Ovarian Cancer

[vickychesshire]

Thank you to everyone for this Forum! I'm 63 years old and went through menopause in my late 40's.
Recently, I started to have vaginal bleeding, not heavy, but noticeable. I went for my yearly check-up with my gynecologist and had an endometrium biopsy and transvaginal ultrasound. The ultrasound showed that my left ovary was enlarged, twice the size of my right, and had dense, solid streaks in the middle. They then took my blood for a CA 125 test. The bleeding stopped after a week and I waited for my CA 125 test results. Today I found out the results were negative and I have a follow up appointment next week. Needless to say, I've been worried. My question is what do I do next? What's recommended? I do have an enlarged ovary and I did have a bleeding spell. My gynecologist suggested that she could remove the ovary to test it and do a D&C of my uterus at the same time but she's not a gynecological oncologist I need advice on what step to take next. I understand from the research I did that a CA 125 test is not a good diagnostic tool for early stage ovarian cancer Would a CT scan or MRI help? Do I have to have surgery? Can a biopsy be done without surgery? By the way, I forgot to mention that the results of my endometrium biopsy were negative. There's breast cancer and colon cancer in my family. Thank you for your help.

[stulchinsky]

Hello, this is a forum moderator responding. Although I do not have a direct answer to your question, I would like to refer you to the following physician-developed and -monitored content for additional information:
http://www.oncologychannel.com/ovariancancer/riskfactors.shtml
http://www.oncologychannel.com/ovariancancer/symptoms.shtml
http://www.oncologychannel.com/ovariancancer/diagnosis.shtml
http://www.oncologychannel.com/ovariancancer/othertests.shtml

Best wishes to you in finding answers to your medical questions.

[minky]

Hi.

I would definitely get a second opinion or request CT scan.

My mom (66) was having post-menopausal bleeding and went to see her gynecologist. He had planned to do a D&C and took a biopsy of her uterine lining. She also had a transvaginal ultrasound and CA-125 test. Although the CA-125 came back a 9, the doctor sent her to do a CT scan as well because they had noticed a semi-solid mass on her right ovary. Her gynecologist recommended a hysterectomy instead of just a D&C.

I had done some research on ovarian cancer and urged her to see a gynecological oncologist. She wasn't listening to me, but luckily her doctor sent her scan to one for a consult. Once the oncologist saw her scan, it immediately became clear that this was in fact something to worry about and within days he performed her surgery (including debulking).

As it turns out, she did have ovarian cancer (stage 1c). Between the time she had the CT scan and the surgery, the tumor had burst and they found cancer cells in her abdominal fluid during the surgery. She is starting chemo this Wed. I'm so thankful that the oncologist performed the surgery rather than the gynecologist because they were able to do the debulking surgery and test lots of lymph nodes.

Good luck and keep us posted. Please don't stop at a CA-125 test. As far as I can tell, it's not a good indicator for early ovarian cancer.

[luty]

Vicki,
Hi, I'm new here and just saw your post. I'm wondering if you know more by now. I'm sure you must. My diagnosis was confirmed by a vaginal ultrasound.
I hope you're getting the treatment you need!
Lu