What should you know about an ovarian cancer tumour?

A tumour can be a solid growth, a fluid-filled cystic growth or a mixture of both. Its appearance, size, position and effect on nearby organs help guide the next step, but imaging cannot always establish the final diagnosis. A tumour may cause abdominal swelling, pelvic discomfort, altered bowel or bladder habits, or no symptoms at all.

Clinicians may use pelvic ultrasound and other imaging, blood tests, examination and, when appropriate, tissue analysis. The report may describe whether a growth is confined to an ovary or involves nearby tissue. Genomic Tumour Profiling may help identify features that influence treatment after a cancer diagnosis.

Ask which findings are reassuring, which need follow-up and how soon review should occur. Bring previous scans and a list of symptoms, medicines and family history. A specialist may discuss observation, surgery such as Oophorectomy, or a planned procedure to remove visible disease when ovarian cancer is confirmed.

Treatment depends on the tumour type, stage, symptoms, general health and personal priorities. Options can include surgery, Chemotherapy or a combination. Do not start or stop treatment based on an imaging phrase alone; wait for the clinician to connect the scan with the complete assessment.

Get urgent help for sudden severe pelvic or abdominal pain, fainting, persistent vomiting, fever with worsening pain, difficulty breathing, or heavy bleeding. Prompt assessment is also needed if you cannot pass urine or stool, because a growth or another condition may be affecting nearby organs.

What type of growth does the scan suggest? Do I need repeat imaging, a specialist appointment or tissue testing? If surgery is considered, what might be removed and how could it affect fertility or hormone function?