We are independent & ad-supported. We may earn a commission for purchases made through our links.
Advertiser Disclosure
Our website is an independent, advertising-supported platform. We provide our content free of charge to our readers, and to keep it that way, we rely on revenue generated through advertisements and affiliate partnerships. This means that when you click on certain links on our site and make a purchase, we may earn a commission. Learn more.
How We Make Money
We sustain our operations through affiliate commissions and advertising. If you click on an affiliate link and make a purchase, we may receive a commission from the merchant at no additional cost to you. We also display advertisements on our website, which help generate revenue to support our work and keep our content free for readers. Our editorial team operates independently of our advertising and affiliate partnerships to ensure that our content remains unbiased and focused on providing you with the best information and recommendations based on thorough research and honest evaluations. To remain transparent, we’ve provided a list of our current affiliate partners here.
Health

Our Promise to you

Founded in 2002, our company has been a trusted resource for readers seeking informative and engaging content. Our dedication to quality remains unwavering—and will never change. We follow a strict editorial policy, ensuring that our content is authored by highly qualified professionals and edited by subject matter experts. This guarantees that everything we publish is objective, accurate, and trustworthy.

Over the years, we've refined our approach to cover a wide range of topics, providing readers with reliable and practical advice to enhance their knowledge and skills. That's why millions of readers turn to us each year. Join us in celebrating the joy of learning, guided by standards you can trust.

What are Ovarian Tumors?

Nicole Madison
By
Updated: May 17, 2024
Views: 9,615
Share

Ovarian tumors are growths that develop either in or on a woman's ovary. The ovaries are part of a woman's reproductive system. Women have two ovaries, which are charged with producing eggs as well as female hormones. The growths that form on them develop because of abnormal cells. They are solid, differentiating them from cysts, which are filled with fluid.

Ovarian tumors make for a frightening topic for women, but they are not always life threatening. Some tumors are benign, which means the abnormal cells don't spread to other body parts. A benign ovarian tumor may develop for many reasons, and scientists are not always sure what causes them. It is even possible for them to develop before a woman is born.

The treatment for benign tumors depends on the woman's health status. Sometimes a doctor may choose to wait on treating them to see how they develop and whether or not they continue to grow. Sometimes, doctors recommend removing ovarian tumors surgically. In some cases, it may even be necessary to remove the ovary along with the tumor. If the ovary is removed, it is usually carefully examined for cancer cells.

Sometimes ovarian tumors are cancerous, or malignant, and have the potential to spread beyond the ovarian tissue. It is estimated that about one-fifth of cancerous ovarian tumors are found while the cancer is still in its early stages. This is important, as catching the cancer early improves a woman's chances for successful treatment. These tumors may be found during a woman's regular pelvic exam, when a doctor feels her organs in order to check on their size and shape. However, it is not always possible for a doctor to detect ovarian tumors in this manner, and Pap smears cannot be used to detect early ovarian cancer.

The symptoms of benign and malignant ovarian tumors are similar. For example, a woman's abdomen may become swollen or abnormally bloated. She may feel pressure in her pelvis or stomach pain. She may feel full faster and have to urinate more often; sometimes, there is pain during sexual intercourse or irregular vaginal bleeding. Unfortunately, these symptoms are rather vague and may be dismissed as other conditions.

There are some screening tests designed for detecting early ovarian tumors. However, they are typically used in women who have a high risk for them. This includes those who have a family history of ovarian cancer. For these women, ultrasounds and blood tests may be used for detecting early cancer, even if they do not have symptoms.

Share
WiseGeek is dedicated to providing accurate and trustworthy information. We carefully select reputable sources and employ a rigorous fact-checking process to maintain the highest standards. To learn more about our commitment to accuracy, read our editorial process.
Nicole Madison
By Nicole Madison
Nicole Madison's love for learning inspires her work as a WiseGeek writer, where she focuses on topics like homeschooling, parenting, health, science, and business. Her passion for knowledge is evident in the well-researched and informative articles she authors. As a mother of four, Nicole balances work with quality family time activities such as reading, camping, and beach trips.

Editors' Picks

Discussion Comments
By anon168573 — On Apr 18, 2011

I late dec of 2010 i had surgery because i had a very large tumor on my ovary. I am now having having the same back pain that i was when i found out that i had a tumor. Could it be that it has come back?

By anon35301 — On Jul 03, 2009

well if your dr. told you it was a cyst. then why didn't you ask him or her these questions?

By anon25226 — On Jan 26, 2009

I have very painful abdomen. My doctor says i have a cyst. What are the signs and symptoms of cysts. And is there anyway to relieve the pain?

Nicole Madison
Nicole Madison
Nicole Madison's love for learning inspires her work as a WiseGeek writer, where she focuses on topics like...
Learn more
Share
https://www.wisegeek.net/what-are-ovarian-tumors.htm
Copy this link
WiseGeek, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.

WiseGeek, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.