19 Jul, 2024
19 Jul, 2024
This article is medically reviewed by Dr. Chandrasekhar Prasad Singh, Consultant – Medical Oncology, HCG – Abdur Razzaque Ansari Cancer Hospital, Ranchi.
Did you know that ovarian cancer is the third most common cancer among Indian women? Did you know that 1 in 4 women suffer from ovarian cysts?
But what causes ovarian cysts or cancer? Are they curable? Is it possible to avoid them?
This article answers all these burning questions, along with helping you obtain a detailed understanding of ovarian cysts and ovarian cancer, their types, what causes them, and how they are managed.
Ovarian health is integral to a woman’s fertility and hormonal balance since the health of the ovaries directly impacts the quality of eggs they produce.
For instance, sometimes the ovaries produce abnormally high levels of androgens, causing polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). It can result in irregular periods and cysts in the ovaries. As alarming as it is, infertility is high among women with PCOS.
Apart from the obvious, we need to understand that ovaries are endocrine organs too. That is, they produce hormones such as estrogen and progesterone.
Now, what happens when the ovaries become unhealthy?
They can cause hormonal disorders, which may in turn cause irregular menstrual cycles, the formation of cysts in the ovaries, weight gain, infertility, mood swings, anxiety, depression, and more.
Thus, maintaining ovarian health is essential for mental health too. As they say, a healthy mind resides in a healthy body.
Ovarian cysts and ovarian cancer may impact the same organs. Yet, they differ significantly in their characteristics, consequences, and treatment approaches.
They may have similar symptoms, namely abdominal pain, bloating, pain during intercourse, menstrual irregularities, and a frequent urge to urinate.
Most ovarian cysts are harmless and resolve on their own. That said, persistent or complex cysts should be checked by a doctor to rule out cancer. This is especially true for postmenopausal women with a higher risk of developing ovarian cancer.
Both ovarian cyst and ovarian cancer present with almost similar symptoms. Hence, there are chances of
both conditions being confused with one another.
The only way to find out the cause of symptoms is to undergo a detailed evaluation. You may consult a
gynecologist or gynecological oncologist to understand the underlying cause of your symptoms and receive
appropriate care.
Dr. Chandrasekhar Prasad Singh
When the cells present in the ovaries start dividing abnormally and form a malignant tumor, it is referred to as ovarian cancer. Ovarian cancer can develop in one or both ovaries, as well as in the fallopian tubes.
Based on the cell type that it arises from, ovarian cancer is classified into various types. Some of these types are common, while others are rare. These ovarian cancer types may be low-grade or high-grade and occur across various age groups.
The following are the different types of ovarian cancer:
Ovarian cancer rarely causes any symptoms in the early stages. However, in some cases, it may cause non-specific symptoms that overlap with the symptoms of various benign gynecological conditions.
It is important to note that one must pay attention to gynecological symptoms that are persistent or do not go away with medications.
The following are the different ovarian cancer symptoms:
Today, we can treat even advanced-stage ovarian cancer cases, which often involve delaying the disease progression and prolonging survival, thanks to the advancements made in the fields of ovarian carcinoma management.
It is normal for one to wonder if there are any chances to catch this cancer in its early stages. Well, some measures can help with the early detection of ovarian cancer, prompting its effective management.
Early cancer detection presents patients with a wider range of treatment options. It not only improves the chances of better-quality health outcomes but also helps preserve the quality of life during and after the treatment.
Tests and procedures used to diagnose ovarian cancer include:
An ovarian cyst is a sac filled with fluid or semisolid material that forms on or within the ovary.
The size of an ovarian cyst can be anywhere between 1 and 3 centimeters and go away without any medical interventions in most cases. In some cases, the size of ovarian cysts can go up to 10 centimeters.
In some cases, ovarian cysts will need appropriate interventions to be managed effectively.
The signs and symptoms of ovarian cysts may vary depending on the type and individual patient factors. Some women may not experience any symptoms, whereas others may experience symptoms like bloating irregular menstrual cycles, pain, etc.
Based on their origin and their association with the menstrual cycle, the following are the different types of ovarian cysts.
Ovarian cysts are broadly classified into functional ovarian cysts and pathological ovarian cysts.
A functional ovarian cyst may refer to the fluid-filled sac (monthly follicle) that arises from the ovaries during a woman’s menstrual cycle.
There are two types of functional ovarian cysts:
Halfway through the menstrual cycle, an egg is released from its follicle. The egg then travels down a fallopian tube.
When the follicle fails to rupture, a follicular cyst is formed, and it continues to grow.
After a follicle releases its egg, it shrinks and begins producing estrogen and progesterone. These hormones are essential for conception. In this phase, the follicle is called the corpus luteum.
Not all ovarian cysts are related to PCOS. This is a misconception we see among many women.
Ovarian cysts can occur for various reasons, and a large percentage of them are functional cysts
associated with the monthly cycle.
That said, you should neither ignore it nor should you panic.
If you are experiencing signs of an ovarian cyst, you see consult a gynecologist for a proper
evaluation.
Dr. Chandrasekhar Prasad Singh
Occasionally, the opening from which the egg emerged may get obstructed. This leads to fluid build-up inside the corpus luteum, causing a cyst.
However, one need not worry because functional cysts are usually harmless. They tend to disappear within two to three menstrual cycles.
Pathological ovarian cysts are those that develop in the ovary due to abnormal cell growth. These cysts have nothing to do with the menstrual cycle.
