Ovarian mass; Adnexal mass

There are many causes for growths on the ovary. Your age and medical history are important in evaluating an ovarian growth.

Prior to menopause, the ovary forms a fluid filled sac (ovarian cyst) every month as a normal part of the process of releasing an egg. There are other reasons the ovary can form a cyst; most of these are not worrisome. If a cyst is large (over 5 centimeters), or doesn't go away after a few months, then you may need to have it further evaluated or removed. See ovarian cysts.

All ovarian growths that are not simple fluid filled sacs -- they are complex or solid -- should be investigated by your doctor regardless of age.

Images

Ovarian growth worries

Ascites with ovarian cancer, CT scan

Ovarian cyst

Next Section

Ovarian growths Prevention

Review Date: 12/01/2005
Reviewed By: Sharon Roseanne Thompson, M.D., M.P.H., Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, MA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.

A.D.A.M., Inc. is accredited by URAC, also known as the American Accreditation HealthCare Commission (www.urac.org)