Ovarian Mass

An ovarian mass is an abnormal growth or enlargement of ovarian tissue, which can be benign, borderline, or malignant, arising from epithelial, germ cell, or stromal components of the ovary.

Definition

An ovarian mass is an abnormal growth or enlargement of ovarian tissue, which can be benign, borderline, or malignant, arising from epithelial, germ cell, or stromal components of the ovary.

Epidemiology

Common in women of all ages, with varying etiology by age group
Functional cysts are most common in reproductive-aged women
Benign epithelial tumors predominate in premenopausal women
Malignant ovarian tumors more common in postmenopausal women
Incidence of ovarian cancer is highest in women over 60 years

Etiology

Functional ovarian cysts (follicular cysts, corpus luteum cysts)
Benign tumors: serous cystadenoma, mucinous cystadenoma, dermoid cyst (mature cystic teratoma)
Borderline tumors (low malignant potential)
Malignant ovarian tumors: epithelial (serous, mucinous, endometrioid), germ cell, stromal tumors
Risk factors: family history, BRCA mutations, nulliparity, endometriosis

Pathophysiology

Abnormal proliferation of ovarian epithelial, germ, or stromal cells
Hormonal influences in functional cysts
Malignant tumors may invade local structures and metastasize via peritoneal fluid
Formation of ascites in advanced malignant disease
Potential for torsion, rupture, or hemorrhage in cystic lesions