OVARIAN TUMOR, BENIGN |
|
|
DESCRIPTIONA benign ovarian tumor is a cystic (saclike) tumor on the ovary that contains fluid or semisolid material. These tumors are usually small, but in some cases they may grow large enough to make a young woman appear pregnant. Ovarian tumors are usually benign, but a few undergo malignant change. One or both ovaries are involved. Benign ovarian tumors may affect one or both ovaries in females between puberty and menopause.
Appropriate health care includes:
Physician's monitoring of general condition and medications.
Surgery to remove the tumor or diseased ovary (sometimes).
SIGNS & SYMPTOMS
May not cause symptoms. If symptoms occur in your daughter, they may include:
-- Mild pelvic pain.
-- Pain in the lower back.
-- Abnormal menstruation, including changes in menstrual flow, length of periods, and intervals between periods.
-- Excessive hair growth, deep voice, and weight gain (sometimes).
-- Discomfort with sexual intercourse.
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 FACTORS
Unknown.
PREVENTING COMPLICATIONS OR RECURRENCENo specific preventive measures.
BASIC INFORMATION
MEDICAL TESTS
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.
POSSIBLE COMPLICATIONSEmergency 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.
Some tumors require surgery to diagnose accurately, ruling 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.
TREATMENT
HOME CARE
Your daughter should have yearly medical checkups and pelvic exams after puberty to detect tumors early. Treatment may not be necessary, except to have regular pelvic examinations so the tumor's growth can be monitored.
MEDICATION
Your doctor may prescribe female hormones or clomiphene for your daughter. These help shrink or destroy some tumors.
See Medications section for information regarding medicines your doctor may prescribe.
ACTIVITY
No restrictions if surgery is not necessary.
DIET & FLUIDS
No special diet.
OK TO GO TO SCHOOL?Yes, when condition and sense of well-being will allow.
CALL YOUR DOCTOR IF
Your daughter has symptoms of an ovarian tumor, especially severe pain, rigidity, and abdominal distention.
New, unexplained symptoms develop. Drugs used in treatment may produce side effects.
‡
|
|
|
|
Dserun mollit anim id est laborum. Lorem ipsum and sunt in culpa qui officias deserunt mollit. Excepteur plus sint occaecat the best cupidatat nonr proident, sunt in culpa qui officia deserunt mollit anim id est laborum. September 24, 2004
