› Forums › General Melanoma Community › Ultrasound report conclusion help
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Newmom.
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- March 11, 2011 at 9:18 pm
I had my 6-month ultrasound today – conclusions appear normal except the following: "Complex right ovarian follicle or cyst with an increased volume of free fluid in the pelvis. The cyst may or may not be related to the cyst identified on prior study. Advise a 2 month follow up examination for resolution".
I had my 6-month ultrasound today – conclusions appear normal except the following: "Complex right ovarian follicle or cyst with an increased volume of free fluid in the pelvis. The cyst may or may not be related to the cyst identified on prior study. Advise a 2 month follow up examination for resolution".
Anyone know what the above means? I am particular concerned on the "increased volume of free fluid in the pelvis" and the following for resoluation. What do they mean? Something bad was observed during the ultrasound? I have made an appointment to speak with my doctor on this but just want to run this by everyone here first to get some sight. Thanks.
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- March 11, 2011 at 9:28 pm
Not sure, but a cyst is just a fluid filled sac. It's possible part of the cyst ruptured and/or you have new cysts. Ovarian cysts are pretty common and I imagine the followup is just to make sure nothing becomes more complex. I would think if there were any serious concerns, they would be doing some type of laparoscopy to see exactly what's happening and possibly removing the free fluid if it were of major concern. It will most likely just be absorbed by the body over time.
Talk to your doctor, but I wouldn't be stressing about this report too much.
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- March 11, 2011 at 9:28 pm
Not sure, but a cyst is just a fluid filled sac. It's possible part of the cyst ruptured and/or you have new cysts. Ovarian cysts are pretty common and I imagine the followup is just to make sure nothing becomes more complex. I would think if there were any serious concerns, they would be doing some type of laparoscopy to see exactly what's happening and possibly removing the free fluid if it were of major concern. It will most likely just be absorbed by the body over time.
Talk to your doctor, but I wouldn't be stressing about this report too much.
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- March 12, 2011 at 12:00 am
I agree that ovarian cysts are very common in woman. My friend has them and she deals having surgery every yr or so to remove them and they are completely benign. She is watched by ultrasound because some can burst and be very painful.
That being said, I had a cyst on my ovary that was being watched in 2008/2009. At first my oncol. thought it was normal lady stuff since I had just had a baby. But after a few months of it slightly getting bigger on each scan they biopsed it, even then my oncologist said it's just a cyst, we're just making sure. Even on the ultrasound the tech said it looks just like a cyst, it's fluid filled.
Long story short I ended up in ER a few days after biopsy in pain with what was thought to be a bad bladder infection and constipation. Turns out cyst was a melanoma tumor on my ovary/fallopian tubes and uterus. I had an emergency radical hysterectomy that night.
With melanoma every bump, bruise, pimple, spot, sore spot could be something.
We have to be hyper-vigilent because you just never know. I don't mean to scare you with my story, chances are it's just a cyst on there. They can change and grow and then get smaller again since it is a fluid-filled sac.Talk to your dr, ask what he/she thinks. Ask until your comfortable with waiting/or biopsy/or another ultrasound.
Kellie(from Iowa) Stage IV on B-raf
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- March 12, 2011 at 12:20 am
That's what one of my doctosr said as well about cysts – I also have a pretty big fibroid (8x4x6) that my doctor is monitoring closely but since it is not giving me any problem, her recommendation was to watch it every 6 months. Based on what you said, do you think I should seek more opinions from more doctors? I had MRI, CT scan and ultrasound – all 3 tests indicated fibroid but I guess you can never be sure until you take it out, right? Any recommendations?
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- March 12, 2011 at 1:22 am
If all three tests confirm fribroid I might be inclined to watch and wait but maybe insist on a scan in 3 months instead of 6? Since you have another fibroid it very likely could be another fibroid/cyst. If it starts causing you issues?
I'm sorry, I'm probably not much help. Are you seeing a melanoma specialist? If not that would be my first move, if you are already and you trust your dr. then I guess that's a decision you'll have to decide.
My tumors never have given me problems even now with lung tumors. Never had problems breathing, I never noticed the uterine one until they biopsed it. My hip is the only tumor that I've ever had pain from so far and I'm very grateful for that.
