OVARIAN CYST OR TUMOR, BENIGN

 Basic information

description

• A benign ovarian cyst or tumor is one that grows in or on the ovaries. The ovaries are the female reproductive organs that hold and release eggs and produce female hormones. Benign means noncancerous.
  • Ovarian cysts are fluid-filled or semisolid-filled sacs. The most common type is called functional and occurs in premenopausal women. There are other, less common types. Rarely, a cyst may lead to cancer.
  • Ovarian tumors are usually a solid mass, but can be cystic or mixed. One common type is a fibroma which can be quite large. It more often affects postmenopausal women. Another type, called dermoid, occurs more often in younger women.

FREQUENT SIGNS & SYMPTOMS

• Early symptoms can be mild and vague or absent.
• Bloating.
• Pelvic or abdominal pressure or pain.
• Loss of appetite or feeling full quickly.
• A need to urinate often.
• Increase in size of waist or abdomen. May feel a firm swelling in lower abdomen.
• Nausea, gas, or indigestion.
• Changes in bowel habits (e.g., constipation).
• Changes in menstrual periods.
• Pain or discomfort with intercourse.
• Lack of energy, fatigue, weight loss or gain, or fever.
• If a large ovarian cyst or tumor twists or ruptures, it can cause severe pain, rigid muscles, and swelling.

causes

The exact causes for cysts and tumors are unclear. There are multiple factors that are likely to play a role.

risk increases with

• Obesity.
• Early menstruation.
• Infertility.
• Hypothyroidism.
• Tamoxifen drug therapy is a risk for cysts.
• Smoking may increase risk of benign tumors.

PREVENTIVE MEASURES

• No specific preventive measures. Use of oral contraceptives may decrease risk.
• Have regular pelvic exams. They can help discover early changes in the reproductive organs.

expected outcomes

Most ovarian cysts require no treatment and disappear on their own within a few months. In other cases, treatment for a cyst or tumor usually provides a cure.

possible complications

• Complications from surgery may occur.
• Cyst or tumor may recur after treatment.
• Infertility.

 diagnosis & treatment

general measures

• Your health care provider will do a physical and pelvic exam. Medical tests can include blood studies and an ultrasound. Laparoscopy (a telescope-like tool used to look inside the abdomen) may be used for diagnosis and treatment. A biopsy may be done.
• Treatment will depend on the diagnostic results, symptoms, and a woman's age and health status.
• Treatment may not be needed for most cysts. Routine medical follow-up is done to verify the cyst goes away.
• Cyst treatment, if needed, may include removing the fluid in the cyst, drug therapy, or removal with surgery.
• A ruptured cyst usually does not require surgery. The fluid will be absorbed by the body. If bleeding continues, surgery may be required.
• Surgery may be done to remove a cyst or tumor. The ovary may be removed (oophorectomy) if it is damaged. Pregnancy can still occur with one ovary. Rarely, both ovaries are removed.
• A twisted cyst or tumor needs surgery right away to avoid damage to an ovary.
• To learn more: try the library or do a web search. A good site to start with is www.womenshealth.gov.

medications

Female hormones may be prescribed. These help shrink or destroy some cysts. Oral contraceptives are often used as the first step in treatment.

activity

No limits unless surgery is necessary.

diet

No special diet.

 notify our office if

• You or a family member has symptoms of an ovarian cyst or tumor.
• Symptoms occur after diagnosis that cause concern.

Special Notes: