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What is an Ovarian Mass?

Madeleine A.
Madeleine A.

An ovarian mass refers to an enlargement of one of the ovaries. Typically, an ovarian mass can present as a solid tumor or fluid-filled cyst. In addition, it can be a combination of a solid tumor and cyst. The ovaries are female reproductive organs that produce female hormones, including estrogen. An ovarian cyst is a common condition, which is typically not cancerous. Generally, small ovarian cysts resolve on their own, without treatment. Sometimes, larger ovarian cysts may require surgical intervention to remove them.

Ovarian cancer may cause another type of mass. This type of mass is one that is made up of cancerous, or malignant cells. Usually, ovarian cancer starts in the ovary, in which case it is referred to as primary ovarian cancer. The cancer may have metastasized to the ovary from another body part. If ovarian cancer is not detected and treated in a timely fashion, it is potentially fatal. Sometimes, these masses are asymptomatic and may not be noticed until a pelvic examination is performed.

A healthy ovary and one with cysts.
A healthy ovary and one with cysts.

Typically, when this type of mass does produce symptoms, the patient may feel fullness or pressure in the abdomen or pelvic area. Painless swelling in the abdomen or weight gain may also be noted. In addition, a change in bowel or bladder function and leg or vulva swelling may be noticed. Although these symptoms may not indicate an ovarian mass, they need to be evaluated to determine the cause. Prompt diagnosis is important because these types of masses can become twisted, which may cause severe pain, fever, and nausea. If this occurs, emergency surgical intervention may be warranted.

A  woman's physician should monitor suspicious, large ovarian cysts that may lead to persistent pain or other health concerns.
A woman's physician should monitor suspicious, large ovarian cysts that may lead to persistent pain or other health concerns.

A physician who specializes in gynecology will utilize various testing methods and examinations to determine if the ovarian mass is cancerous or benign. If an ovarian malignancy is diagnosed, a physician specializing in oncology may be consulted. Medical tests to determine the characteristics of the mass include blood tests, ultrasound, and CT scanning. In addition, an MRI may be recommended for further evaluation of the abdominal area. Generally, if these testing methods still do not yield a definitive diagnosis, surgery may be required to remove and biopsy the mass.

Some women with an ovarian mass experience no symptoms at all, while others feel swelling and pressure in the pelvic and abdominal area.
Some women with an ovarian mass experience no symptoms at all, while others feel swelling and pressure in the pelvic and abdominal area.

Generally, most ovarian masses are benign, however, the incidence of malignancy rises with age. It is estimated that up to 60 percent of masses in the ovaries in postmenopausal women are malignant. In these cases, ultrasound imaging may reveal a complex adnexal mass with ascites, or fluid in the abdominal cavity. Although ovarian cancer has an unfavorable prognosis when diagnosed in its late stages, early detection and proper medical intervention can dramatically improve the prognosis.

Discussion Comments

anon994845

I hope thing are going well for you. I will keep you in my prayers. I know, not knowing is very stressful. Just keep your faith.

anon338351

I hope everything has gone well for you. They have found a mass in me also, but they are not sure if it is from one ovary or two. I am very worried as I don't have children yet. They said they will not know if it is cancer until they remove it and analyze it.

anon255659

I'm jane, 28 years old. I was diagnosed to have a 6.9 cm adnexal mass in my right ovary. It was accidentally seen in my kub ultrasound. I don't have any symptoms but only dysmenorrhea graded as 6 from scale of 1-10. I sometimes do not take any pain medication during my period because I still can manage the pain.

I also have a regular monthly menstrual period, and my heavy days are from the first through third days, but the fourth and fifth are not.

I'm nervous because my mother's side had a history of ovarian cancer. I was scheduled to do the pelvic ultrasound this week and see my o.b the day after. I'm so anxious because I want to have a baby soon. What can you advise for diet and daily routines? Please help.

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    • A healthy ovary and one with cysts.
      By: Alila
      A healthy ovary and one with cysts.
    • A  woman's physician should monitor suspicious, large ovarian cysts that may lead to persistent pain or other health concerns.
      By: Alliance
      A woman's physician should monitor suspicious, large ovarian cysts that may lead to persistent pain or other health concerns.
    • Some women with an ovarian mass experience no symptoms at all, while others feel swelling and pressure in the pelvic and abdominal area.
      By: ryanking999
      Some women with an ovarian mass experience no symptoms at all, while others feel swelling and pressure in the pelvic and abdominal area.
    • Some ovarian masses are asymptomatic and may not be noticed until a OB/GYN performs a pelvic examination.
      By: javiindy
      Some ovarian masses are asymptomatic and may not be noticed until a OB/GYN performs a pelvic examination.
    • Ovarian cysts are common in women, and are generally not cancerous.
      By: Zsolnai Gergely
      Ovarian cysts are common in women, and are generally not cancerous.
    • Healthy ovaries are very important for reproductive health.
      By: Marin Conic
      Healthy ovaries are very important for reproductive health.
    • Although ovarian cancer starts in the ovaries, it can spread to other areas.
      By: Photographee.eu
      Although ovarian cancer starts in the ovaries, it can spread to other areas.
    • An ultrasound can be used to examine the characteristics of an ovarian mass.
      By: acherst
      An ultrasound can be used to examine the characteristics of an ovarian mass.