Maybe someone else can come with more expertise on the subject.
Kellie(from Iowa)
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- March 12, 2011 at 1:22 am
If all three tests confirm fribroid I might be inclined to watch and wait but maybe insist on a scan in 3 months instead of 6? Since you have another fibroid it very likely could be another fibroid/cyst. If it starts causing you issues?
I'm sorry, I'm probably not much help. Are you seeing a melanoma specialist? If not that would be my first move, if you are already and you trust your dr. then I guess that's a decision you'll have to decide.
My tumors never have given me problems even now with lung tumors. Never had problems breathing, I never noticed the uterine one until they biopsed it. My hip is the only tumor that I've ever had pain from so far and I'm very grateful for that.
Maybe someone else can come with more expertise on the subject.
Kellie(from Iowa)
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- March 12, 2011 at 1:35 am
You had a stage I lesion over 5 years ago. You apparently (according to your profile) have had no further melanoma issues. Fibrocystic stuff is extremely common in women. It appears you are being monitored closely for the issues. In this case, I think you go with the most obvious cause – and that really isn't melanoma in your case. Go with the most obvious diagnosis unless there is really reason to think otherwise. Given the scans all seem to show cysts/fibromas, chances are that's really what you are dealing with. You have to remember that you find the exceptions on this board. You also aren't going to find the vast amount of women posting here who've had similar issues to you and all were benign – you'd need to find a different board for that. Melanoma mets to the women's reproductive system can happen, but it's really quite rare. And with no other evidence of disease and you being 5 years out from stage I…. it seems like a stretch to think melanoma has anything to do with this.
Just my 2 cents.
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- March 12, 2011 at 1:41 am
I apologize for not knowing your history. I didn't realize that you were almost 5 years out of an Stage I diagnosis.
I will agree with anonymous that it is probably a fibroid or cyst especially since you've had issues with those in the past.
It can happen but it is rare and especially with you being so clean for so long I would be okay with waiting and watching.
Sorry again for sharing my story and possibly making your feelings worse than what they should have been. It's always good to be vigilant with this disease but no need to automatically jump to the worst conclusion.
Kellie(from Iowa) Stage IV
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- March 12, 2011 at 1:41 am
I apologize for not knowing your history. I didn't realize that you were almost 5 years out of an Stage I diagnosis.
I will agree with anonymous that it is probably a fibroid or cyst especially since you've had issues with those in the past.
It can happen but it is rare and especially with you being so clean for so long I would be okay with waiting and watching.
Sorry again for sharing my story and possibly making your feelings worse than what they should have been. It's always good to be vigilant with this disease but no need to automatically jump to the worst conclusion.
Kellie(from Iowa) Stage IV
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- March 12, 2011 at 1:35 am
You had a stage I lesion over 5 years ago. You apparently (according to your profile) have had no further melanoma issues. Fibrocystic stuff is extremely common in women. It appears you are being monitored closely for the issues. In this case, I think you go with the most obvious cause – and that really isn't melanoma in your case. Go with the most obvious diagnosis unless there is really reason to think otherwise. Given the scans all seem to show cysts/fibromas, chances are that's really what you are dealing with. You have to remember that you find the exceptions on this board. You also aren't going to find the vast amount of women posting here who've had similar issues to you and all were benign – you'd need to find a different board for that. Melanoma mets to the women's reproductive system can happen, but it's really quite rare. And with no other evidence of disease and you being 5 years out from stage I…. it seems like a stretch to think melanoma has anything to do with this.
Just my 2 cents.
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- March 12, 2011 at 2:37 am
I've had fibroids for years. They can be biopsed! Actually mine has been biopsied twice as a precaution. Both times were before my recurrance which took me to Stage IV. They are still noted on the PET but there is no change. Both times mine was biopsied by my gyn in her office. A bit painful but it will put your mind at ease. I've also had cysts on the ovaries that have come and gone.
Linda
Stage IV since 06
Stable
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- March 12, 2011 at 2:37 am
I've had fibroids for years. They can be biopsed! Actually mine has been biopsied twice as a precaution. Both times were before my recurrance which took me to Stage IV. They are still noted on the PET but there is no change. Both times mine was biopsied by my gyn in her office. A bit painful but it will put your mind at ease. I've also had cysts on the ovaries that have come and gone.
