What is an Ovarian Tumour / Mass?
An ovarian tumour or mass refers to any abnormal growth in the ovary.
It can be:
- Fluid-filled (cystic)
- Solid
- Mixed (both solid and cystic)
Ovarian Tumours
Not all ovarian tumours are cancer
But the risk of cancer is higher compared to simple cysts
Therefore:
Every ovarian tumour requires careful evaluation and proper surgical planning
Types of Ovarian Tumours
Benign (non-cancerous)
Borderline tumours
Malignant (ovarian cancer)
Bilateral Ovarian Tumours
If tumours are present in both ovaries (bilateral):
- Possibility of metastasis from other organs must be considered
- Known as Krukenberg tumour
Common primary sites:
- Stomach
- Colon
Symptoms are often vague and nonspecific
• Bloating
• Abdominal discomfort or pain
• Feeling of fullness
• Early satiety
• Menstrual irregularities
Treatment is not decided only before surgery How Treatment is Planned
Final decisions are made during surgery using:
- Resection without rupture
- Frozen section (LIVE biopsy)
This allows:
Right surgery to be performed in a single operation
Why Biopsy Should Be Avoided Before Surgery
In most ovarian masses, preoperative biopsy is NOT recommended
1. Risk of Tumour Rupture
- Needle biopsy can puncture the cyst/tumour
- Leads to spillage → cancer spread
2. Does Not Change Treatment Plan
- If biopsy shows cancer → surgery is still required
- If biopsy shows no cancer → not reliable (only small sample taken)
3. False Reassurance Risk
- A negative biopsy does NOT rule out cancer
Suspicious for Ovarian Cancer
Certain imaging findings may increase suspicion for ovarian cancer and require specialist evaluation.
Solid components
Thick septations
Irregular margins
Ascites
Bilateral tumours
Rapid increase in size
Types of Ovarian Tumours & Their Markers
Ovarian tumours are not all the same. They arise from different cell types, and each behaves differently.
Understanding the type helps decide:
- Treatment
- Prognosis
- Need for chemotherapy
Epithelial Ovarian Tumours
Account for ~80–90% of ovarian cancers
Common Types
Tumour Marker
• CA-125 (most commonly used); CEA, CA 19.9
Key Points
- Usually seen in middle-aged or older women
- Often diagnosed late (advanced stage)
- Treated with surgery and chemotherapy
Staging Surgery - Cornerstone of Treatment
32+
Years of experience
Staging surgery is one of the most critical parts of ovarian cancer management , It is not just a formality - it directly determines:
True stage of cancer- Need for chemotherapy
- Long-term outcome and survival
Why This Classification is Important
Different tumour types have:
Therefore: Proper diagnosis is essential before planning treatment
Evaluation of Ovarian Tumour
Proper evaluation is critical before planning treatment
Special Evaluation in Bilateral Tumours
When both ovaries are involved:
- Upper GI endoscopy
- Colonoscopy
Done to rule out metastasis from other organs
Why Biopsy is Usually Avoided
Tumour Rupture
Can cause tumour rupture
Cancer Spread
Leads to spillage and cancer spread
Limited Accuracy
Not reliable
Therefore:
Biopsy is usually avoided — surgery is the preferred approach
Learn more about safe tumour removal:
Resection Without Rupture
Surgery is both:
Diagnostic
Therapeutic
Frozen Section
(LIVE Biopsy)
Done during surgery
Provides immediate diagnosis
Helps decide:
• Benign vs malignant
• Extent of surgery
Understand how decisions are made during surgery:
Frozen Section (LIVE Biopsy)
Why Specialist Evaluation is Important
Management requires:
Best managed by a gynecologic oncologist
Accurate diagnosis
Safe surgery
Intraoperative decision-making
As per guidelines, all ovarian tumours should be managed by a Gynec Oncologist
Surgical Expertise & Real Experience
Verified Patient Experiences
Read real stories from patients across India who trusted our specialized surgical protocols for their recovery.
Verified Patient Experiences
Read real stories from patients across India who trusted our specialized surgical protocols for their recovery.
Consult for
Ovarian Tumour Evaluation
If you have:
- Ovarian mass on scan
- Complex cyst
- Suspicious tumour
Early Expert Consultation Ensures
- Correct diagnosis
- Proper surgical planning
- Best outcomes
Ovarian Tumour Treatment in Ahmedabad, Gujarat
Expert evaluation and treatment of ovarian tumours is available in Ahmedabad, with focus on:
Accurate Diagnosis
Safe Surgical Planning
Advanced Oncologic Care
Freequntly ask
questions?
No. Many tumours are benign.
Cyst is fluid-filled, tumour may have solid components.
Not all, but many require surgery based on evaluation.
Because it can cause rupture and spread.
A tumour in ovary that has spread from another organ.
