BC and Ovarian Cancer link?

Drained6513

Hi... I just got finished my weekly Taxol in March and am still on Herceptin every three weeks.  Today I went to my G.P. for my "annual physical" results.  I had a pelvic and bladder ultrasound done along with it.  The pelvic ultrasound showed a large cyst on my right ovary.  I am worried now this could be cancer?  My lymphnodes were clear, so I'm thinking this couldn't possibly be mestastic BC to the Ovary?  My G.P. suggested another ultrasound in 3 months, if it's still there or hasn't gotten smaller, then he will send me to the Gyneologist for further testing to see if it is more than a cyst.  I am not happy with my GP as it is, and waiting 3 months to even just look with another ultrasound after having BC doesn't sound like a good idea to me?  So I was going to switch GPs anyways, this is just going to speed it up.  I want to be referred to a specialist as quick as possible to get this looked at properly because of already having BC.  Being HER2+ I'm wondering if that could be the defining factor here?

What would be the odds this could be Ovarian cancer if my breast cancer didn't hit my lymphnodes? 

wrenn

Although I think cysts on ovaries is pretty common I can see why you would worry. Four years out I still worry about mets. If you are changing docs anyway maybe the new one will do further testing. Cancer can move through the vascular system as well as lymph but again it is probably a cyst. Hopefully someone with more knowledge will come along soon.

Best regards to you.

MelissaDallas

The breast cancer & ovarian cancer link is primarily for those who are BRCA, especially BRCA1 positive. If you aren't BRCA positive I don't think it is a big concern. Also, with the BRCA connection it would be risk of a primary ovarian cancer. Not breast cancer mets to the ovary

MinusTwo

I agree. Maybe you should see your OB/Gyn instead of a GP, He/she would have more specialized knowledge.

Drained6513

Thank you for your responses.  To Wrenn, I know what you are saying.  I'm still doing the Herceptin, so still in the thick of it.  But, even with 0 nodes affected, it worries me.  Every pain from now on is going to worry me.  Has it come back somewhere else.  Hearing I have a large cyst on my ovary after going through what I have, of course scares me.  I never thought I'd get BC.  I'm still a bit worried.  I read ovarian cysts are more common in younger women.  I'm 56 and post menopausal. 

To MelissaDall, I don't even know if I have the BRCA gene? 

I am seeing a new GP on Monday.  Hopefully, she is good?  I will fill her in and hopefully, get her to refer me to a gynecologist.  I may also bring this up with the Oncologist?  Cause I don't think waiting 3 months for another ultrasound is a great idea.  Will the Oncologist order some tests to see or will he say talk to your GP first?

MinusTwo

Everybody's insurance is different so it's impossible to say. Your MO should have mentioned BRCA testing if you're at risk. Personally I would not be comfortable with just a GP

Drained6513

Ok, so I called my Cancer Center today and talked with the nurse in Triage.  I told her about the cyst and that I was nervous to wait 3 months to see how it is progressing, smaller or larger?  She relayed it onto my Oncologist.  They've been great at this center since the day I started there.  The nurse got back to me really quickly, said she understands why I would be worried and said the doctor (Oncologist) looked at my ultrasound results, which are online for all physicians re: the cyst and he stated it looks very much like just a cyst.  He doesn't see anything suspicious and also stated I am very low risk of any recurrence anywhere.  And following-up in 3 months with another ultrasound, as my GP advised was ok. So, I am relieved.  I can relax now. lol  Thank you all for responding.  This site is very helpful and I'm sure I will have other queries on other subjects coming up. 

Drained6513

Ok, so my GP did get me in to see the gynecologist anyways.  She also concurred with my GP and my Oncologist that she didn't see anything that would say this is anything but a cyst.  She also said not many women post menopausal get them...about 10%.  She said because I've had BC it would not be an unreasonable request to get my ovaries and tubes out.  She said they are not being used for anything anymore, meaning they don't work now.  Hearing that was swaying me to get this done, just to significantly lower any risk of ovarian cancer in the future. It is only day surgery.  But of course, I am gonna do some research on this, and read some articles that your ovaries still offer some benefit after menopause, and getting them removed can bring you to an even lower level of menopause.  Like right to the basement floor, so to speak.  I got through my initial menopause with the help of BHRT.  I cannot do that anymore, so if I had to deal with a secondary menopause, I wouldn't be able to take anything to relieve it. Does anyone have any input on this?  Anyone had theirs out post menopause and if so, any side effects? 

Jbakerwebb

they discovered a 2” cyst during an MRI for my hip. Ultrasound shows just a simple cyst (they never know until they remove it) and I’m not waiting and my gyn totally understands. Going next week to discuss removal. May even discuss hysterectomy!