Differential diagnosis of ovarian tumors

Ovarian tumor is a common tumor occurring in female ovaries. It can be a solid tumor or a cystic tumor. The tissue of the ovary is very complex and various tumors can occur. It is the site with the most tumor types among all organs in the body. The ovary is located deep in the pelvic cavity. When the tumor is small, it is difficult for patients to discover it themselves because there are no special symptoms. Therefore, regular gynecological diagnosis and B-ultrasound diagnosis are very important.

Are all ovarian lumps ovarian tumors? Ovarian lumps are very complex, not all lumps are tumors. Some are tumor-like lesions but not ovarian tumors. Common lumps that need to be differentiated from ovarian tumors include:

1. Follicular cyst, corpus luteum cyst

This mass is usually less than 5 cm in diameter and has a thin wall. The most notable feature is that it often shrinks or disappears after menstruation. It is not a true ovarian tumor, but a physiological ovarian cyst that does not require surgical removal.

2. Luteinized cyst of pregnancy

This is a phenomenon unique to pregnancy, with a diameter of up to 20 cm, and is related to the increase in human chorionic gonadotropin during pregnancy. After the pregnancy ends, the hormone level in the body decreases and the tumor disappears on its own.

3. Ovarian endometriosis cyst

Caused by ovarian endometriosis. Patients may have a history of progressive dysmenorrhea, infertility, etc. To differentiate from ovarian tumors, pathological diagnosis through laparoscopy is often required.

4. Hydrosalpinx and tubo-ovarian cysts

This is a fallopian tube and ovarian mass caused by pelvic inflammation. Anti-inflammatory treatment can reduce the mass. If the mass is large, it should be surgically removed.

5. Tuberculous masses

Tuberculous abscesses and encapsulated effusions of the ovaries and fallopian tubes caused by tuberculous pelvic peritonitis. The mass is often irregular in shape, with unclear boundaries, and often presents with systemic symptoms of tuberculosis. Since it is difficult to differentiate from ovarian malignancies clinically, laparotomy is required for diagnosis if necessary.