The neoplasms are the abnormal growths that can develop in the ovaries which produce female hormones. The female hormones produced by the ovaries such as estrogen and progesterone help regulate the menstrual cycle and for the development of female sexual characteristics such as breasts and body shape. The neoplasm can either be cancerous (malignant) or noncancerous (benign) and the treatment accordingly varies. Some of the indications of ovarian neoplasms include digestive problems such as constipation or feeling full, abdominal swelling, fatigue, abdominal discomfort, pelvic pressure, frequent urination, unexplained bowel habits, loss of appetite, pain during intercourse and vaginal bleeding in post-menopausal women. If any of the symptoms are evident and persists for more than few weeks, this should be evaluated by the physician.
Benign ovarian tumors
The benign tumors of the ovaries are slow-growing masses that develop in or on the ovary and some of them have the potential to develop into ovarian cancer if left untreated. The benign tumors generally develop among women in their childbearing years and around 50% of women with irregular menstruation can become affected. There are three main types of benign ovarian tumors based on the location and where the abnormal cells originate. This can include surface epithelial tumors, stromal tumors and germ cell tumors. The epithelial tumors begin in the cells that line the surface of the ovary and are considered to be one of the most common forms of ovarian tumor. The stromal tumors can either be malignant or benign that can develop on the site of the ovary that produces the hormones. The germ cell tumors can develop in the cells that form into eggs and most of them are considered to be benign although a small number of them can potentially become cancerous. The benign tumors may not require treatment when they don’t cause any symptoms. If the benign tumors continue to grow or become painful, they are usually surgically removed.
Ovarian cancer
Ovarian cancer can develop in the three different types of cells; the epithelial tumors, germ cell tumors and stromal tumors. The malignant epithelial tumors are also called carcinomas and around 90% of all ovarian cancers are epithelial ovarian carcinomas. The epithelial ovarian carcinomas can be classified into different types based on the features of the cell which can include serous type, mucinous, endometrioid and clear cell. The epithelial carcinomas have the potential to spread and affect other parts of the body such as the lung, liver, the brain and the skin. Around 2% of all ovarian cancer is germ cell tumors which have several subtypes. Some of the common germ cell tumors include teratomas, endodermal sinus tumors, dysgerminomas and choriocarcinomas. The ovarian stromal tumors account for around 1% of all ovarian cancers that mostly affects women older than 50 years of age although it can also affect young girls. The treatment for ovarian cancer can consist of more than a single treatment. The options include a surgery, chemotherapy, hormone therapy, targeted therapy and radiation therapy.
References
https://www.cancer.org/cancer/ovarian-cancer/treating.html
http://ovarian.org/about-ovarian-cancer/what-is-ovarian-cancer/types-a-stages
https://cancer.coloradowomenshealth.com/non-cancerous/ovarian-tumors/
