The word ‘cancer’ creates fear in most people’s minds. But a mass or lump anywhere in the body can be cancerous or benign. This definition is applicable to ovarian masses as well. An ovarian mass can be either a cyst, solid, or a combination of both. The differentiation between an ovarian cyst and ovarian cancer is essential in order to avoid under- or over-treatment of patients. The majority of patients with ovarian cancer presenting to our center, SGHOC, are in advanced stages. Many ovarian cancers may arise from benign cystic lesions too. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
In this blog, Dr. Dhruv Mehta, an ovarian cancer specialist<\/a>, will help you understand the differences between ovarian cysts and ovarian cancer.<\/p>\n\n\n\n An ovarian cyst refers to a structure similar to a pouch\/sac that is filled with fluid. These types of cysts usually develop on the surface of the ovaries or even inside them. Most ovarian cysts develop within the ovaries as a result of the normal ovulation process. Such cysts are termed functional cysts. These functional cysts can be divided into two types\u2014follicular cysts and corpus luteum cysts.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 1. Follicular cysts develop when the follicles fail to release the egg in them and instead fluid accumulates within.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 2. Corpus luteum cysts are formed following the release of an egg. The emptied follicle that has released the egg normally shrinks and turns into the corpus luteum. However, sometimes fluid can develop within the corpus luteum that turns it into a cyst.<\/p>\n\n\n\n These functional cysts are usually asymptomatic and benign and typically disappear on their own within the next 2\u20133 menstrual cycles. They are also often found incidentally when an abdominopelvic ultrasound is performed for unrelated indications. The phase of the menstrual cycle determines the type of functional cyst formed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Other non-cancerous cysts include endometriotic cysts, dermoid cysts, and cystadenomas [serous or mucinous].<\/p>\n\n\n\n The professional role of an ovarian cancer specialist<\/a> is not limited to managing a diagnosed ovarian cancer. The specialist can also help a gynecological physician distinguish between an ovarian cyst and ovarian cancer. Many ovarian cancers may appear cystic or mixed solid-cystic on ultrasound.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n Primary distinctions between ovarian cysts and ovarian cancer are mentioned below:<\/p>\n\n\n\n 1) Functional cysts are related to normal ovarian function and disappear after a certain period of time on their own. Ovarian cancer is not controlled by regular hormonal cycles and does not regress on its own. On the contrary, cancerous tumors continue to develop and invade the surrounding tissues and other organs in the body.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 2) Ovarian functional cysts are thin-walled, fluid-filled, and seen in premenopausal women. Ovarian cancerous cysts may have a solid mass within a fluid-filled sac, septations, and thick walls, and are more commonly seen in the postmenopausal age group. <\/p>\n\n\n\n 3) Most functional cysts do not cause any symptoms. Acute pain may occur in benign cysts when they twist or rupture. Cancer-related pain can be constant, progressive, and chronic. However, in the early stages, ovarian cancer patients mostly don\u2019t experience pain, but some vague symptoms such as bloating, tiredness, lower back pain, or difficulty urinating are experienced.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 4) Functional cysts are often managed with observation. Sometimes minor surgery may be required. Ovarian cancer can be treated with a combination of chemotherapy, surgery, as well as targeted therapy, depending on the stage at diagnosis.<\/p>\n\n\n\n A few of the major symptoms are the sensation of pressure or pain in the lower abdomen, bloating, feeling full quickly, frequent urination, and difficulty or pain during sexual intercourse, resulting in delayed diagnosis and treatment due to these overlapping symptoms.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Depending on the patient\u2019s age, menstrual cycle history, symptoms, and family history of cancer, an ovarian cancer specialist might recommend additional tests to rule out ovarian cancer. The list of tests may include MRI, tumor markers such as CA125, HE4, AFP, and, in some cases, a surgical procedure. <\/p>\n\n\n\nWhat Is An Ovarian Cyst?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
How To Differentiate Between Ovarian Cysts And Ovarian Cancer<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Major Symptoms Experienced In Both Conditions <\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Conclusion<\/h2>\n\n\n\n