Ovary

Ovary-

-Cysts-

-Functional ovarian cysts arise secondary to ovarian functioning normally

-Theses cysts may present with no symptoms or may have pain and present as a palpable mass

-Follicular cysts occur when an ovarian follicle fails to rupture and ovulation does not occur.  This lengthens then follicular phase of the menstrual cycle and results in secondary amenorrhea.

-Symptoms may include mild to moderate lower pelvic pain with alteration of menstruation cycle

-Simple ovarian cysts are unilocular cyst without evidence of blood or soft tissue elements without evidence of external causes

-Most follicular cysts resolve spontaneously but OCP's with estrogen and progesterone may be given to suppress the gonadotropin stimulation of the cyst

-Corpus luteum cysts are post ovulatory functional ovarian cysts

-Complex ovarian cysts contain both solid and fluid characteristics

-There are three types of complex ovarian cysts: dermoid cysts, cystadenomas, and endometriomas.

-Dermoid cysts -These are the most common type and develop during the childbearing age. The cysts contain structures such as the teeth, hair, nail, bone, or sweat glands. It is a slow growing and rarely cancerous.

-Cystadenomas - Cystadenomas are benign cysts that develop from cells that cover the outer layer of the ovary. There are two types, mucinous and serous cystadenoma. Mucinous adenoma contains a sticky, thick fluid. It can grow up to 30 cm (12 in) in diameter and weigh up to 100 pounds. It can fill up the abdomen and cause pressure on other structures such as the bladder and bowel.

-Endometriomas - Endometriomas are blood-filled cysts that arise from endometriosis. Endometriosis is a condition wherein the cells that are normally found inside the uterus grow outside the uterus, such as the ovaries, fallopian tubes, bladder, or bowel. Endometriomas care also called chocolate cysts.


-Ovarian Neoplasms-

-The majority of primary ovarian tumors are partially cystic and derive from epithelial cells

-Ovarian neoplasms can also be from germ cells, sex cord stromal, and mixed types

-Leiomyoma (fibroid) is a neoplasm of smooth muscle that is benign that is usually from the uterus or broad ligament

-The majority of ovarian malignancies are from coelomic epithelium, with papillary cystoadenocarcinoma being most common

-The mean age at the time of diagnosis is 50 to 60 years old for ovarian cancer

-Presenting symptoms of ovarian cancer include dyspepsia, early satiety, anorexia, constipation, and bloating

-Patients may present with a pleural effusion with ovarian cancer