Caused by abnormal tissue growth that can be related to hormone changes in the ovary, most ovarian tumors and cysts in women of childbearing age are painless and benign. Unlike the solid tumor, which is created by overly rapid cell growth, a cyst is filled with fluid and may be produced cyclically as a result of hormonal activity. Unless it becomes infected or ruptures, most small cysts remain under the radar until a detected during a pelvic examination or ultrasound.
Treatment
In women of childbearing years, the most common treatment of large or painful ovarian cysts and uterine tumors of three centimeters or more is surgical removal. In such cases, biopsy of the tissue may be necessary to rule out malignancy. Even benign cysts and tumors can interfere with successful pregnancy, so an obstetrician may suggest surgery to remove tumors and cysts in women that are planning to have a child.
For women that are not planning to have children, the most common course of action with benign fibroid tumors and cysts is to leave them intact. They are believed to cause no substantial increase in cancer risk, and the risks involved in a major surgery or hysterectomy are usually deemed greater than the risk or discomfort in leaving the tumors alone. Unless they are causing a great deal of pain, excessive bleeding between periods or other severe discomfort, the common course of action is to take no action at all.
If an ovarian tumor is found to be non-cancerous after a surgical biopsy is performed, it can usually be removed without causing damage to the ovary, and childbearing will still be possible. Still, many doctors prefer not to take chances with tumors and will recommend that women over 40 that have completed their child bearing have more aggressive treatment, which may include the removal of one, or both ovaries.
The Good News
If you are a woman of childbearing age that is diagnosed with ovarian cancer, you may still be able to have children after the removal of one tube and ovary. Even the most advanced ovarian cancers are usually operable, and survival is likely when the cancerous tissue is removed in a timely manner, and surgery is followed up by chemotherapy.
Uterine cancer is rare in women under 40 and is likely to be detected due to heavy bleeding in between periods. Regular screening in women over 40 can increase the chance of early detection of the disease, and the survival rate is very high with early detection and treatment.
If you are trying to get pregnant, it is a good idea to have a full pelvic examination to rule out cysts and tumors that could inhibit or interfere with pregnancy. If you are a woman past the age of childbearing or who is not planning to have children, annual checkups, pap smears and periodic ultrasounds can increase your chances of catching malignancies early and getting the medical treatment that you need.
Tammy McKillip - Tammy McKillip is a writer/photographer living and working in Hunterdon County, New Jersey. A graduate of Columbia University's writing ...
