Understanding Ovarian Tumors and Their Effects on Ovarian Health

Written by Medicover Team and Medically Reviewed by Dr Prathista Rao M , Gynecologists

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

An ovarian tumor is an abnormal growth that develops in or on an ovary. Ovarian tumors can be benign (noncancerous) or malignant (cancerous), and they can occur in women of different ages. The type, size, and characteristics of the tumor determine its symptoms, potential complications, and treatment.

Some ovarian tumors are discovered incidentally during imaging tests performed for other reasons, while others may cause pelvic or abdominal symptoms. Proper medical evaluation is important to determine whether an ovarian tumor requires monitoring, further testing, or treatment.

What Are the Types of Ovarian Tumors?

Ovarian tumors are broadly classified according to the type of cells from which they develop. They may be benign, borderline, or malignant.

Epithelial Tumors: These develop from the cells covering the outer surface of the ovary and include serous and mucinous tumors. Some are benign, while others can be cancerous.
Germ Cell Tumors: These develop from the egg-producing cells of the ovary and are more common in children, adolescents, and younger women. Dysgerminoma and teratoma are examples.
Sex Cord-Stromal Tumors: These arise from the cells that support the ovary and produce hormones. Granulosa cell tumors are an example.
Brenner Tumors: These are uncommon ovarian tumors that are usually benign, although borderline or malignant forms can rarely occur.

What Are the Symptoms of an Ovarian Tumor?

Some ovarian tumors do not cause symptoms, especially when they are small. As a tumor grows, it may cause abdominal or pelvic symptoms or affect nearby organs.

Persistent abdominal bloating or swelling
Pelvic or lower abdominal pain
Feeling full quickly after eating
Changes in bowel habits, such as constipation
Frequent urination or increased urinary pressure
Back pain
Irregular menstrual periods or abnormal bleeding
Unexplained fatigue or weight loss

What Are the Causes of Ovarian Tumors?

The exact cause of most ovarian tumors is not known. They develop when cells in or around the ovary grow and divide abnormally. The underlying cause can vary depending on the type of ovarian tumor.

Genetic changes that cause abnormal cell growth
Inherited gene mutations associated with certain ovarian cancers
Abnormal development of ovarian cells
Hormonal and reproductive factors that may influence some types of ovarian tumors
Conditions such as endometriosis, which are associated with certain ovarian tumor types

When to See a Doctor for an Ovarian Tumor?

See a gynecologist if you have persistent abdominal, pelvic, menstrual, or urinary symptoms, especially if they are new or becoming more frequent. Early evaluation helps determine whether an ovarian tumor is present and whether further testing is needed.

Persistent bloating, pelvic pain, or abdominal swelling
Feeling full quickly or unexplained changes in appetite
Changes in menstrual periods or abnormal vaginal bleeding
Frequent urination or changes in bowel habits
Unexplained fatigue or weight loss

Get medical help immediately if:

Severe or sudden abdominal or pelvic pain
Rapid abdominal swelling with severe discomfort
Persistent vomiting or inability to keep fluids down
Sudden worsening of symptoms or fainting

A gynecologist usually evaluates ovarian tumors. Depending on the findings, a gynecologic oncologist may be involved when cancer is suspected or confirmed. A radiologist helps interpret imaging studies, while a pathologist examines tissue to determine the tumor type. Medical or radiation oncologists may also be involved when cancer treatment requires chemotherapy, targeted therapy, or radiation therapy.

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How Is an Ovarian Tumor Diagnosed?

Diagnosis usually involves a pelvic examination, imaging tests, blood tests, and, when necessary, examination of tumor tissue. The tests used depend on the appearance of the tumor, symptoms, age, and whether cancer is suspected.

Pelvic Ultrasound: Helps assess the size, location, and appearance of an ovarian tumor and determine whether it is solid, cystic, or complex.
Blood Tests: Tumor markers such as CA-125 and other markers may be measured when appropriate, although they cannot by themselves confirm or rule out ovarian cancer.
MRI: Provides detailed images of the ovaries and surrounding pelvic structures and may help characterize an ovarian mass.
CT Scan: May be used to assess the abdomen and pelvis when cancer is suspected or to determine whether disease has spread.
Biopsy or Surgical Evaluation: Tissue examination may be required to determine whether a tumor is benign or malignant and identify its specific type.

What Are the Treatment Options for an Ovarian Tumor?

Treatment depends on whether the tumor is benign or malignant, its type and size, symptoms, age, overall health, and reproductive goals. Some benign tumors can be monitored, while others require surgery or cancer treatment.

Monitoring: Small ovarian tumors that appear benign and do not cause symptoms may be monitored with follow-up examinations and imaging.
Surgery: Surgery may be recommended to remove an ovarian tumor that is large, symptomatic, growing, or suspicious for cancer. Depending on the situation, the tumor alone, one ovary, or additional reproductive tissues may need to be removed.
Chemotherapy: Chemotherapy may be used for certain malignant ovarian tumors to destroy cancer cells or reduce the risk of recurrence.
Targeted Therapy: Some ovarian cancers may be treated with medicines that target specific molecular or genetic features of the cancer.
Hormone Therapy: Hormonal treatment may be considered for selected ovarian tumors that are sensitive to hormones.
Fertility-Sparing Treatment: When appropriate, younger patients with certain early-stage tumors may be considered for treatment that preserves the uterus and unaffected ovarian tissue.

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What Are the Risk Factors for Ovarian Tumors?

Risk factors vary depending on the type of ovarian tumor. Having a risk factor does not mean that a person will develop an ovarian tumor.

Increasing age, particularly for many epithelial ovarian cancers
Family history of ovarian, breast, or certain other cancers
Inherited gene mutations such as BRCA1 and BRCA2
Certain inherited cancer syndromes
Personal history of some cancers
Endometriosis, which is associated with certain ovarian cancer subtypes
Some reproductive and hormonal factors

What Are the Possible Complications of an Ovarian Tumor?

Complications depend on the type, size, and behavior of the ovarian tumor. Benign tumors can sometimes cause problems because of their size, while malignant tumors may spread to nearby or distant tissues.

Persistent pelvic or abdominal pain
Pressure on the bladder or bowel
Ovarian torsion with sudden severe pain
Tumor rupture or bleeding in some cases
Fertility problems depending on the tumor and treatment
Spread of cancer to other parts of the body in malignant tumors

Frequently Asked Questions

1. How can ovarian tumor be identified through its signs?

Ovarian tumors can be identified through signs like abdominal bloating, pelvic pain, frequent urination, and difficulty eating or feeling full quickly.