Benign Ovarian Tumor

What is a benign ovarian tumor?

A benign ovarian tumor is a noncancerous growth on or inside an ovary. It is a solid mass, not a fluid-filled cyst. It is called benign because the abnormal cells in the growth do not spread to other parts of the body.

The two ovaries are part of the female reproductive system. They produce eggs and the female hormones estrogen and progesterone.

How does it occur?

The causes of benign ovarian tumors are not well understood. There are different types of tumors, which may have different causes. In many cases, a tumor may have developed months before you were born.

What are the symptoms?

An ovarian mass may cause no specific symptoms and may not be detected until you have a regular checkup with your health care provider. However, depending on the size, location, and type, it may cause some or all of the following symptoms:

a feeling of pressure or fullness in the abdomen or pelvis
a firm, painless swelling in the lower abdomen
irregular bowel or bladder function
abdominal pain that may linger from day to day
painful or irregular menstrual periods (sometimes you may stop having periods)
pain during sexual intercourse
swelling of the legs or vulva
an increase in facial and body hair
weight gain.

How is it diagnosed?

An ovarian tumor may be discovered when you have a pelvic exam. Tests you may have are:

ultrasound scan (sound waves are used to create a picture of your ovaries)
laparoscopy (your health care provider uses a thin flexible tube and tiny camera to look inside your abdomen at your ovaries)
CT (computed tomography) scan
MRI (magnetic resonance imaging)
blood tests.

How is it treated?

If you have a benign ovarian tumor, your health care provider may either take a "wait and see approach" or recommend treatment. The usual treatment is surgery to remove the tumor. In some cases the ovary is also removed. At the time of surgery the other ovary is thoroughly explored to be sure that it does not also have a tumor. Rarely, both ovaries have to be removed. A tumor that is removed will be studied carefully to check for cancer.

How long will the effects last?

Most of the time, a tumor that is surgically removed will not come back again.

The tumor sometimes can become cancerous, especially in women over 50. The cancerous tumor cells may then spread to other parts of the body.

How can I help take care of myself?

You should have a routine physical exam, including a pelvic exam and Pap test, as often as your health care provider recommends. Doing this will help ensure that changes in your ovaries are diagnosed as early as possible.

How can I help prevent a benign ovarian tumor?

There is no definite way to prevent the growth of ovarian tumors.

Disclaimer: This content is reviewed periodically and is subject to change as new health information becomes available. The information provided is intended to be informative and educational and is not a replacement for professional medical evaluation, advice, diagnosis or treatment by a healthcare professional.

HIA File WOM5205F.HTM Release 9.0/2006