Description

Adnexal tumors and masses are masses of cells that form in the organs and the connective tissue around the uterus. Adnexal tumors and masses most of the times are not cancer, but may be cancer.

Adnexal tumors and masses occur in the:

  • The ovaries. The female reproductive system has two ovaries, one on each side of the uterus. To make the eggs, called oocytes. The ovaries also produce the hormones estrogen and progesterone.
  • The fallopian tubes. The fallopian tubes connect the ovaries to the uterus.
  • Connective tissue. Connective tissue that surrounds and supports the ovaries and the fallopian tubes.

The diagnosis of tumors, adnexal mass and involves a careful physical examination, imaging tests, and blood tests. The treatment depends on the size of the tumor or of the mass and its cause.

Symptoms

Many of the tumors, adnexal mass and do not cause symptoms. They are often found during a medical examination is done for another reason.

When the tumors, adnexal mass and cause symptoms, the symptoms may include:

  • The pain, including pain in the pelvis or abdomen, painful menstrual cramps that are worse than usual, and painful sexual intercourse.
  • A feeling of fullness or pressure in the pelvis or abdomen, or feeling full quickly when eating.
  • Nausea and vomiting.
  • Constipation or abdominal distension.
  • Urinate a lot or have trouble urinating.
  • Bleeding from the vagina that are out of the ordinary.
  • Fever.

When to see a doctor

Make an appointment with a doctor or other health care professional if you have any symptoms that worry you.

If you have any of the following symptoms, seek emergency medical attention immediately:

  • Terrible pelvic or belly pain.
  • Pelvic or abdominal pain that starts quickly.
  • Bleeding from the vagina during the first three months of pregnancy.

Causes

There are many possible causes of tumors, adnexal, and masses. Causes that are more common include:

  • Cysts. When fluid builds up in one area of the body, the mass that is formed is called a cyst. The cysts may occur within the ovaries and fallopian tubes, as well as in the connective tissue around them.
  • The Endometriosis. Endometriosis occurs when the tissue that is similar to the inner lining of the uterus grows outside of the uterus. Often affects the ovaries, fallopian tubes and the tissue lining the pelvis.
  • Ectopic pregnancy. An ectopic pregnancy occurs when the fertilized egg implants and grows outside of the uterine cavity, usually in the fallopian tubes.

Examples of other health conditions that can cause tumors and masses adnexal are:

  • The Fibrosis. Fibrosis is a condition that occurs when the connective tissue becomes thick and full of scars.
  • Hydrosalpinx. Hydrosalpinx is when the fluid blocks the fallopian tubes.
  • Infection. An infection can cause pus to build up and form a mass called an abscess.
  • Ovarian torsion. Ovarian torsion occurs when an ovary is moved out of its typical position and twists.
  • Cancer. The majority of the tumors, adnexal masses are not cancer. But some can be a cancer that affects the ovaries, fallopian tubes, and / or the tissue around it.

Risk factors

Because many conditions can cause tumors and masses, adnexal, there are many things that can increase the risk of developing them. But it is more important to be aware of the factors that can affect the risk of a tumor adnexal, or the mass of cancer, including:

  • Menopause. The people who have gone through menopause are more likely to have a tumor or mass adnexal cancer is that they are people who have not gone through menopause.
  • The hormonal drugs. People who have used infertility drugs with hormones are at a higher risk of a cancerous tumor or mass adnexal. But those who have used hormonal contraceptives are at a much lower risk of a tumor or mass adnexal cancer.
  • Medical history of the family. People with relatives who have had breast cancer, ovarian cancer, or cancer of the fallopian tubes are at increased risk of developing a cancer tumor or mass adnexal.
  • Inherited changes in the DNA. The changes in DNA that increase the risk of cancer can be transmitted from parents to children. These changes can significantly increase the risk of getting some types of cancer. But not everyone with these changes in DNA are sick of cancer.
  • Smoking cigarettes. Cigarette smoking increases the risk of developing a tumor or mass adnexal that is cancer.

Diagnosis

To diagnose tumors and masses, adnexal, a health professional can begin with a pelvic exam. Other tests and procedures may include imaging tests, and blood tests.

Pelvic exam

During a pelvic exam, a professional of the health puts gloved fingers into the vagina and presses a hand on the belly, at the same time, in order to feel the organs of the pelvis. A pelvic exam involves also look at the external genitalia, the vagina and the cervix.

Imaging tests

Imaging tests create pictures of the body. You can show the location and size of a tumor or mass adnexal. The tests may include ultrasound, computerized axial tomography, also called computed tomography, and magnetic resonance imaging, also called magnetic resonance imaging.

Blood tests

Blood tests may be done to help diagnose a tumor or mass, adnexal, including:

  • A pregnancy test.
  • Blood tests to look for infection.
  • A blood test for tumor markers that can be signs of cancer. For example, the cancer antigen 125 test, also called CA 125 test, you can find a protein that is often found on the surface of ovarian cancer cells.

Treatment

The treatment for tumors, adnexal mass and depends on the type of growth and what is causing it. In some situations, such as with a small cyst, treatment is not necessary.

The surgery to remove a tumor or mass adnexal you can be notified if the tumor or mass is large, if it is causing symptoms or if it could be cancer.

Preparing for your appointment

If you have any symptoms that worry you, start by making an appointment with a doctor or other health care professional. If your doctor suspects a tumor adnexal or mass could be cancer, you may be referred to a doctor who specializes in cancer of the reproductive organs, called to a gynecologic oncologist.

Because appointments can be brief, it is a good idea to be prepared. The following information may help you prepare for an appointment.

What you can do

  • Write down your symptoms, including any that may seem unrelated to the reason for which you scheduled the appointment.
  • Write down key personal information, including any major stresses or recent life changes.
  • Make a list of all medications, vitamins or supplements you take.
  • Consider taking along a family member or friend. Sometimes it can be difficult to remember all information that is obtained during an appointment. Someone who goes with you may remember something that you missed or forgot.
  • Write questions to ask their health professional.

Questions for your doctor

Below are some basic questions to ask your health care professional. If you think of other questions during your appointment, make sure you ask these questions, too.

  • What is likely causing my symptoms?
  • What tests might I need?
  • Could my adnexal tumor or mass is going to go away on its own account, or will I need treatment?
  • Do you have any printed materials or brochures that you might have? What sites do you recommend?

What to expect from your doctor

Ask your health care professional can do include:

  • How often do you have symptoms?
  • How bad are the symptoms?
  • Do you have regular menstrual cycles?
  • What was the date of your last menstrual period?
  • Do your symptoms seem to be related to your menstrual cycle?
  • Have used hormonal contraceptives or infertility medications? If so, how long are they used?
  • Is there something to improve the symptoms?
  • Does anything make your symptoms worse?
Symptoms and treatment of tumors and masses Adnexal