Common Ovarian Disorders That Can Go Undetected
What is ovarian cancer?
Ovarian cancer is so named because it originates when cells of either the ovary (where eggs are stored), or ovary-related areas of the fallopian tube, and the peritoneum start to multiply uncontrollably ending up forming a mass of cells called a tumor. These cancerous cells start to invade and destroy the cells of healthy tissue and may spread to other areas in the body. It is believed to be the second most common cancer of the female reproductive system that causes death in women in the U.S(Ovarian Cancer Statistics, 2021) and the fifth leading cause of cancer-related death among women worldwide(Statistics, n.d.).
What is ovarian torsion?
Ovarian torsion is the twisting of the ovaries or fallopian tubes around the surrounding supporting tissues, which means that the insides literally tie themselves in a knot. It does not frequently occur among women but when it does it is characterized by sudden intense pain in the pelvic region along with nausea and vomiting. Surgery, immediately after diagnosis, is the only option of rectifying this condition to save the affected tissues from dying.
What are benign ovarian cysts?
Benign ovarian cysts are non-cancerous cysts that arise often in different sites in the ovary and occur in various sizes. In most cases, the cyst disappears on its own, but in a few rare cases, the presence of a cyst may cause discomfort because of which emergency surgical intervention is adopted to relieve the affected person of distress. In many cases, the cyst may produce no observable symptoms at all, but symptoms that may occur because of benign ovarian cysts include,: mild ache in the abdominal region, persistent feeling of pressure and fullness in the abdomen, pain during urination or frequent urination, irregular menses, the abnormal occurrence of hair growth on the face and body, intense sharp pain accompanied with nausea (in case a cyst ruptures or becomes twisted)(Benign Ovarian Cysts, n.d.).
What are endometriomas?
Endometriomas are cystic abscesses filled with reddish-brown fluid occurring in severe cases of endometriosis. According to an estimate, about 17-44% of women with endometriosis will develop endometrioma in their ovaries. They have been observed to occur more commonly within the ovary and may pose health consequences such as a decline in the ovarian reserve and affecting fertility (Hoyle & Puckett., 2021).
What are the common symptoms of ovarian torsion?
Typical symptoms include sudden sharp pain in the pelvic region accompanied by vomiting and nausea.Sometimes due to twisting and untwisting of the ovary, the affected person may feel cramping in the pelvic region for a period of several days(Ovarian Torsion, n.d.).
What are the signs and symptoms of ovarian cancer?
They include(team, 2018):
- Bloating.
- Pain during intercourse
- Trouble in eating
- Backpain
- Abdominal or pelvic pain
- Abdominal swelling accompanied with weight loss
- Change in menstrual routine
- Constipation
- Urinary urgency
- Fatigue
What are the risk factors of ovarian cancer?
They include (team, Ovarian Cancer Risk Factors, 2021):
- Old age
- Having a family history of ovarian cancer, colorectal cancer, or breast cancer.
- Being obese
- Post-menopausal hormone therapy
- Getting pregnant after the age of 35, or never having had a full-term pregnancyn
- Peutz-Jeghers syndrome
- MUTYH-associated polyposis
- Undergoing fertility treatment, such as IVF
- Having had breast cancer in the past
- Smoking
- Polycystic Ovary Syndrome
- Endometriosis
What are the risk factors of ovarian torsion?
They include (Ovarian Torsion, n.d.):
- Having a cyst on the ovary
- Pregnancy
- Taking hormonal medicines for treating infertility
When to get checked or screened for early ovarian concerns?
If you notice symptoms associated with your menstrual cycle that are new and cause discomfort to you, or that may not subside after taking pain killers, laxatives, rest, exercise, or change in diet then you should get yourself checked up. Experiencing heavy flow during menses, excruciating pain, changes in urinary habits are some other symptoms that may be associated with ovarian troubles.
Who should get an ovarian screening ultrasound?
During a pelvic exam, if your healthcare provider does find an enlarged ovary or cyst, then to further evaluate the cause and nature of the swelling or cyst, an ovarian screening ultrasound is recommended. It evaluates efficiently the size, structural integrity, and shape of ovaries.
How do I decrease my risk for ovarian cancer?
Although it’s always better to talk to your healthcare provider regarding your health concerns if you have a family history of ovarian cancer or have had breast cancer, or colorectal cancer because there is no foolproof way of preventing it, you can lower your chances by adopting these habits(What Can I Do to Reduce My Risk of Ovarian Cancer?, 2021):
- Breastfeeding
- Giving birth
- Having hysterectomy, tubal ligation, or having both the ovaries removed
- Using birth control pills for five or more years (It is advisable to talk to your doctor first as birth control pills increase chances of getting breast cancer)
What are some common reasons to get a pelvic ultrasound?
Pelvic ultrasound is recommended to females who experience persistent pain in their pelvic region, for those with endometriosis to assess and evaluate any structural changes in the reproductive organs,to monitor fetal development during pregnancy, assessing the cause of infertility such as follicular size, evaluation of ovarian cysts or fibroids or to confirm if any cyst is present, find the cause of swelling in the ovary that the healthcare provider finds during a pelvic exam. Also, for ectopic pregnancy and intrauterine contraceptive device evaluation, pelvic ultrasound is recommended.
What are the benefits of annual ovarian/pelvic screening ultrasound?
The benefits of annual pelvic ultrasound will help in diagnosing and identifying suspicious ovarian concerns, such as evaluating the nature of ovarian cyst, endometrium, or routine screening in patients who are at high risk for ovarian cancer and will help in timely administration of therapy.As ultrasound is a painless screening procedure that is free from harmful radiations, therefore it is more preferable to most individuals.