Health problems in our bodies can manifest in various ways, depending on the condition. For women, abnormalities in the internal reproductive organs are particularly concerning because there are numerous potential diseases. Even a slight irregularity in menstruation can be a sign of a problem. One such condition that women should not overlook when experiencing changes in their menstrual cycle is ovarian tumors.
Rear Admiral Dr. Sosakul Bunyaviroch, an obstetrician-gynecologist at Phyathai 1 Hospital, explains that the ovaries are vital organs found only in females. They are egg-shaped, typically 2-3 cm in size (about the size of a quail egg), and located on either side of the uterus. The ovaries serve two main functions:
Egg production: When an egg is fertilized by sperm, it implants in the uterus to develop into an embryo. If the egg is not fertilized, it is expelled from the body.
Hormone production: These hormones lead to physical changes in young girls as they enter puberty, such as the development of breasts, widening of hips, a higher-pitched voice, and the growth of pubic and underarm hair.
In comparison, the ovaries are similar to the testes in males and play a critical role from puberty onward. Therefore, women should be vigilant in caring for their reproductive health and watch for abnormalities, as early detection helps minimize the risks and severity of potential diseases.
Ovarian tumors can be classified into three types:
Cyst: A tumor that appears as a sac filled with liquid, water, or tissue.
Benign Tumors: Non-cancerous tumors.
Malignant Tumors: Cancerous tumors.
While the exact cause is not clearly understood, risk factors for ovarian cancer include:
Genetics: A family history of cancer, such as in the grandmother, aunt, mother, or sisters.
Women who breastfeed tend to have a lower risk.
Age: Women over 55 years or those entering menopause have an increased risk.
Dr. Soksakun Bunyawiroj explains the symptoms of non-cancerous ovarian tumors, which may include:
Irregular menstruation
Frequent urination due to pressure on the bladder
Constipation caused by pressure on the intestines
Abdominal bloating or enlargement
Sudden abdominal pain, possibly from complications such as twisting, rupture, bleeding, or infection
Loss of appetite and nausea
The symptoms of malignant ovarian tumors (ovarian cancer) to watch for include:
Loss of appetite and weight loss due to rapid tumor growth
Fluid buildup in the abdomen (ascites), detectable through physical examination or ultrasound, caused by the spread of cancer cells to other organs
Biopsy results can help determine the type of ovarian tumor
The diagnostic process includes:
Medical history review and physical examination
Palpation of the abdomen to check for lumps
Internal examination or rectal exam
Ultrasound (abdominal or vaginal)
CT scan (computerized tomography)
MRI (magnetic resonance imaging)
If the tumor is benign, doctors typically monitor it and treat it with medication, following up with periodic ultrasounds. If the tumor is cancerous, surgery to remove the tumor is necessary, along with chemotherapy or radiation therapy. For non-cancerous tumors, surgery may be recommended if the tumor does not shrink or if there are complications like twisting, rupture, or bleeding.
Two types of surgery can be performed:
Traditional Surgery: A long incision is made in the abdomen, which requires a longer recovery time and leaves a scar.
Laparoscopic Surgery: This modern, minimally invasive method uses small incisions and a camera to guide the surgeon. This approach is suitable for gynecological diseases like ovarian cysts but may not be recommended for cancer, as it could increase the risk of spreading cancer cells.
Advantages of Laparoscopic Surgery:
Small incisions with minimal pain
Less blood loss and faster recovery
Most patients can eat immediately after surgery
Short hospital stay (1-2 days compared to longer recovery for open surgery)
Procedure of Laparoscopic Surgery: Under general anesthesia, the doctor makes small incisions (0.5-1 cm) to insert surgical instruments. A camera shows internal organs on a monitor to guide the surgery.
Complications of Laparoscopic Surgery: After surgery, patients may experience discomfort in the shoulder area due to residual carbon dioxide gas used to inflate the abdomen. This discomfort typically resolves within 1-2 days.
Limitations of Laparoscopic Surgery: For cancer patients, laparoscopic surgery may not be suitable due to the risk of spreading cancer cells, depending on the stage of cancer.
Before surgery, patients should follow their doctor's instructions carefully:
Pre-Surgery Preparation:
Fast for 6-8 hours before surgery
Sign the consent form for surgery
Post-Surgery Care:
For open surgery, avoid food and water for at least 24 hours until the doctor allows.
For laparoscopic surgery, patients can typically eat immediately, but this depends on the doctor’s recommendation.
Avoid sexual activity and heavy lifting for a period, as advised by the doctor.
Keep the surgical site dry.
Gradually begin walking and exercising.
Take prescribed medications regularly and attend follow-up appointments.
The exact cause of ovarian tumors is not yet fully understood, so it’s crucial to reduce risk factors, such as maintaining a healthy weight, breastfeeding, exercising regularly, and monitoring for unusual symptoms. Women with a family history of ovarian cancer may benefit from annual screenings like ultrasounds or blood tests for ovarian cancer markers.
Rear Admiral Dr. Soksakun Bunyawiroj Obstetrician-gynecologist and Specialist in Gynecological Cancer Women’s Health Center, Phyathai 1 Hospital
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