Linda
Stage IV since 06
Stable
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- March 12, 2011 at 12:20 am
That's what one of my doctosr said as well about cysts – I also have a pretty big fibroid (8x4x6) that my doctor is monitoring closely but since it is not giving me any problem, her recommendation was to watch it every 6 months. Based on what you said, do you think I should seek more opinions from more doctors? I had MRI, CT scan and ultrasound – all 3 tests indicated fibroid but I guess you can never be sure until you take it out, right? Any recommendations?
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- March 12, 2011 at 12:00 am
I agree that ovarian cysts are very common in woman. My friend has them and she deals having surgery every yr or so to remove them and they are completely benign. She is watched by ultrasound because some can burst and be very painful.
That being said, I had a cyst on my ovary that was being watched in 2008/2009. At first my oncol. thought it was normal lady stuff since I had just had a baby. But after a few months of it slightly getting bigger on each scan they biopsed it, even then my oncologist said it's just a cyst, we're just making sure. Even on the ultrasound the tech said it looks just like a cyst, it's fluid filled.
Long story short I ended up in ER a few days after biopsy in pain with what was thought to be a bad bladder infection and constipation. Turns out cyst was a melanoma tumor on my ovary/fallopian tubes and uterus. I had an emergency radical hysterectomy that night.
With melanoma every bump, bruise, pimple, spot, sore spot could be something.
We have to be hyper-vigilent because you just never know. I don't mean to scare you with my story, chances are it's just a cyst on there. They can change and grow and then get smaller again since it is a fluid-filled sac.Talk to your dr, ask what he/she thinks. Ask until your comfortable with waiting/or biopsy/or another ultrasound.
Kellie(from Iowa) Stage IV on B-raf
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- March 12, 2011 at 3:45 am
Hi there i’m a registered sonographer in OB/gyn ultrasound. What is the size of the complex follicle??? We can have functional and nonfunctional cysts on our ovaries. Functional cysts are the normal dominant follicle we ovulate from each cycle this also cause free fluid in the pelvis. Does the radiologist consider this pelvic fluid physiological??? If so that is normal to every womans ovulation time. Now if your post menopausal this raises a bit more concern cause you should not have functional cysts after menopause. The fact that it is complex means it contains cystic and solid components which a hemorrhagic cyst can have this appearance as well. I would ask the size of the complex follicle, is there good blood flow to the ovaries and if it’s greater than 3cm it can raise concern that it could cause ovarian torsion(cut off blood supply to ovary). I hope this helpsAlicia
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- March 12, 2011 at 4:07 pm
Thanks Alicia – I will ask next time what is the size of the cysts and he considers the fluid physiological – the report does not mention about it. I actually have a few other "conditions" that are being monitored as well besides the cysts – a large fibroid, several small kidney stones and plus I am a hep B carrier so my liver is also being monitored closely. I also have blood test every 3 months. I am 37 so I think I am still several years away from menopause .
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- March 12, 2011 at 4:07 pm
Thanks Alicia – I will ask next time what is the size of the cysts and he considers the fluid physiological – the report does not mention about it. I actually have a few other "conditions" that are being monitored as well besides the cysts – a large fibroid, several small kidney stones and plus I am a hep B carrier so my liver is also being monitored closely. I also have blood test every 3 months. I am 37 so I think I am still several years away from menopause .
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- March 12, 2011 at 3:45 am
Hi there i’m a registered sonographer in OB/gyn ultrasound. What is the size of the complex follicle??? We can have functional and nonfunctional cysts on our ovaries. Functional cysts are the normal dominant follicle we ovulate from each cycle this also cause free fluid in the pelvis. Does the radiologist consider this pelvic fluid physiological??? If so that is normal to every womans ovulation time. Now if your post menopausal this raises a bit more concern cause you should not have functional cysts after menopause. The fact that it is complex means it contains cystic and solid components which a hemorrhagic cyst can have this appearance as well. I would ask the size of the complex follicle, is there good blood flow to the ovaries and if it’s greater than 3cm it can raise concern that it could cause ovarian torsion(cut off blood supply to ovary). I hope this helpsAlicia
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