Some women are really, scared when they notice a breast lump, taking it as a sign of breast cancer. In the same way, a pelvic mass leads the doctor to make an assumption that it is possibly ovarian cancer. The question that arises is that what advise should be given if an ovarian cyst, malignant in nature, is diagnosed. Malignant ovarian masses have the tendency to spread rapidly beyond the ovary.
Recently a study was conducted in Norway to determine if a woman suffering from malignant ovarian mass should be referred to a regional cancer care centre. Doctors use various methods like age of the patient, the family history, which can give the clue of tumours, menopausal status of the women and serum test to determine the chances of malignant ovarian mass.
Traditional techniques like ultrasound are not effective in predicting the malignancy of the ovary. It can at best identify only the characteristic, which has the potential to turn into malignant. Ultrasound technique looks for the ovarian cysts, which are functional or has the ability to cause haemorrhage and swollen fallopian tubes. All these help in deciding whether there are chances of malignant ovary, which may require further investigation of the patient.
Malignant ovarian masses are not confined to a specific age group. It can occur at any age. However, younger women have fewer chances of contracting malignant ovarian mass than older women. This shows that older women are more prone to the chances of malignant ovarian mass.
As pointed out earlier the chances of malignant ovarian mass is higher in older women, the same applies true to menopause as well. It can occur before or after the menopause in women.
CA-125 is a cancer antigen test. Its elevation is caused by various factors like liver disease, ovarian tumors etc. However, it is to be noted that only when the findings are over 100u/ml in laboratory tests that the chances of malignancy increases greatly.
There has been a recent attempt to detect the malignancy with the help of ultrasound. Ultrasound is, being used in an effort to predict the malignancy. There are certain characteristics, which are observed by the ultrasonographer to determine if a cyst has the potential to turn malignant.
Septated cysts having solid areas are considered to be the warning sign of a cyst turning malignant. Another sign is the accumulation of fluids in the abdominal cavity which demonstrates that there are greater chances of a cyst turning malignant.
Even though technologies are being continuously developed to detect the malignant ovarian mass it is advisable not to rely only on ultrasound technique. The warning signs for malignancy should not be taken lightly in the wake of consequences a patient might have to suffer later on. A doctor must not take any chances and advice the patient to undergo full investigation in order to avoid severe pain later on. He must clearly inform them if an ovarian cyst, malignant in nature is diagnosed.
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