Understanding Ovarian Fibroma and Its Effects on Ovarian Health

Written by Medicover Team and Medically Reviewed by Dr Bhargavi Reddy , Gynecologists

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1. Causes 2. Find a Doctor 3. Diagnosis 4. Treatment 5. FAQs

Ovarian fibroma is a rare, usually benign solid tumour that develops from fibrous connective tissue in the ovary. Many ovarian fibromas do not cause symptoms and are discovered incidentally during pelvic imaging or evaluation for another condition. Larger fibromas may cause pelvic or abdominal discomfort, fullness, or pressure on nearby organs. In some cases, an ovarian fibroma can be associated with Meigs syndrome, which includes an ovarian fibroma, ascites, and fluid around the lungs.

What Are the Types of Ovarian Fibroma?

Ovarian fibromas are classified according to their cellular and microscopic features. Most are benign, although some uncommon ovarian stromal tumours may have more concerning features and require careful pathological evaluation.

Ovarian Fibroma: A benign solid ovarian tumour composed mainly of fibrous tissue.
Cellular Fibroma: A variant with increased cellularity that may have a higher risk of recurrence than conventional fibroma.
Mitotically Active Cellular Fibroma: A cellular fibroma with increased cell division that requires careful pathological assessment.
Fibrothecoma: A related ovarian stromal tumour containing both fibrous and theca-like tissue.

What Are the Symptoms of Ovarian Fibroma?

Many ovarian fibromas are small and cause no symptoms. When symptoms occur, they are usually related to the size of the tumour and pressure on nearby pelvic or abdominal structures.

Pelvic or abdominal pain: A dull or aching discomfort may occur as the tumour grows.
Abdominal fullness or bloating: Larger fibromas may cause pressure or a feeling of fullness.
Frequent urination: A larger tumour may press on the bladder and increase urinary frequency.
Constipation: Pressure on the bowel may sometimes make passing stools difficult.
Menstrual changes: Some women may experience changes in their menstrual pattern.
Abdominal swelling: A large tumour or associated ascites may cause visible abdominal enlargement.

What Are the Causes of Ovarian Fibroma?

The exact cause of ovarian fibroma is not known. These tumours develop from the ovarian stromal or connective tissue, but the specific changes that cause them to form are not fully understood.

Abnormal growth of ovarian stromal cells: Fibromas develop from connective tissue cells within the ovary.
Genetic changes: Certain genetic alterations may contribute to the development of ovarian fibromas.
Genetic syndromes: Ovarian fibromas can occur as part of rare inherited conditions such as Gorlin syndrome.

When to See a Doctor for Ovarian Fibroma?

See a gynecologist if you have persistent pelvic pain, abdominal fullness, menstrual changes, or a known ovarian mass. Early evaluation helps determine whether the growth is benign and whether monitoring or treatment is needed.

Persistent pelvic or abdominal pain
Increasing abdominal fullness or bloating
Frequent urination or constipation without another clear cause
Changes in menstrual periods
A known ovarian mass that is increasing in size

Get medical help immediately if:

Sudden severe abdominal or pelvic pain
Rapid abdominal swelling with difficulty breathing
Severe weakness, dizziness, or fainting
Sudden worsening of symptoms associated with a known ovarian mass

A gynecologist usually evaluates and treats ovarian fibroma. A gynecologic surgeon may be involved when surgical removal is required. If imaging suggests a possible ovarian cancer, a gynecologic oncologist may also be involved in diagnosis and treatment.

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How Is Ovarian Fibroma Diagnosed?

Diagnosing an ovarian fibroma can be challenging because it may resemble other solid ovarian tumours on imaging. Doctors use a combination of examination, imaging, blood tests, and, when necessary, surgical and pathological evaluation. A definite diagnosis is often made after the tumour is removed and examined under a microscope.

Pelvic examination: A doctor checks for an abnormal pelvic or ovarian mass.
Ultrasound: Pelvic or transvaginal ultrasound helps identify the size, location, and solid characteristics of the ovarian mass.
MRI: MRI may provide more detailed information when ultrasound findings are unclear.
Blood tests: Tumour markers such as CA-125 may be checked when an ovarian malignancy needs to be considered. An elevated CA-125 does not by itself mean that the tumour is cancerous.
Pathological examination: Tissue obtained during surgery is examined under a microscope to confirm the diagnosis and determine whether the tumour is benign.
Laparoscopy: Minimally invasive surgery may be used to evaluate and remove a suitable ovarian mass.

