Ovarian cyst removal with oophorectomy?
Recently a CT scan (for possible appendicitis) revealed that I have a large cyst on an ovary and my Dr. recommended immediate removal. During the course of the pre-op appointment I express the desire to not lose my ovary and discovered that their intention was to remove both of my ovaries and fallopian tubes (she said whenever they are in there, they take everything) - the Dr.s point being that after 60 you don't need your ovaries (I'm not 60 yet BTW). I don't have a higher risk of ovarian or breast cancer, and the cyst posed no concerns of cancer to them and I am not in pain. From everything I've read you definitely don't want to lose your ovaries before the age of 65 as your risk of dying from pretty much everything else is higher when you have your ovaries removed than the risk of cancer from keeping your ovaries. Also, that the risk of dementia and Parkinson's are increased by the removal of one ovary as much as by the loss of both.
I also believe that we simply don't now everything the ovaries do, but that they do play a role throughout our lives.
That said, I am trying to evaluate the risks of keeping my cyst/ovary. The risks appear to be that my ovary might twist and lose its blood supply causing extreme pain and the death of my ovary requiring emergency surgery, or it might rupture or leak, again causing pain. And of course that the cyst could turn cancerous (very unlikely).
Finally my question: Is there anyone out there that has made the choice of keeping a large (mine is 7.5 cm) ovarian cyst and regretted it? If so can you tell me why?
Thank you in advance.
Parent Replies
Oh, my. I have had two major ovarian cystectomies in my life, and am in full possession of both ovaries. You did not raise what I think are very important questions: Should you get a second opinion?, and 2. Should you push back on the removal of your ovaries?, and I think the answer is a resounding yes to both of those questions. Obviously, I am not your doctor, but I think you should get the cyst removed. However, unless there is a known risk to you for ovarian cancer, the notion that they should just take 'em out because "you don't need those old things anymore" is horrible. Ovaries produce estrogen, and we need it for many reasons.
I had cysts on both ovaries of around that size about 18 years ago and had them removed, but kept my ovaries (I was still of childbearing age and indeed trying to have a child). A few years later (16 years ago?) they found another large cyst. This time the doctor wanted to remove my ovaries. I was all set to have it done, but asked to have another ultrasound right before the scheduled operation, and the cyst had... disappeared! The doctor wanted to go ahead with the surgery anyway, because I had a history of repeated cysts and was also having abdominal pain, but I refused. So far I haven't regretted it. The pain diminished over the years and there's been no new evidence of more cysts.
I am surprised that they insist on removing the ovary. Can't they just do the ovarian cystectomy?
To start, it is important to consider the type of cyst that you have - is it a functional cyst, dermoid, or endometrioma? It sounds like it may be a type of cyst that will not, or is unlikely to, resolve on its own. Removing both ovaries and tubes sounds drastic for a number of reasons, mainly future health concerns, which you bring up. If the other ovary/and tubes are healthy, what is your doctor's reasoning? Is it possible to get a second medical opinion? It sounds like she says it is "routine" to remove "everything" - which i personally find alarming. :(
I agree with the responses recently posted: please consider a second opinion. And please try to keep at least one ovary (if not both) and certainly fallopian tubes. Due to fears of cancer, I have had all (really unnecessarily) removed yrs ago, and have suffered many difficulties ever since, as I have aged. i.e. loss of energy, sexual desire, constant hot flashes way past menopause, extreme temperature sensitivity --to start. Most docs seem to underestimate the potential unfortunate results, of undermining the hormonal balance in the female body. I recommend taking your hesitations VERY seriously!
I had to have my ovaries and fallopian tubes removed due to cancer risk. I can't think of any other reason I'd agree to do it. I was younger than it sounds as though you may be when I had them removed (I was in my early 40s), and it has created all kinds of challenges to my physical and emotional wellbeing. They should be able to remove the cyst without removing that ovary, let alone both ovaries and your fallopian tubes.Get some more opinions before you agree to this!
Lisa