Sexual Health | Gynaecology for GUM | Benign and Malignant Tumours of the Ovary

Benign and Malignant Tumours of the Ovary
Session Overview
Description
This session explains the diagnosis and management of benign and malignant tumours of the ovary.

Learning Objectives
By the end of this session you will be able to:

• Recognise the presenting signs and symptoms for ovarian tumours
• Identify the risk factors for ovarian cancer
• Describe the diagnostic tests and staging of tumours
• Detail the approach to the management of ovarian tumours

Prerequisites
Before commencing this session you should:

• Have a basic knowledge of gynaecological anatomy
• Complete session Module 17/Normal and Abnormal Menstruation (260-0186)

Ovarian masses can be categorised into various pathological groups from non-neoplasm to neoplasm and from benign to malignant. The nomenclature of ovarian tumours in the World Health Organization classification falls into one of the following three categories:

• Surface epithelial–stromal tumours
• Sex cord–stromal tumours
• Germ cell tumours

Ovarian masses can be simply classified into the following categories; functional, endometriotic or neoplastic. Neoplastic ovarian masses can be benign, borderline, or malignant. The management of each of these is different. However, only when a specimen is analysed histologically can we know for sure what the diagnosis is.

A clinician has to utilise the clinical acumen and the results of investigations to help determine management and make a clinical diagnosis.