Ovarian Tumors

Abnormal growths in the ovaries, which can be benign (noncancerous) or malignant (cancerous).

Ovarian Tumours: What You Need to Know

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Ovarian tumours are abnormal growths of cells that form in or on the ovaries. The ovaries are two almond-shaped organs that produce eggs and hormones in women. Ovarian tumours can be benign (not cancerous) or malignant (cancerous). The type and treatment of ovarian tumours depend on many factors, such as the age of the woman, the stage of the tumour, and the type of cells involved.

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Types of Ovarian Tumours

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There are three main types of cells in the ovaries: epithelial, germ, and stromal. Each type of cell can develop into a different type of tumour.

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  • Epithelial tumours start from the cells that cover the outer surface of the ovary. They are the most common type of ovarian tumour, accounting for about 90% of all cases. Epithelial tumours can be benign, borderline, or malignant. Benign epithelial tumours do not spread and usually do not cause serious problems. Borderline epithelial tumours have some features of cancer, but they do not grow into the surrounding tissues or spread to other parts of the body. Malignant epithelial tumours are cancerous and can invade nearby organs or spread to distant sites.

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  • Germ cell tumours start from the cells that produce eggs in the ovary. They are rare, accounting for about 5% of all ovarian tumours. Germ cell tumours can be benign or malignant. Benign germ cell tumours include mature cystic teratomas (also known as dermoid cysts), which contain different types of tissues, such as hair, skin, teeth, and bone. Malignant germ cell tumours include dysgerminomas, which are similar to testicular cancer in men, and other types, such as endodermal sinus tumours, choriocarcinomas, and embryonal carcinomas.

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  • Stromal tumours start from the cells that hold the ovary together and produce hormones. They are also rare, accounting for about 5% of all ovarian tumours. Stromal tumours can be benign or malignant. Benign stromal tumours include fibromas, which are made of fibrous tissue, and thecomas, which are made of fat-like cells. Malignant stromal tumours include granulosa cell tumours, which produce oestrogen, and Sertoli-Leydig cell tumours, which produce testosterone.

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Symptoms of Ovarian Tumours

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Ovarian tumours often do not cause any noticeable symptoms until they grow large or spread to other organs. When symptoms do occur, they may include:

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  • Abdominal bloating or swelling
  • Feeling full quickly after eating
  • Weight loss
  • Pelvic pain or pressure
  • Changes in bowel or bladder habits
  • Fatigue
  • Back pain
  • Abnormal vaginal bleeding

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These symptoms can also be caused by other conditions, such as ovarian cysts, endometriosis, or pelvic inflammatory disease. Therefore, it is important to see a doctor if you have any persistent or unusual symptoms.

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Diagnosis and Treatment of Ovarian Tumours

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To diagnose ovarian tumours, doctors may use various tests and procedures, such as:

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  • Pelvic exam: A physical examination of the vagina, cervix, uterus, ovaries, and rectum.
  • Ultrasound: A test that uses sound waves to create images of the pelvic organs.
  • Blood tests: Tests that measure the levels of certain substances in the blood that may indicate ovarian cancer, such as CA-125, HE4, or inhibin.
  • Biopsy: A procedure that involves removing a small sample of tissue from the ovary or abdomen for microscopic examination.
  • Surgery: A procedure that involves removing the tumour and sometimes the surrounding tissue or the affected ovary. Surgery is also used to stage ovarian cancer, which means determining how far it has spread.
  • Chemotherapy: A treatment that uses drugs to kill cancer cells or stop them from growing.
  • Radiation therapy: A treatment that uses high-energy rays to destroy cancer cells or shrink tumours.
  • Hormone therapy: A treatment that uses drugs to block or lower the production or action of hormones that may stimulate some types of ovarian cancer.

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The choice and outcome of treatment depend on many factors, such as the type and stage of the tumour, the age and general health of the woman, and her preferences and goals.

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Sources

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[1] Debbo Africa: https://debbo.africa

[2] https://www.cancer.org/cancer/types/ovarian-cancer/about/what-is-ovarian-cancer.html

[3] https://www.cancer.coloradowomenshealth.com/non-cancerous/ovarian-tumors/index.html

[4] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ovarian_tumor