Ovarian Cyst

[The Tiggster]

When I had my c-section a few months ago the surgeon noticed a lump or cyst on my ovary & I am going for tests on Thursday to see what the problem is. Does anyone know what will be involved, i.e. will an ultrasound be carried out (externally or vaginally), blood tests etc?

Thanks.

[philandlil]

I have Polycystic Ovaries and when they did the test they first did an ultrasound, but they told me they would get better results if they the test internally so a long white tube was put inside me (vaginally) which has a camera on the end (it doesn't hurt). They don't always do the test internally but they will ask you first to make sure you are ok with them doing it that way.

[joko]

if the cyst is what they call as 'string of pearls' (ie, a row of small cysts) they will do a blood test as that is a symptom of polycystic ovaries and they'll need to check your hormone levels. they will probably do a laparoscopy (where they insert a tiny camera into your abdomen through an incision near your belly button. they will "inflate" your belly to get a better look (which feels very strange and achy for a few days in your shoulders!!) they may also get you to ingest or they will insert some kind of blue dye - i guess to help them view the results better) if its a single lump they will likely arrange for removal. the cysts with pcos cannot be removed as they are like blisters and burst, they would also just grow back anyway. either way don't worry, sounds like they have an idea what it is and aren't too concerned

[Scotman84]

Didn't you think to ask your doctor? Doh!!!

[The Tiggster]

Scotsman84 - in response to your not very helpful reply, I wasn't told whilst in hospital that there was a problem & only found out about the cyst when a letter came through about the hospital appointment. So to answer your question no I couldn't ask the doctor who carried out the operation

My GP was vague when I went to see her as she had no info on my records to refer to, so I was looking for genuine replies from women that have perhaps gone through similar tests.