| Q&A of the Week: Septated Ovarian Cyst | |
Debra writes: I have recently received results from an ultrasound indicated that I have a adnexal septated complex cyst versus simple cysts on my left ovary. I have had several surgeries in the past for cysts and endometriosis (mild). I have left discomfort constantly and intercourse in certain positions is uncomfortable. My doctor is repeating the ultrasound in a couple of weeks. I question this due to my history or repetitive cysts. Almost every couple of years I have to have a D&C because my bleeding becomes so very heavy.
What does complex adnexal septated exactly mean.... This culprit that brought me back to the doctor this time was clotting and leg aches.
It sounds as though the ultrasound isn't clearly showing whether there is one complex cyst or more than one simple cyst (presumably close together). A simple cyst would be one "sac", usually filled with fluid. Simple ovarian cysts are very rarely cancerous - various types of simple cysts are quite common during the childbearing years.
"Septated" means that the cyst is divided into segments. The significance of this is partly in how thick the walls ("septa") are between the parts. A thicker wall is thought to be a higher risk of being malignant, as is a complex cyst (which has solid and non-solid areas in it). Usually when there is a simple cyst, another ultrasound will be done in month, whereas with a complex one they would remove it and evaluate it for ovarian cancer. It sounds like in your case, not knowing which it is, the recommendation is to split the difference.
Adnexal just means it's in the area near the uterus, which includes the ovaries and fallopian tubes.
Endometriosis sometimes produces its own kind of cyst on the ovary, called an endometrioma, or "chocolate" cyst.
Another test that can be done to possibly give clues as to the malignancy of a cyst is the CA 125 blood test, although this test is not infallible.
Best wishes to you. Please let us know how you are doing.
More information about ovarian cysts and endometriosis
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