomy for fibroids, cysts or polyps unless you have the wrong doctor. To remove fibroids, the alternative surgery is a myomectomy. To remove polyps and cysts the alternative surgery is a polypectomy. BUT, you have to find a doctor who does alternative surgeries. GOOD LUCK in finding one. Most doctors do not like to do alternative surgeries because it takes longer and is easier to do a hysterectomy along with castration (removal of ovaries). They will tell you it doesn't work and they will grow back. Not if you find a doctor who has done at least 100 of these surgeries.
Once your sexual hormone producing organs (uterus, ovaries and cervix) are gone so is your health and well-being, zest for life and your sexual enjoyment and probably your career. Your life as it was will never be again.
I got my information from the HERS Foundation web site which has a video you can watch "female anatomy" and also a blog where you can read what women have said after their hysterectomy and castration.
Hi hsaperocho, Some cysts can be removed without removing the ovary in a procedure known as a cystectomy. Have you chatted with your doctor about this option yet? The size, shape and composision of a cyst are factors in the type of procedure your doctor will recommend.
ive also been toldi have 2 ovarian cysts and told only option is hysterecttomy im 42 have 3 teens and want another baby i do not want a hysteretomy im getting a 2nd opinion asto seeif i can just have cyst removed and not ovary