What Are the Treatment Options for Ovarian Fibroma?

Treatment depends on the size and appearance of the tumour, symptoms, age, menopausal status, fertility plans, and whether there is concern about malignancy. Because ovarian fibromas are usually benign, treatment is often focused on observation or surgical removal when appropriate.

Observation and Monitoring

Small ovarian fibromas that do not cause symptoms may sometimes be monitored with follow-up examinations and imaging. The follow-up schedule depends on the individual findings.

Surgical Removal

Surgery may be recommended when the tumour is large, causes symptoms, continues to grow, or cannot be confidently distinguished from a malignant ovarian tumour.

Ovarian tumour removal: The fibroma may be removed while preserving the ovary when appropriate, particularly in women who wish to preserve fertility.
Unilateral salpingo-oophorectomy: Removal of one ovary and fallopian tube may be considered when the tumour involves the ovary extensively or when clinically appropriate.
Laparoscopic surgery: Minimally invasive surgery may be suitable for selected patients and can offer a shorter recovery than open surgery.

Management of Meigs Syndrome

If an ovarian fibroma is associated with ascites and pleural effusion, surgical removal of the fibroma is the primary treatment and can lead to resolution of the fluid accumulation. Additional procedures may sometimes be needed to relieve significant fluid-related symptoms.

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What Are the Risk Factors for Ovarian Fibroma?

Ovarian fibromas can occur at different ages, but they are more frequently identified in middle-aged and postmenopausal women. Certain rare genetic conditions, including Gorlin syndrome, are associated with an increased likelihood of ovarian fibromas.

Age: Ovarian fibromas are more commonly diagnosed in middle-aged and older women.
Gorlin syndrome: This rare inherited condition can be associated with ovarian fibromas.
Family or genetic history: Certain inherited genetic changes may increase the likelihood of developing fibromas.

What Are the Complications of Ovarian Fibroma?

Most ovarian fibromas are benign and do not cause serious problems. However, larger tumours or associated conditions can lead to complications.

Pelvic or abdominal pressure and discomfort
Pressure on the bladder or bowel
Ascites, or fluid accumulation in the abdomen
Pleural effusion in rare cases associated with Meigs syndrome
Difficulty distinguishing the fibroma from a malignant ovarian tumour before pathological examination

What Is the Recovery Process After Ovarian Fibroma Treatment?

Recovery depends on the type of surgery performed and the individual's overall health. Patients undergoing minimally invasive surgery may return to normal activities sooner than those requiring open surgery.

Follow the surgeon's instructions for wound and activity care.
Avoid heavy lifting and strenuous exercise until medically cleared.
Attend scheduled follow-up appointments.
Take prescribed medicines as directed.
Discuss fertility and menstrual health during follow-up if the ovary was preserved.

What Precautions Can Help Manage Ovarian Fibroma?

There is no proven way to prevent ovarian fibroma. Regular gynecological evaluation can help identify ovarian masses early, particularly when symptoms develop or when a person has a known genetic condition associated with ovarian fibromas.

Attend routine gynecological check-ups as recommended.
Seek evaluation for persistent pelvic or abdominal symptoms.
Follow up on any ovarian mass detected during imaging.
Discuss genetic evaluation if there is a known family history or suspected inherited syndrome.

Our Experience Treating Ovarian Fibroma

At Medicover, our gynecology team evaluates ovarian masses using clinical assessment and appropriate imaging to help distinguish benign conditions such as ovarian fibroma from other ovarian tumours. When treatment is needed, our specialists provide surgical and follow-up care based on the patient's symptoms, overall health, and fertility goals.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What early signs should I look for with ovarian fibroma?

Early signs of ovarian fibroma may include pelvic pain, bloating, urinary symptoms, and abdominal swelling. Consult a healthcare provider for diagnosis.

2. What precautions should be taken for ovarian fibroma?

Regular monitoring with ultrasound, discussing symptoms with a healthcare provider, and considering surgical removal if causing symptoms or complications.

3. Are there any risks associated with untreated ovarian fibroma?

Yes, untreated ovarian fibromas can grow larger and cause pain or pressure symptoms. In rare cases, they may lead to complications such as torsion or rupture.