The difference between an ovarian mass and a cyst

Ovarian masses and cysts are very common diseases in daily life. They not only cause great harm to the patient's physical health, but also seriously affect their normal life and work. Therefore, it is particularly important to understand relevant knowledge and find scientific and effective treatment methods. However, many people tend to confuse the two. In fact, as long as you understand them carefully, you will find that they are different in many aspects.

1. Ovarian mass refers to a cyst-like mass that appears on the ovary. It is a type of ovarian tumor that may be benign or malignant. Common physical signs include an intra-abdominal mass. If the intra-abdominal mass is medium in size or smaller and has no complications or malignant transformation, its greatest characteristic is mobility, and it can often move from the pelvic cavity to the abdominal cavity. The lump is generally not tender, but if there are complications or malignant changes, not only will the lump itself be tender, but there may even be symptoms of peritoneal irritation.

2The most obvious symptom of ovarian mass is ascites. The presence of ascites is often a feature of malignancy, but benign cysts such as ovarian fibromas and papillary cystadenomas can also produce ascites. Endocrine symptoms such as hirsutism, deepening of voice, and clitoral hypertrophy are signs of virilizing cysts. In addition, ovarian masses may become malignant, characterized by extreme abdominal distension, marked weight loss, a painful facial expression, and severe exhaustion.

3 Ovarian cysts are a type of ovarian tumor in a broad sense. Cysts are divided into physiological and pathological types. Physiological cysts are caused by the menstrual cycle. The clinical symptoms of pathological cysts are: intra-abdominal masses that are smaller than medium in size. If there are no complications or malignant changes, their biggest feature is mobility, and they can often move from the pelvic cavity to the abdominal cavity. In malignant or inflammatory conditions, the tumor is limited in mobility. The mass is generally not tender to the touch, but if there are complications such as infection, not only will the mass itself be tender, but there may even be symptoms of peritoneal irritation and ascites.

4 However, ovarian masses are not necessarily caused by ovarian cysts. They may also be caused by inflammation or pelvic effusion. Therefore, if patients want to know whether the ovarian mass is caused by cysts or some other reason, they need to go to the hospital for examination and diagnosis to get the results.

I hope the above introduction can help everyone better understand ovarian cysts. In addition, the author reminds patients with ovarian cysts to avoid spicy and irritating foods such as tobacco, alcohol, onions, garlic, and peppers to prevent aggravation of the condition.