Member Comments are provided by individuals and reflect their personal opinions only. Under NO circumstances should you act on any advice or opinion posted in this forum.  ALWAYS check with your personal physician before taking any action regarding your health! MedHelp International and our partners, sponsors and affiliates have no obligation to monitor any comments posted on this site, or the content and/or accuracy of such exchanges. MedHelp International does not endorse the views of any user.
Ovarian Cancer  (Expert Forum)
 | 
ovarian pain
Answered by
Annekathryn Goodman, M.D. - Gynecologic Cancers, Complex Gynecologic, Surgeries, Palliative Care, Acupuncture
Massachusetts General Hospital Cancer Center Boston - MA
Make An Appointment
This forum is for questions and support regarding ovarian cancer issues, such as: Biopsy, Chemotherapy, Clinical Trials, Genetics, Hysterectomy,Immunotherapy, Ovarian Cancer Types, Radiation Therapy, Risk Factors, Screening, Staging, Surgery.
Post a Question Back to Forum
MedHelp Member's Question

ovarian pain

by lynnie09, Nov 04, 2008 01:10PM
I have a very sharp pain in my ovaries on my left side but i am not on my period what could this be?
Doctor's Answer

by Annekathryn Goodman, M.D., Nov 05, 2008 08:04AM
Hi There
without more medical history it is not possible to comment
such as:
age
past surgical history
medical history
activity level
medications
and more information about the pain: did it wake you from sleep, occur after heavy exercise, after sex, is it related to urination, bowel movements.
is it constant , intermittent. does it stay in one place, move around etc

If you have pain that is not improving, you should see your doctor for an exam
best wishes
Member Comments (4)

by jkpenny376, Dec 05, 2008 10:39AM
To: Doctor
Thank you for taking the time to answer my questions.  I am a 36yr old female.  I have had a hysterectomy, but left my ovaries intact.  I have 4 children and never smoked.  My pap came back normal but they found a 9cm solid, vascular mass/cyst on my left ovary.  It has been causing me back pain, bloating, constipation pain and discomfort.(Or I should say I am assuming that is the source now that I know I have it.)  My gyno did say that it would have to be surgically removed.  He ordered a CA 125 blood test and stated that the results would be in on Monday.  My family to my knowledge has no history of ovarian cancer although we do for colon cancer.  2 maternal aunts and one past away from it.  I am wondering if I shouldn't go ahead and try and find a gyno oncologist to treat me for this instead of my genereal gyno.  I know that the CA 125 is not reliable in the early stages of ovarian cancer and can give off false +/- so wonder if I really want someone who isn't familiar with this stuff to be probing around.  I am also wondering why the ca125 unless he is suspecting possibly cancer.  How common is this test performed on patients that they don't or do feel like there is something more going on?  I am scared and am trying to remain positive but want to know what is my next step.  Can you also help me with what ??? I may need to be asking to determine what I need to do.  Thanks for any direction you can aid me in.

by jkpenny376, Dec 05, 2008 10:43AM
To: Doctor
I also forgot to mention that during my hysterectomy I was found to have endometriosis on my intestines that had to be removed.  I don't know if this matters.  

by Annekathryn Goodman, M.D., Dec 31, 2008 04:16PM
Hi There,
sorry , I missed this earlier
this is incredibly helpful
to summarize
you are 36
you had endometriosis involving the uterus and intestine
uterus removed
you have a 9 cm mass
family history of colon cancer

How old were your relatives when they got colon cancer? if under age 50, you should get a colonoscopy as part of your evaluation
Ca 125 can give additional information but is not diagnostic.
It can be elevated with endometriosis.

Common things being common, you most likely have an endometrioma.
I would suggest a consultation with a gyn oncologist because even if this is just endometriosis, it can be very complex surgery. There is a risk of needing bowel surgery. There is also an increased risk of injury to bowel , bladder, and ureter. Gyn oncologists have more surgical training in managing complex pelvic surgery.

best wishes
Back to Forum
Continue discussion
Expert Activity
Salmonella typhimurium outbreak sic...
Jan 07 by Enoch Choi, MD
Can Sleep Apnea Cause Alzheimer's?...
Jan 05 by Steven Y Park, MD
Optimal Health in 2009- Happy New Y... 
Dec 31 by Lee Kirksey, MD