Ovarian Tumour / Mass
When an Ovarian Lump Needs Careful Evaluation
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)
Dr Swati Shah, MS, DrNB (Surgical Oncology) — Ovary Cancer Surgeon, performs ovarian tumour surgery at Apollo Hospital, Bhat, Gandhinagar.
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
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:
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:
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
Lets be Informed
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Read real stories from patients across India who trusted our specialized surgical protocols for their recovery.
- Knowledge Shorts
Watch our expert-curated shorts for quick, clear answers on diagnosis, treatment & more.
- Video testimonials
Video testimonials feature satisfied patients and clients sharing authentic stories to build trust and credibility.
The video serves as a patient testimonial, highlighting her positive experience and satisfaction with the medical care she received from Dr. Swati Shah and her team. Her successful recovery underscores the importance of specialized surgical care in treating gynecological conditions like ovarian tumours. As a robotic uro and gynecological cancer surgeon, Dr. Shah’s expertise played a crucial role in the successful resection of the mass. The brief video captures the essence of a successful medical intervention, providing hope and reassurance to other patients who might be facing similar health challenges and need specialized surgical treatment in Ahmedabad.
Ovarian masses can cause significant physical discomfort and emotional anxiety, making the surgical removal—or resection—a critical step toward recovery. The procedure involves carefully excising the abnormal growth from the ovary while striving to preserve healthy tissue. In this inspiring testimonial, the focus is on the profound relief and gratitude experienced post-surgery. The patient is visibly happy, reflecting a smooth and successful healing process following the tumor’s removal. Such positive outcomes are a testament to the expertise of the surgical team and the advancements in modern gynecological care, which often utilize minimally invasive techniques to reduce pain and shorten recovery times.
- Case Summaries
Total Laparoscopic Hysterectomy and Salpingectomy for Symptomatic Fibroid Uterus and Endometriosis
- The Challenge
- Managing Symptomatic Fibroid Uterus and Chronic Pelvic Pain
A 44-year-old female presented with a six-month history of debilitating, heavy, and painful menstrual cycles caused by a significant uterine fibroid. Diagnostic imaging confirmed a large posterior wall fibroid measuring 48x48mm alongside mild endometriotic changes. This condition necessitated surgical intervention to resolve severe symptoms and improve quality of life.
The Solution
⦿ Total Laparoscopic Hysterectomy with Bilateral Salpingectomy
Dr. Swati Shah performed a precise total laparoscopic hysterectomy and bilateral salpingectomy to address the fibroid uterus and endometriosis. Utilizing advanced laparoscopic visualization and harmonic precision, the surgical team meticulously detached the uterine vessels and ligaments while successfully preserving the healthy ovaries to maintain endocrine balance and ensure optimal recovery.
» Surgical Highlights & Precision
• Procedure: A total laparoscopic hysterectomy and bilateral salpingectomy were executed using advanced electrosurgical techniques.
• Anatomical Challenge: The procedure successfully addressed a bulky uterus with a large posterior wall fibroid.
• Safety: The surgery was completed with no reported complications and minimal intraoperative blood loss.
• Completeness: Complete removal of the diseased uterus and fallopian tubes was achieved with clear margins.
» The Outcome
⦿ Successful Surgical Recovery and Symptom Resolution
The patient remained hemodynamically stable throughout the procedure and demonstrated a swift, satisfactory recovery post-surgery. Final pathology confirmed benign findings, validating the surgical approach to the fibroid and endometriosis. The patient was discharged in a stable condition, fully ambulatory, with a routine follow-up plan established for continued postoperative monitoring and care.
» Dr. Swati Shah’s Insight
In this case, we utilized a minimally invasive approach to treat symptomatic fibroids while preserving the ovaries to enhance the patient's long-term well-being. By leveraging surgical precision, we ensured a successful resolution of her chronic pain, providing her with a definitive and efficient path toward recovery.
Advanced Excision and Surgical Staging for a Complex Right Adnexal Mass
- The Challenge
- Complex Adnexal Mass Presentation
A 24-year-old female presented with recent-onset lower abdominal pain and severe pelvic fullness. Diagnostic imaging revealed a massive 10 x 8 cm solid and cystic right adnexal mass compressing her bladder. The aggressive size and elevated tumor markers necessitated urgent, highly precise surgical intervention.
