Disease name (standard terminology) confirmed
- Standard term: benign ovarian tumor (benign ovarian tumor / benign ovarian neoplasm) — medically appropriate terminology.
1) Disease description (causes and symptoms)
- Definition: A general term for neoplasms arising in the ovaries that are not malignant (cancer), including various pathological types such as cystic tumors and granulomas.
- Causes and pathophysiology: The exact cause is unknown, but one hypothesis is that continuous ovulation damages the ovarian surface, causing the epithelium to become invaginated into the ovary, where fluid accumulates and a cyst forms. Some tumors are functional (hormone-secreting), and symptoms are rarely caused by hormones.
- Main symptoms: Often asymptomatic. When symptoms occur, they may include abdominal bloating, pelvic/abdominal pain, urinary frequency, lower back pain, and bowel dysfunction. Acute severe abdominal pain may occur if an ovarian cyst undergoes torsion (twisting) or rupture. If a new tumor develops or increases in size after menopause, there is concern about possible malignancy.
2) Treatment methods
- Diagnostic support: Pelvic ultrasound (abdominal ultrasound and transvaginal ultrasound) is used to assess the location, size, and composition (solid/cystic). The final diagnosis is confirmed by histopathological examination after removal. If necessary, blood tumor-marker tests (such as CA‑125) and CT/MRI may be used as supplementary tests.
- Conservative treatment (observation): Small functional cysts often disappear spontaneously, so periodic ultrasound monitoring (at intervals of several weeks to several months) is recommended.
- Medication: Oral contraceptives (hormonal agents) intended to suppress ovulation are used to prevent and treat recurrent functional cysts, but there is no medication that is effective for all benign tumors.
- Surgical treatment: Surgery may be considered in the following cases:
- When the tumor grows large enough to cause symptoms (pressure, difficulty urinating, etc.)
- When ultrasound findings or other tests suggest possible malignancy
- When the tumor grows to 7–8 cm or larger (depending on clinical judgment)
- A newly developed ovarian tumor after menopause
- When emergency surgery is needed because of acute torsion (twisting), bleeding, or rupture
Surgical methods: Ovarian cystectomy, which removes only the ovarian cyst (conservative), or removal of one ovary and fallopian tube (salpingo-oophorectomy); if necessary, removal of both ovaries and the uterus, etc. The approach may be laparoscopy (preferred when possible) or laparotomy.
- Lifestyle management and precautions: Seek emergency medical care immediately if acute abdominal pain, fever, or severe vomiting occurs. Prompt evaluation and treatment are needed after menopause or when malignancy is suspected.
3) Checklist before an outpatient visit (items to bring or record and example questions)
- Materials/items to bring or prepare:
- A list of current medications (including prescription drugs, OTC medications, and herbal medicines)
- Previous pelvic ultrasound, CT/MRI, and blood-test results (if possible, imaging files or reports)
- Menstrual history (first day of the last menstrual period, regularity), pregnancy history (history of pregnancy, childbirth, and miscarriage)
- When symptoms began and how they have changed (nature, frequency, and triggers of pain), temperature records (whether fever is present)
- Whether pregnancy is desired (whether preserving fertility is important)
- Photos or notes to show the doctor during the outpatient visit: a drawing marking the location of pain and photographs showing the degree of abdominal distension, if available
- Example questions to organize before the outpatient visit:
- When the symptoms began and how often they occur
- Recent weight changes and systemic symptoms such as fatigue or changes in appetite
4) Examples of general questions to ask the doctor
- What are the possible causes of this condition, and how likely is malignancy in my current situation?
- What additional tests should I have (blood tests, tumor markers, or imaging tests)?
- Can we continue observing the current tumor, or is surgery recommended? Please explain why.
- If surgery is needed, which surgical method do you recommend, and what are the expected recovery period and risk of complications?
- What are the side effects, duration of use, and alternative options for this medication (such as the prescribed hormonal medication)?
- If I want to become pregnant in the future, how could this affect my ovaries and fertility?
5) Examples of condition-specific questions
- If of reproductive age (or premenopausal): "If this tumor is removed, what effect will it have on ovarian function (ovulation and hormone secretion)? How will it affect pregnancy? Is it possible to preserve the ovary as much as possible?"
- If menopausal or when malignancy is suspected: "Based on the current imaging findings, how strongly do you suspect malignancy, and how likely is it that additional treatment (such as chemotherapy) will be needed after histopathological examination during surgery?"
Additional information
- Benign ovarian tumors generally have a good prognosis, but management strategies vary depending on the type and size of the tumor and the patient's age. Regular follow-up examinations and deciding on appropriate treatment timing in accordance with the doctor's recommendations are important.