Symptoms of Benign Ovarian Tumors

Benign ovarian tumors may undergo torsion of their pedicle, causing patients to experience sudden, severe lower abdominal pain—often necessitating emergency surgical intervention. Delayed surgery can lead to serious complications such as tumor necrosis, infection, or rupture. So, what are the symptoms of benign ovarian tumors? Below is a detailed explanation.

Symptoms of Benign Ovarian Tumors

1. Menstrual Changes

Approximately half of patients with benign ovarian tumors experience menstrual irregularities and abnormal vaginal bleeding. Clinically, individuals with ovarian insufficiency—including those with delayed menarche, premature menopause, dysmenorrhea, nulliparity, infertility, or a family history of ovarian cancer—are at increased risk for developing this condition.

2. Abdominal Mass

Many patients incidentally detect a lower abdominal mass upon waking in the morning, particularly when the bladder is full. Rapid tumor growth or the presence of ascites should raise strong suspicion for this condition. However, smaller masses (≤7 cm) are often imperceptible on self-examination and require ultrasound confirmation for detection. Notably, even malignant ovarian tumors may measure ≤5 cm. Therefore, regular gynecologic cancer screening is essential. For example, an ovarian mass measuring approximately 5 cm warrants close follow-up and vigilant monitoring.

3. Pressure Symptoms

Large pelvic masses frequently cause prominent pressure-related symptoms, including urinary frequency, urgency of defecation, rectal fullness or discomfort, lower abdominal heaviness, or constipation. Such pressure symptoms are also commonly observed in advanced ovarian cancer with widespread pelvic and peritoneal metastases and massive ascites.

4. Gastrointestinal Discomfort

Gastrointestinal symptoms are often the earliest presenting features of benign ovarian tumors. Patients typically seek medical attention due to abdominal distension, poor appetite, reduced food intake, or marked weight loss. When ascites develops, abdominal distension becomes more pronounced and may be accompanied by abdominal pain.

5. Abdominal Pain

Abdominal pain of varying severity may occur in benign tumors complicated by pedicle torsion, rupture, hemorrhage, or infection. In malignant tumors, infiltration into surrounding tissues or compression of nerves may result in abdominal pain, low back pain, or lower limb pain.

The above outlines the common symptoms associated with benign ovarian tumors. We hope this information proves helpful to you.