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In January I went to the OB/Gyn because I was having heavy irregular periods,bad back aches, and ovulation pain. I am 40. Next, they sent me for a transvaginal. Then the dr's office called and sent me a script for blood work. Then they called and sent me in for more lab work and a repeat transvaginal. I really wasn't all that concerned. Probably about April, the dr's office called again for another transvaginal and more blood work. Finally, I asked to SEE the dr. Now it is June. I have a complex cyst on one ovary and a solid, but small mass on the other. The complex is probably a dermoid. My ca125's were 47 and then 153. The dr has scheduled a laparotomy for mid August. If the dr was concerned about ovarian cancer he would put a rush on the surgery, right? Please tell me what you would do!
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Hi, Anon,
I think if I were you I would mostly be feeling concerned that the doctor hadn't spent much time with me explaining the test results, telling me what he was recommending and why, and answering my questions. The fact that you were undergoing ultrasounds and blood tests repeatedly for six months without really seeing the doctor himself just seems a little disconcerting to me.
Can you make an appointment to get in to see the doctor ASAP simply to ask questions?
Because yes, I also would assume that any doctor who suspects cancer of any kind would hurry things up, but I don't know your doctor and his habits. I think you need to be able to look him in the eye and say, "What do these test results tell you?" and "Do you have any reason at all to suspect this may be ovarian cancer" and "What tells you it is a cyst as opposed to something more serious?" and other questions like that. Even if you have to wait for an hour in the waiting room and another 30 minutes in the interior exam room, it would be worth it to really get some answers to those questions.
One of the things about CA 125 results is that there are many conditions -- both benign and malignant -- that can cause them to rise. Ovarian cysts are one of those, along with pregnancy, endometriosis, uterine fibroids and other conditions. (And some women who do have ovarian cancer never have elevated CA 125 levels). Here's a good explanation of how doctors interpret CA 125 results:
http://www.medicinenet.com/ca_125/article.htm
Anon, I would try to get in for a consultation with your doctor as soon as you can, and go with a list of questions. And when you ask why it's OK with your doctor that you wait two more months for this surgery, make sure you understand and agree with his reasoning. If you don't, it might be time to seek a second opinion.
Does this help at all?
June 8, 2010 - 10:04amThis Comment