Clear CT scan but a cyst in the ovaries found

bejuce

Clear CT scan but a cyst in the ovaries found

bejuce

Hi ladies,

I had a clean CT scan yesterday which made me very, very happy.  No evidence of residual disease anywhere, so I'm officially cancer free - hopefully forever!

They did, however, find a cyst in my ovaries that they said they'll watch it with ultrasound in 6 weeks.  I think I remember reading something on these boards a few weeks ago about someone also having ovarian cysts.  I used to have polycistic ovarian syndrome when I was a teenager, but it went away with birth control pills (which I took for a long, long time, and which may have contributed to my breast cancer, but who knows).

My question - are ovarian cysts a likely side effect of Tamoxifen? I'm still premenopausal  but haven't had my period since January (had my period twice after starting treatment).  Anyone else dealing with this?

Thanks!

Marcia 

jenn3

I just had an MRI on my back for an ongoing problem I've been dealing with.  I needed updated reports so that I could get a facet block.  The MRI showed the problems I've been dealing with, maybe a little more progressed, but it also showed a cyst on my ovaries.  My primary is scheduling me to see the GYN as a precaution, but feels it's nothing to worry about.  I think the only reason she is being cautious is because of my recent history, but  I think the cyst is normal and may have something to do with the harmonal changes due to chemo.  When they suspected the breast cancer I had a much different reaction from the doctors, which is why I'm not worried.

I'm sure it's just a cyst, but better to be safe.  Congrats on the all clear for the rest of the scans.

SpunkyGirl

Yes, Tamoxifen causes ovarian cysts, and  I went through that too.  I swear they did four or five ultrasounds before they were sure it was "breaking up".  I had no pain.  That was well over a year ago, and I haven't had anymore problems.  I think you will be fine!

caaclark

I had one cyst on each ovary when I was on Tamoxifen.  They were not harmful but I chose to have a hysterectomy since I was thinking about it anyway.  Pathology showed B9.

Pure

I just had my ovaries out yesterday and I am realy glad I did. A study just came out that said women who don't presume their periods after chemo have better survival odds. I know you mentioned you had 1-2 periods which is no big deal but having periods again for a string of time is not good and I didn't want to risk that.

Also, with young women though you can do those shots sometimes the shots aren't strong enough to overcome the estrogen in our bodies. 

Finally, I have a friend on here who just just got mets to her ovaries-she is the 2nd person I heard of on here and though my docs keep saying how rare it is I am a little confused as to why I keep hearing about it. Her tumour markers were rising over a period of months and thats how they foud out.

bejuce

Thanks for your messages, ladies! I'm not very worried about it at all, but I do need to keep it in check.  I'll discuss the possibility of an ooph with my oncologist at my next visit.  I have opted not to do one yet because I'm only 30 % ER+ and PR-, but we'll see what she has to say.

apple

hay.. congratulations.. i bet you feel beautiful NOW!

jillyG

I had a complex cyst on my left ovary and they watched it for 6 weeks and now it has completely disappeared.  I have a new one on the right side, but it's a simple functional cyst, nothing to worry about.  I have been on Tamox for over a year.  Uterus is normal.  There is varying info on whether Tamox affects ovaries, I am leaning towards 'yes' due to my cysts. 

I had chemo and Tamox and still have my periods (had them during chemo) so I hope the Tamoxifen is doing it's job.  It doesn't decrease the amount of estrogen in your body, it merely blocks the estrogen in your body from binding to the estrogen receptors on the cancer cells.  I have not heard anything about a worse prognosis if you still have your period.  I'm only 34 so getting an ooph or hysterectomy is not an option for me. 

jdeking

If you had PCOS previously, your body is probably reverting to forming cysts since you are no longer under hormonal control (via birth control). I would bet it is nothing to worry about, and cysts are pretty common and tend to come and go. If you are done having children, my gyn says it is best to have an ooph. I haven't decided if I can go for that yet, as I have not yet had children (age 35) and don't think I am ready to give up that option. My gyn is really pushing it though, as I was almost 90% ER positive. Sigh.

Good luck to you!

pupfoster1

Hey Marcia,

Don't know much about the issue of Tamoxifen and cysts, but I wanted to give you a big (((HUG))) and congrats on the CLEAR CT!  Good news indeed!

Sharon

KerryMac

Marcia - great news on the clear scans! Fantastic.

No advice on the cysts, but as you know, the wheels start turning very fast if they are worried about something, so my guess is this is nothing to worry about. I know cysts are extremely common. 

karen1956

Marcia....my 24 year old DD has ovarian cysts and they are benign....painful but benign...she just had one rupture last week...she started to get them at 16 or 17 and has been on the pill since (that worries me more!!!)....

I agree with the others, its probably all okay.

Colette37

I may be the one that you are thinking of with the Ovarian cysts..Although, I am not taking Tamoxifen (I had 5% estrogen) because I have other problems that it would make worse, I did do research that it does contribute to ovarian cysts.

I originally had a 1.9 cm complex cyst which then grew to 2.3 in a few months.  I had reconstructive surgery about 3 weeks ago and was very concerned with catching any cysts which may be cancerous BEFORE I started recon...so I asked for another U/S...Turns out the one on the right disappeared, and now I have one on the left that is about the same size.  The Gyn then at that point was pretty sure that it was not cancer and that it was totally hormonal...this came from a GYN who was ready to give me a full hysterectomy when I first went to her (I had already been diagnosed with BC)...I know that I will not get hormones to help my body into menopause, and I did a lot of soul searching and wasn't ready for 'being old' yet...I just turned 38.

I even asked my Onc's PA about how many ovarian cancers are found after having breast cancer and in her 20 years of practice she said that not many and she could probably count it on one hand. 

I doubted not getting the hysterectomy time and time again until my last U/S...now I am confident that I made the right choice.

PM me if you want to chat or have any questions!

Carmelle

Had my ovaries removed 8 years ago at age 38 after treatment. I had a cyst on one ovary which was benign. Michelle