Ovarian Cancer Support Group

If your partner hasn't undergone surgery or the growth tested, then it is hard to see how a diagnosis of OC could have been made... these things usually turn out to be benign conditions.. I am hoping there is still a chance that this is something else and am confused as to how the diagnosis was made..

Try to take this one day at a time, there is so much you don't know yet about her specific condition and it will take time to get all the info you need. Don't get ahead of yourselves with fears and worries that could turn out to be unfounded.. rather spend your time and energy on better things that can lift your spirits and make you strong.. not easy, when you are worried out of your wits, but worth the effort.. Wishing for all the best for you and your partner.. Inka xxx

I am waiting for surgery for a mass on one ovary. In my case, the doctor has said that he thinks it is not cancer, but as in your case, based on incomplete information. I have done some reading (can't help myself from checking the internet!) and I found med journal articles about the reliability of ultrasound in knowing whether the mass is cancerous or not, and they seem to say that it is somewhat indicative but can't tell conclusively. A blood test for a cancer antigen (CA-125) can also help with a diagnosis, but is also not 100%, giving both false positives and false negatives. So I think you are right, surgery and examination of tissues is the only definitive thing.

I can certainly identify with the panic and fear part! But what I would focus on is to talk to the surgeon and move forward. And hold on to the part where they said there was no spread. If that is correct, that is very much in your favor.

Good luck and take care!

I wanted to add, in what I have read it is generally believed that the denser the mass appears on ultrasound, the more likely it is cancer. However the papers I read showed that masses of all densities can turn out to be cancer or not (except the very low density which tend to be benign virtually always). So, that is probably why the doctor made the diagnosis, but remember that ultrasound is not definitive and the masses could very well be benign.

Best of luck,

Catherine

If it is possible for you to be with your partner when she meets with her Doctor you should find many of your questions answered there.
The doctors seem to know that this is not just going to affect the patient but their family too. It is all extremely frightening, especially at the stage where there are so many "unknowns." If, in truth it is ovca then one goes into a sort of shock. This can last for quite some time.

Look into any local programs that are there to help families. This is a good website for your partner too...as we are incredibly supportive of one another.
hugs, lindamae