WHAT IS A BENIGN OVARION TUMOR?

A benign tumor is one, which is not cancerous. A benign ovarian tumor is a sac like tumor on the ovary that may be solid or contain fluid or semisolid material (cyst). 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, and when they do it progresses very rapidly.

AFFECTS

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.

If a large ovarian tumor twists or ruptures, the following will occur in the lower abdomen:

• Severe pain.
• Rigid abdominal muscles (guarding & rigidity).
• Distension of abdomen.

CAUSES

Unknown, but it is probably related to abnormalities of production and secretion of hormones in women.

CAN IT BE PREVENTED?

No specific preventive measures.

DIAGNOSTIC MEASURES

• Suggestive symptoms.
• Clinical Examination 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 COMPLICATIONS

Emergency abdominal surgery for twisting, rupture or bleeding of a tumor.

PROBABLE OUTCOME

Most benign 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

GENERAL MEASURES

Have yearly medical checkups and pelvic exams to detect tumors early. Treatment may not be necessary, except to have regular pelvic examinations so the tumor's growth can be monitored.

MEDICATION

You may be prescribed female hormones or other drugs, which help shrink or destroy some tumors.

ACTIVITY

No restrictions if surgery is not necessary.

DIET

No special diet.

CONTACT YOUR DOCTOR IMMEDIATELY, IF

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