The Solution
⦿ Right Adnexal Mass Excision and Surgical Staging
Dr. Swati Shah performed a precise right adnexal mass excision combined with comprehensive surgical staging. This advanced procedure included extensive bilateral pelvic and retroperitoneal lymph node sampling, alongside meticulous omental and peritoneal biopsies. Her advanced techniques ensured maximum safety while navigating the highly compressed pelvic anatomy.
» Surgical Highlights & Precision
• Procedure: A meticulous right adnexal mass excision and extensive surgical staging were successfully executed.
• Nodal Evaluation: Rigorous sampling of thirty-seven pelvic and para-aortic lymph nodes was meticulously and safely performed.
• Surgical Safety: The intricate mass excision was completed with a minimal blood loss of 50 ml.
• Complete Clearance: Final pathology revealed a mature cystic teratoma with all sampled lymph nodes completely tumor-free.
» The Outcome
⦿ Rapid Recovery and Tumor-Free Margins
The patient achieved a rapid recovery, remaining hemodynamically stable throughout the postoperative period. Final histopathology confirmed a mature cystic teratoma, with all extensive lymph node and peritoneal samplings entirely free of tumor. She was safely discharged merely two days later, preserving her excellent functional health and quality of life.
» Dr. Swati Shah’s Insight
By utilizing a meticulous surgical staging approach, we successfully excised this massive 10 x 8 cm tumor while preserving vital pelvic structures. Our precise intervention confirmed the lesion was a mature cystic teratoma, providing her with an excellent long-term prognosis.
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
Frequently asked questions
Is ovarian tumour always cancer?
No. Many tumours are benign.
What is the difference between cyst and tumour?
Cyst is fluid-filled, tumour may have solid components.
Should all ovarian tumours be removed?
Not all, but many require surgery based on evaluation.
Why is biopsy not done?
Because it can cause rupture and spread.
What is Krukenberg tumour?
A tumour in ovary that has spread from another organ.
Which hospital in India performs ovarian tumour surgery?
Ovarian tumour surgery is performed at Apollo Hospital, Bhat, Gandhinagar, with consultations at the Gota clinic in Ahmedabad.
Can I get a second opinion on an ovarian tumour?
Yes. Bring the pelvic ultrasound, the CT scan, the tumour marker results and any biopsy or previous operation notes, and a second opinion can be given on how extensive the surgery needs to be.
Does an ovarian tumour always mean cancer?
No. Most ovarian tumours are benign. The purpose of surgery with frozen section is to find out during the operation, so that a benign tumour is not overtreated and a malignant one is not undertreated.
Can fertility be preserved with an ovarian tumour?
In young women with a benign or borderline tumour confined to one ovary, the uterus and the other ovary can usually be preserved while the tumour is removed and staging is completed.
How long does recovery take after ovarian tumour surgery?
Two to three days in hospital after keyhole surgery, and five to seven days after open surgery, with routine activity returning over two to four weeks.
ઓવેરિયન ટ્યુમરની સર્જરી અમદાવાદમાં કોણ કરે છે?
Dr Swati Shah, MS, DrNB (Surgical Oncology) — Ovary Cancer Surgeon, અમદાવાદમાં ઓવેરિયન ટ્યુમરની સર્જરી કરે છે. ઓપરેશન Apollo Hospital, Bhat, Gandhinagar ખાતે થાય છે.
What is an ovarian tumour?
An ovarian tumour is a solid or mixed solid-and-cystic growth arising from the ovary. Most are benign, a smaller group are borderline, and the remainder are malignant.
Who performs ovarian tumour surgery in Ahmedabad?
Dr Swati Shah, MS, DrNB (Surgical Oncology) — Ovary Cancer Surgeon, performs ovarian tumour surgery at Apollo Hospital, Bhat, Gandhinagar.
How is an ovarian tumour told apart from a simple cyst?
Solid areas, internal septations, papillary projections and increased blood flow on ultrasound point to a tumour rather than a simple cyst, and raise the threshold for removing it.
What is a borderline ovarian tumour?
A borderline tumour has abnormal cells that do not invade the ovarian tissue. It behaves far less aggressively than ovarian cancer and in young women can often be treated while preserving fertility.
What tests are done before ovarian tumour surgery?
A pelvic ultrasound, CA-125 and a CT scan of the abdomen and pelvis. In women under about 40, AFP, LDH and beta-hCG are added to look for a germ cell tumour.
Can ovarian tumour surgery be done laparoscopically?
Yes, when the tumour can be removed intact and full staging can still be completed. Large tumours and those with a high suspicion of spread are usually approached openly.
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