MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia: Ovarian growths

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Ovarian growths

Contents of this page:
Illustrations Alternative Names	Information

Illustrations

Ascites with ovarian cancer, CT scan

Ovarian growth worries

Ovarian cyst

Alternative Names Return to top

Ovarian mass; Adnexal mass

Information Return to top

There are many causes for growths on the ovary. Your age and medical history are important in evaluating an ovarian growth.

Before menopause, the ovary forms a fluid-filled sac (ovarian cyst) every month as a normal part of the process of releasing an egg. There are other reasons why the ovary can form a cyst; most of these are not worrisome. If a cyst is large (over 5 centimeters), or doesn't go away after a few months, then you may need to have it further evaluated or removed.

Regardless of your age, have your doctor look at any ovarian growths that are complex or solid.

See also: Ovarian cysts

Update Date: 11/9/2007

Updated by: Peter Chen, M.D., Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Pennsylvania Medical Center, Philadelphia, PA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.

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