The following are the different types of pathological ovarian cysts:
A dermoid cyst is formed from reproductive cells that make eggs in the ovary. It is a fluid-filled sac that contains tissues such as teeth, skin, hair, and fat. Although it is harmless, it can become cancerous in rare cases.
Cystadenoma, which is also referred to as benign epithelial neoplasm, originates from cells located on the surface of the ovary. It might be filled with a clear fluid or mucinous fluid.
Endometrioma is a cystic mass that arises from endometriosis. Endometriosis is a condition where tissue, like the lining of the uterus (endometrium), grows on other parts of the body. Endometriomas are also referred to as “chocolate cysts.”
Ovarian cysts with wall irregularities or solid components are linked to a higher risk of cancer.
A pelvic exam is done to detect any unusual lumps or growths inside the pelvis.
It is usually followed by an ultrasound scan to identify the size, shape, location, and composition of the cyst.
The third procedure in line is laparoscopic surgery.
A laparoscope (a small, tube-shaped microscope with a light on the end) is passed into the abdomen to view the reproductive organs and pelvic cavity. If the surgeon diagnoses a cyst, it is removed during the procedure.
If the cyst is unusually large, a laparotomy may be performed.
A single, large incision is made in the abdomen for better access to the cyst. Laparotomy is also recommended when cysts are suspected to be cancerous.
This table elucidates the key differences between ovarian cysts and ovarian cancer:
| Condition | Ovarian Cyst | Ovarian Cancer |
|---|---|---|
| Definition | A fluid-filled or solid sac that develops on the ovary. In most cases, ovarian cysts are benign. | A malignant tumor that forms in the ovary. |
| Prevalence | Very common | Less Common |
| Age Group | Commonly found in women between the ages of 15 and 45. | Commonly found in women aged above 50. |
| Symptoms | Usually, ovarian cysts do not cause symptoms. In some cases, bloating, pelvic pain, an irregular menstrual cycle, problems associated with urination, etc. may present as ovarian cyst symptoms. |
In the early stages, ovarian carcinoma may not cause any symptoms. Commonly observed ovarian cancer symptoms include bloating, abnormal bleeding, pelvic pain, irregular menstrual cycles, urinary problems, unintentional weight loss, and fatigue. |
| Possible Causes | Hormonal changes associated with menstrual cycles, endometriosis, PCOS, previous pregnancies, and certain environmental factors are identified as ovarian cyst causes. | Mutations in the BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes, family history of cancers of the breast, ovary, and colon, reproductive history, obesity, hormone replacement therapy, and age are some of the possible causes of ovarian cancer. |
| Management | Most cysts disappear on their own. In some cases, they may need medical attention. | Tumors do not disappear on their own. Medical interventions are necessary for their management. |
| Treatment Options | Ovarian cyst treatment options include medications, incision and drainage, and surgery (ovarian cyst surgery). | Ovarian cancer treatment options include surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, targeted therapy, immunotherapy, and
hormone therapy. Ovarian cancer therapy will vary from one patient to another and depend on individual case parameters. |
Regular screening with gynecological exams helps women maintain their reproductive health. A Pap test, which is part of routine gynecological screening, can often identify most cases of cervical cancer.
The gynecologic pelvic examination is an essential method to evaluate abnormal bleeding or discharge, pelvic pain, and sexually transmitted infections (STIs). It is a great tool to diagnose benign or malignant tumors and cysts.
As a single specialty cancer hospital in India, HCG Cancer Centre is fully equipped to offer 360-degree care for different types of cancer. It is also one of the leading cancer hospitals in India for ovarian cancer diagnosis and treatment.
Every aspect of your care benefits from our wealth of experience. Our multidisciplinary team creates a treatment plan that is tailored to your individual needs. This personalization translates to better health outcomes and overall well-being. Our multidisciplinary team comprises gynecological oncologists, surgical oncologists, radiation oncologists, medical oncologists, nuclear medicine specialists, radiologists, pain management specialists, and specialized onconurses.
We also offer hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC), an innovative treatment option for ovarian carcinoma. Apart from HIPEC, we use various novel treatment approaches to manage ovarian carcinoma with positive clinical outcomes.
Ovarian cysts are present in approximately 10% of women. Typically, these cysts are benign and not cancerous.
Ovarian cancer, on the other hand, is a malignant condition that prompts immediate attention. It is the third most common cancer among Indian women. In some cases, certain ovarian cysts can become cancerous.
Being mindful of the different symptoms associated with these conditions, undergoing regular health check-ups, being aware of the family history, and practicing a healthy lifestyle are some of the ways to reduce cancer risk and proactively manage ovarian health.
Epithelial ovarian cancer: An overview - PMC
Ovarian Cyst - StatPearls - NCBI Bookshelf
Association Between Benign Ovarian Tumors and Ovarian Cancer Risk: A Meta-Analysis of Ten
Overview: Ovarian cysts - InformedHealth.org - NCBI Bookshelf
Author Bio : Dr. Chandrashekhar Prasad Singh
Consultant - Medical Oncology
MBBS, MD (Medicine), DNB (Medical Oncology)
Dr. Chandrashekhar Prasad Singh is an experienced medical oncologist practicing at HCG - Abdur Razzaque Ansari Cancer Hospital, Ranchi, a leading single specialty cancer hospital in Ranchi. He specializes in treating and managing breast cancer, thoracic cancers, and gastrointestinal cancers. He graduated with an MD degree and a gold medal and has multiple publications in medicine and medical oncology in renowned Indian and international journals. His treatment approach is patient-centric and focuses on providing the best care possible for his patients.
To book an appointment with Dr. Chandra Prasad Singh, please click here.
