Cervical Cancer and Ovarian Cancer Forum - Can a simple cyst be cancerous? be removed via laporoscopy?

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Q: Can a simple cyst be cancerous? be removed via laporoscopy?

asked by: DoctorQuestion on October 20th, 2006

Hi,
I have an ovarian cyst measuring greater than 14cms. My OBGYN has just sent me for tumor marker blood tests and is doing surgery in 3 weeks time. The cyst I think is a simple cyst, has always appeared completely black but today had a grey shadow down the middle.
The cyst when first noticed was 8cms about 32weeks ago when I was 20 wks pg. Then 6 weeks ago was 12cms, and now over 14cms and protuding out of my abdomen like i'm pregnant again (but i'm not) It has grown more since giving birth. I don't think it is causing any other symptoms, perhaps some backache, but that could be from anything realy.
My OBGYN did say it was likely not cancerous but due to it's size and that it is still growing is running the blood tests just in case.
He intends to remove it via laporoscopy if possible.
So 2 questions.
1. Can a simple cyst ever be cancerous?
2. What are the chances of removing it via laporoscopy

Thankyou for your time.

Replies(1)

Dr. Nikola Gjuzelov , MD

replied on October 25th, 2006

Ovarian Cancer Answer A1696

A simple ovarian cyst could be cancerous but this cannot be known until the cyst is removed and examined by a pathologist. Examination of tumor markers is also useful for diagnosing possible cancer. There are little chances for such a large ovarian cyst (14cm in diameter) to be removed laparoscopicaly, but if necessary, a gynecologist can try with laparotomy.

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