Ovarian Mass - Symptoms, Diagnosis and Treatment

Most masses that develop in the pelvic area are ovarian masses, which can form from the tissues of ovaries, the female reproductive glands. An ovarian mass can be non-cancerous (benign) or cancerous (malignant).

The most common ovarian mass is a functional cyst, which typically is not cancer and will dissolve by itself. Other types of ovarian mass that are typically not cancerous include:

• Functional cysts
• Endometriomas
• Fibromas
• Dermoid cysts
• Polycystic ovaries
• Cyst adenomas

Functional cysts are most common in reproductive women. Epithelial tumor masses are more common in post-menopausal women and can be cancerous.

Ovarian Mass Symptoms

Ovarian masses often do not present any symptoms. Common ovarian mass symptoms are pain or bloating. Women who experience any abnormal discomfort should be examined by a gynecologic oncologist specializing in ovarian disease.

The gynecologic oncologist will review medical history and perform a physical exam to look for any ovarian masses. If a cyst or tumor is found, imaging tests, such as ultrasound or MRI, may be conducted to determine the exact location, size and composition of the mass.

Some ovarian masses may be monitored for a few months to determine if it is shrinking on its own. If the ovarian mass does shrink, no treatment is needed. Other types of ovarian masses will not shrink on their own and need to be removed through traditional surgical techniques or laparoscopic surgery.