Ovarian Tumor

What is ovarian tumor?

Ovarian tumor begins in the ovaries. The ovaries produce eggs (called ova). Women have two ovaries which one on each side of the uterus in the pelvis. The ovaries are made of 3 main kinds of tissue such as Epithelial cell cover the ovary, germ cells make eggs (ova) inside of the ovary and stromal cells hold the ovary together make most of the female hormones (estrogen and progesterone). Many types of tumor can start in the ovaries. Some are benign (not cancerous) and never spread beyond the ovary. Otherwise, some tumors are cancerous (or malignant) and can spread to other parts of the body. There are three types of ovarian tumor:

Epithelial Tumor

These tumor starts from the cells that cover the outer surface of the ovary. Most ovarian tumor is epithelial cell tumor.

Germ Cell tumor

What is Ovarian Tumor Risk Factor?These start from the cells that produce the eggs.

Stromal Tumor

What is Ovarian Tumor Risk Factor?These start from the cells that hold the ovary together and make the female hormones.

What is Ovarian Tumor Risk Factor?

It is impossible to predict who will or won’t develop ovarian tumor. It is important to know the risk factor in order to prevent from ovarian tumor. There are several risk factor of ovarian tumor:

Age

All women are at of developing ovarian tumor regardless of age. Other than that, the highest rate women with ovarian tumor are aged 55-64 years.

Family History

Women who have one first-degree relative with ovarian tumor but no known genetic mutation still have an increased of developing ovarian tumor. The lifetime risk of a woman who has a first degree relative with ovarian tumor is five percent. However, many women without a family history may still have a gene mutation associated with risk for ovarian tumor.

Reproductive History and infertility

Relationship between the numbers of menstrual cycles in a women’s lifetimes and her risk of developing ovarian tumor. It is increase the risk of ovarian tumor if started menstruating at an early age before 12, has not given birth to any children, had her first child after 30, experienced menopause after 50 and has never taken oral contraceptives. Other than that, a women uses fertility drugs also increase the risk of ovarian tumor.

Hormones Replacement Therapy

Usually, hormone replacement therapy to alleviate symptoms associated with menopause that occurs as the body adjusts to decreased levels of estrogen. Hormone replacement treatment involves treatment with either estrogen alone or a combination of estrogen with progesterone or progestin. Women who use menopausal hormone therapy are at an increased risk for ovarian cancer.