What are the other Names for this Condition? (Also known as/Synonyms)

• Ovarian Cystadenofibroma of Serous Type

What is Benign Serous Cystadenofibroma of Ovary? (Definition/Background Information)

• Benign Serous Cystadenofibroma of Ovary is a common benign ovarian tumor that generally affects women in their fifth decade. The causal factors for Benign Serous Cystadenofibroma of Ovary are unknown
• Tumors of the ovaries can be benign, borderline or low malignant potential (LMP), or malignant tumors. Thus, not all ovarian tumors are cancers
• Benign tumors are not cancerous and do not spread or metastasize. Borderline or low malignant potential (LMP) tumors are usually benign, but some of them can behave like cancers. Malignant tumors are cancers that spread and metastasize
• Benign Serous Cystadenofibroma of Ovary is a slow-growing epithelial tumor. It usually occurs as a combination of cystic and solid mass within the ovary
• In majority of the cases, the tumor is present as a single mass within the ovary; though rarely, the tumor can occur as multiple masses within a single ovary, or it may affect both the ovaries as well
• These tumors are considered to be serous type of tumors based on their characteristic appearance under a microscope
• Benign Serous Cystadenofibroma of Ovary usually presents with sign and symptoms, such as abdominal pain, vaginal bleeding, and increased abdominal size. Many such tumors show no signs and symptoms and are usually detected incidentally during an abdominal ultrasound, performed for other health reasons
• The complications due to these ovarian tumors are rare, but may include rupture of the cystic portion of the tumor within the abdomen, or torsion of the affected ovary
• The treatment for Benign Serous Cystadenofibroma of Ovary is complete surgical removal of the tumor. With prompt and appropriate treatment, the prognosis is generally excellent

Who gets Benign Serous Cystadenofibroma of Ovary? (Age and Sex Distribution)

• Benign Serous Cystadenofibroma of Ovary can occur worldwide in women of any age, race or ethnicity. Nevertheless, it is more common between the ages 40-50 years
• Infants and young children are usually not affected

What are the Risk Factors for Benign Serous Cystadenofibroma of Ovary? (Predisposing Factors)

• The risk factors for Benign Serous Cystadenofibroma of Ovary are unknown
• However, women who are overweight and post-menopausal women taking hormone replacement therapy (HRT) are at an increased risk

It is important to note that having a risk factor does not mean that one will get the condition. A risk factor increases ones chances of getting a condition compared to an individual without the risk factors. Some risk factors are more important than others.

Also, not having a risk factor does not mean that an individual will not get the condition. It is always important to discuss the effect of risk factors with your healthcare provider.

What are the Causes of Benign Serous Cystadenofibroma of Ovary?(Etiology)

The exact cause of Benign Serous Cystadenofibroma of Ovary is unknown; they are thought to occur spontaneously.

What are the Signs and Symptoms of Benign Serous Cystadenofibroma of Ovary?

The signs and symptoms are based on the size of the tumor. Many of the following symptoms can be seen with other ovarian cancers too. Hence, additional test are always needed before confirming a diagnosis of Benign Serous Cystadenofibroma of Ovary.

• Abdominal pain (the pain is usually in the pelvic region)
• Abdominal swelling due to the mass or due to fluid accumulation in the belly (called ascites)
• Increased abdominal girth due fluid accumulation (ascites)
• Persistent feeling of abdominal bloating with nausea or vomiting
• Changes in bowel movements, such as constipation
• Feeling full soon after eating less (having a feeling of satiety after eating less)
• Loss of appetite with weight loss
• Fatigue, feeling tired easily
• Abnormal menstrual bleeding

Some of the other features of Benign Serous Cystadenofibroma of Ovary include:

• It is a slow-growing tumor and usually presents as a painless, well-defined mass in the ovary
• Large tumors may occasionally rupture spilling cyst contents into the belly

Most tumors are asymptomatic; however, in others, a wide-range of behavior is observed.

How is Benign Serous Cystadenofibroma of Ovary Diagnosed?

The diagnosis of Benign Serous Cystadenofibroma of Ovary may require the following tests and exams:

• A thorough physical examination with special emphasis on pelvic examination and a complete medical history is very vital
• Complete blood count (CBC) with differential of white blood cells
• Exploratory laparoscopy (diagnostic laparoscopy): This is a procedure wherein the abdomen is examined using a minimally invasive technique. During this procedure, a tissue biopsy may also be performed. A minimally invasive approach helps decrease the complications and length of stay at the hospital
• A tissue biopsy of the tumor: A tissue biopsy is performed and sent to the laboratory for pathological examination

A pathologist examines the biopsy under a microscope. After putting together the clinical findings, special studies on tissues (if needed), and the microscope findings, the pathologist arrives at a definitive diagnosis. Sometimes, the pathologist may perform special studies that may include immunohistochemical stains, histochemical stains, molecular testing, and very rarely, electron microscopic studies. Examination of the biopsy under a microscope by a pathologist is considered to be the gold standard in arriving at a conclusive diagnosis.

Radiological imaging studies may include:

• X-ray of the abdomen and pelvic region
• CT scan of the abdomen and pelvic region
• MRI scan of abdomen and pelvic region
• Ultrasound scans of the pelvic region; usually transvaginal ultrasonography (TVS) and abdominal ultrasound scans are performed

Many clinical conditions may have similar signs and symptoms. Your healthcare provider may perform additional tests to rule out other clinical conditions to arrive at a definitive diagnosis.

What are the possible Complications of Benign Serous Cystadenofibroma of Ovary?

Benign Serous Cystadenofibroma of Ovary rarely causes any significant complication. However, a few may include:

• Rupture of the cyst within the abdomen
• Painful torsion of the ovary

These conditions can cause severe abdominal pain requiring urgent surgical exploration of the abdomen.

How is Benign Serous Cystadenofibroma of Ovary Treated?

The following measures may be undertaken to treat Benign Serous Cystadenofibroma of Ovary:

• If the tumor is small and asymptomatic, usually no treatment is needed, since these tumors are benign
• A surgical excision of the tumor is considered sufficient treatment and is curative
• Post-operative care is important: A minimal physical activity is advised, until the surgical wound heals

The healthcare provider will determine and plan the best course of treatment on a case-by-case basis.

How can Benign Serous Cystadenofibroma of Ovary be Prevented?

The cause of Benign Serous Cystadenofibroma of Ovary is unknown. Hence, there are no known methods to prevent the tumor occurrence.

• Early diagnosis with close monitoring and treatment of the tumor is important. A timely tumor recognition and prompt treatment will help in having optimal outcomes
• The US Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) currently does not have any recommendation for screening against ovarian cancer for the general population. Tests such as blood serum CA125 level or trans-vaginal ultrasonography are not really helpful as screening tools
• The National Cancer Institute (NCI) recommends that women who are at high risk for ovarian cancer take regular (annual) examinations. The healthcare provider may perform studies such as ultrasonography examinations and CA125 testing as part of one’s annual physical examination

What is the Prognosis of Benign Serous Cystadenofibroma of Ovary? (Outcomes/Resolutions)

• The prognosis of Benign Serous Cystadenofibroma of Ovary is excellent with suitable treatment
• The prognosis is generally good when the lesions are small and found below the ovarian surface. Such tumors also have very low recurrence risk on compete removal through surgery

Additional and Relevant Useful Information for Benign Serous Cystadenofibroma of Ovary:

The following DoveMed website link is a useful resource for additional information:

https://www.dovemed.com/diseases-conditions/cancer/