Ovarian Fibroma: Causes, Symptoms, Diagnosis, and Treatment

Ovarian Fibroma: Causes, Symptoms, Diagnosis, and Treatment

Article
Focused Health Topics
Contributed byAlexander Enabnit+2 moreJun 27, 2023

Introduction:

Ovarian fibroma is a type of benign tumor that originates from the fibrous connective tissue of the ovary. It is one of the most common pure stromal tumors of the ovary. Ovarian fibromas are typically slow-growing and non-cancerous, but they can cause symptoms and complications due to their size or hormonal effects. Understanding the causes, symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment options for ovarian fibroma is important for appropriate management and patient care.

Causes of Ovarian Fibroma:

The exact cause of ovarian fibroma is unknown. However, it is believed to result from the overgrowth of fibrous connective tissue in the ovary. Ovarian fibromas can occur at any age, but they are more commonly diagnosed in women during their reproductive years.

Symptoms of Ovarian Fibroma:

Ovarian fibromas may not cause any symptoms and are often discovered incidentally during routine pelvic examinations or imaging studies. However, some women may experience the following symptoms:

  • Abdominal or pelvic pain
  • Bloating or abdominal fullness
  • Increased urinary frequency
  • Menstrual irregularities
  • Pressure or discomfort in the lower abdomen

Diagnosis of Ovarian Fibroma:

  • Physical Examination: A pelvic examination may reveal an enlarged ovary or palpable mass.
  • Imaging Studies:

    • Transvaginal Ultrasound: This imaging technique is commonly used to evaluate ovarian tumors. It can provide detailed images of the ovaries and help determine the size, location, and characteristics of the fibroma.

    • CT Scan or MRI: These imaging modalities may be used to assess the extent of the tumor and evaluate nearby structures.
  • Biopsy and Histopathological Analysis: In some cases, a biopsy may be performed to obtain a tissue sample for microscopic examination. However, given the typical benign nature of ovarian fibromas, biopsy is not always necessary for diagnosis.

Treatment of Ovarian Fibroma:

The primary treatment for ovarian fibroma is surgical removal of the tumor. The surgical approach depends on the size of the fibroma, the patient's age and desire for fertility, and the overall condition of the ovary. Treatment options include:

  • Ovarian Cystectomy: In cases where the fibroma is small and the rest of the ovary is healthy, a cystectomy may be performed to remove only the fibroma and preserve the ovarian tissue.
  • Oophorectomy: If the fibroma is large, associated with significant symptoms, or if there are concerns about malignancy, an oophorectomy (removal of the entire ovary) may be recommended.
  • Follow-up Care: Regular follow-up visits, including pelvic examinations and imaging studies, may be necessary to monitor for recurrence or the development of new fibromas.

Conclusion:

Ovarian fibroma is a benign tumor arising from the fibrous connective tissue of the ovary. While typically non-cancerous, ovarian fibromas can cause symptoms and complications. Diagnosis involves physical examination and imaging studies, with biopsy being performed in select cases. Surgical removal is the primary treatment approach, considering factors such as tumor size, patient's fertility desires, and overall ovarian health. Regular follow-up is important to monitor for recurrence and ensure the well-being of the patient.

Hashtags: #ovariantumors #ovarianfibroma #benign #treatmentoptions

Was this article helpful

On the Article

Krish Tangella MD, MBA picture
Approved by

Krish Tangella MD, MBA

Pathology, Medical Editorial Board, DoveMed Team
Alexander Enabnit picture
Author

Alexander Enabnit

Senior Editorial Staff
Alexandra Warren picture
Author

Alexandra Warren

Senior Editorial Staff

0 Comments

Please log in to post a comment.

Related Articles

Test Your Knowledge

Asked by users

Related Centers

Loading

Related Specialties

Loading card

Related Physicians

Related Procedures

Related Resources

Join DoveHubs

and connect with fellow professionals

Related Directories

Who we are

At DoveMed, our utmost priority is your well-being. We are an online medical resource dedicated to providing you with accurate and up-to-date information on a wide range of medical topics. But we're more than just an information hub - we genuinely care about your health journey. That's why we offer a variety of products tailored for both healthcare consumers and professionals, because we believe in empowering everyone involved in the care process.
Our mission is to create a user-friendly healthcare technology portal that helps you make better decisions about your overall health and well-being. We understand that navigating the complexities of healthcare can be overwhelming, so we strive to be a reliable and compassionate companion on your path to wellness.
As an impartial and trusted online resource, we connect healthcare seekers, physicians, and hospitals in a marketplace that promotes a higher quality, easy-to-use healthcare experience. You can trust that our content is unbiased and impartial, as it is trusted by physicians, researchers, and university professors around the globe. Importantly, we are not influenced or owned by any pharmaceutical, medical, or media companies. At DoveMed, we are a group of passionate individuals who deeply care about improving health and wellness for people everywhere. Your well-being is at the heart of everything we do.

© 2023 DoveMed. All rights reserved. It is not the intention of DoveMed to provide specific medical advice. DoveMed urges its users to consult a qualified healthcare professional for diagnosis and answers to their personal medical questions. Always call 911 (or your local emergency number) if you have a medical emergency!