OVARIAN TUMOR, BENIGN

General Information

DEFINITION--A benign, cystic (saclike) tumor on the ovary that contains fluid or semisolid material. These are usually small, but in some cases they may grow large enough to make a woman appear pregnant. Ovarian tumors are usually benign, but a few undergo malignant change.

BODY PARTS INVOLVED--One or both ovaries.

SEX OR AGE MOST AFFECTED--Females between puberty and menopause.

SIGNS & SYMPTOMS--

May not cause symptoms. If symptoms occur, they may include:

• Mild pelvic pain.
• Pain in the lower back.
• Discomfort with sexual intercourse.
• Abnormal menstruation, including changes in menstrual flow, length of periods and intervals between periods.
• Excessive hair growth, deep voice and weight gain (sometimes). If a large ovarian tumor twists or ruptures, the following will occur in the lower abdomen:
• Severe pain.
• Rigid muscles.
• Swelling.

CAUSES--Unknown, but it is probably related to abnormalities of female hormone production and secretion.

RISK INCREASES WITH--Unknown.

HOW TO PREVENT--No specific preventive measures.

What To Expect

DIAGNOSTIC MEASURES--

• Your own observation of symptoms.
• Medical history and physical exam by a doctor.
• Laboratory blood studies.
• Laparoscopy, a surgical diagnostic procedure. A small tube is inserted in the abdomen under local anesthesia. The tube allows the doctor to see the organs and biopsy or drain the tumor, if necessary.

APPROPRIATE HEALTH CARE

• Doctor's treatment.
• Treatment may not be necessary, except to have regular pelvic examinations so the tumor's growth can be monitored.
• Surgery to remove the tumor or diseased ovary (sometimes).

POSSIBLE COMPLICATIONS--Emergency abdominal surgery caused by twisting, rupture or bleeding of a tumor.

PROBABLE OUTCOME--Most ovarian tumors require no treatment and disappear spontaneously within 2 months.

How To Treat

GENERAL MEASURES--

• Some tumors require surgery to diagnose accurately, rule out malignancy or to treat. If one ovary must be removed, normal conception and childbirth is possible as long as a normal ovary remains on the other side.
• If surgery is required, see Laparotomy (in Surgery section) for an explanation of surgery and postoperative care.

MEDICATION--Your doctor may prescribe female hormones or clomiphene. These help shrink or destroy some tumors.

ACTIVITY--No restrictions if surgery is not necessary.

DIET--No special diet.

Call Your Doctor If

• You have symptoms of an ovarian tumor, especially severe pain, rigidity and abdominal distention.
• New, unexplained symptoms develop. Drugs used in treatment may produce side effects.