Ovarian tumors refer to abnormal growths in the ovaries, which can be benign or malignant. Ovarian cysts are fluid-filled sacs in the ovary, which may be functional or pathological.
Types of
Ovarian Tumors
1. Benign Ovarian Tumors
Functional
Cysts
- Follicular Cyst
- Corpus Luteum Cyst
- Theca Lutein Cyst
Epithelial
Tumors
- Serous Cystadenoma
- Mucinous Cystadenoma
- Brenner Tumor
Germ Cell
Tumors
- Mature Teratoma (Dermoid Cyst)
Sex Cord
Stromal Tumors
- Fibroma
- Thecoma
- Granulosa Cell Tumor
Epithelial
Ovarian Cancer (Most Common, 90%)
- Serous Cystadenocarcinoma
- Mucinous Cystadenocarcinoma
- Endometrioid Carcinoma
Germ Cell
Tumors
- Dysgerminoma
- Yolk Sac Tumor
- Immature Teratoma
Sex Cord
Stromal Tumors
- Granulosa Cell Tumor
- Sertoli-Leydig Cell Tumor
1. Functional Cysts
- Follicular
Cyst: Forms when
the follicle fails to rupture.
- Corpus
Luteum Cyst:
Occurs when the corpus luteum fills with fluid.
- Theca
Lutein Cyst:
Associated with high
hCG levels (e.g., in molar pregnancy).
2. Pathological Cysts
- Endometriotic
Cyst (Chocolate Cyst): Associated with endometriosis,
filled with old
blood.
- Dermoid
Cyst (Mature Teratoma): Contains hair,
teeth, and sebaceous material.
Clinical
Features of Ovarian Tumors
- Asymptomatic
(In Early Stages)
- Pelvic
Pain or Pressure Symptoms
- Abdominal
Mass or Distension
- Menstrual
Irregularities
- Infertility
- Ascites
(In Malignant Tumors)
Diagnosis
of Ovarian Tumors
1. Clinical Examination
o
Palpation
of an adnexal mass on bimanual examination.
2. Imaging Studies
o
Transvaginal
Ultrasound (TVUS) –
First-line imaging.
o
MRI
/ CT Scan – For
further characterization.
3. Tumor Markers
o
CA-125 – Elevated in epithelial ovarian cancer.
o
AFP,
β-hCG, LDH – For germ
cell tumors.
o
Inhibin
& Estrogen – For
granulosa cell tumors.
4. Histopathology
o
Definitive
diagnosis obtained by
biopsy or surgical excision.
Management
& Treatment
1. Conservative Management (For
Functional Cysts)
- Observation
& Follow-Up
(Most regress spontaneously).
- OCPs
(Oral Contraceptive Pills) – To prevent recurrence.
2. Surgical Management
- Cystectomy – Removal of benign cysts.
- Oophorectomy – Removal of the affected ovary.
- Total
Abdominal Hysterectomy with Bilateral Salpingo-Oophorectomy (TAH-BSO) – For malignant tumors.
- Debulking
Surgery – For advanced ovarian cancer.
Complications
of Ovarian Tumors
- Rupture
of Cyst → Causes
acute abdomen & peritonitis.
- Torsion
of Ovary → Leads
to sudden severe pelvic pain.
- Malignant
Transformation
(Rare in benign tumors).
Keynote Symptoms of Ovarian Tumors & Cysts
- Pain in the ovarian region, often radiating to the thighs or back
- Irregular or suppressed menstruation due to hormonal imbalance
- Heaviness, bloating, and distension in the lower abdomen
- Infertility due to anovulation or obstruction in the ovaries
- Cystic formations or hard lumps detected in the ovaries on ultrasound
1. Apis
Mellifica
Indications:
- Ovarian
cysts, especially right-sided, with burning, stinging pain
- Pain
and tenderness in the ovarian region, worse from touch and heat
Keynote Symptoms:
- Swelling and tenderness over the
ovaries.
- Worse from warmth and better from cold
applications.
- Stinging, burning pain in the ovaries.
- Suppressed menses with ovarian
swelling.
- Increased thirst for small sips of
water.
2. Lachesis
Indications:
- Left-sided
ovarian tumors or cysts with congestion and pain
- Symptoms
worsen before menses and improve after the flow begins
Keynote Symptoms:
- Left-sided ovarian pain, worse from
tight clothing.
- Menstrual flow is profuse, dark, and
clotted.
- Symptoms worsen after sleep.
- Pain worsens with heat and touch.
- Emotional sensitivity and excessive
talkativeness.
3. Thuja
Occidentalis
Indications:
- Ovarian
cysts associated with PCOD (Polycystic Ovarian Disease)
- Irregular
periods, excessive hair growth, and obesity
Keynote Symptoms:
- Ovarian pain with a sensation of
something alive moving inside.
- Warts or growths on the skin accompany
ovarian cysts.
- Worse from damp weather and cold
exposure.
- Menstrual cycle irregular, with
delayed and scanty flow.
- Tendency to develop benign tumors, cysts,
and polyps.
4. Calcarea
Carbonica
Indications:
- Ovarian
cysts with sluggish metabolism, weight gain, and cold sensitivity
- Menstrual
disturbances with profuse bleeding and clot formation
Keynote Symptoms:
- Cold, clammy feet with excessive
sweating.
- Weakness, exhaustion, and fear of
impending trouble.
- Craving for eggs and indigestible
substances.
- Ovarian pain worse from exertion and
damp weather.
- Menstrual flow is heavy, prolonged,
and associated with clot formation.
5.
Pulsatilla
Indications:
- Ovarian
cysts in mild, gentle, and weepy women
- Delayed,
scanty, or absent periods with mood swings
Keynote Symptoms:
- Pain in ovaries shifts from side to
side.
- Delayed or suppressed menstruation
with mild cramping.
- Worse in warm rooms and better in open
air.
- No thirst despite dryness of mouth.
- Emotional sensitivity, tearfulness, and desire for consolation.
