Your doctor has told you that you have an ovarian mass, tumour or cyst on one or both of your ovaries. The doctor may have said that they were concerned about the results of the investigations and that the ovary needs to be removed to see if there is any cancer present.
In most cases, a diagnosis of ovarian cancer cannot be made until after your operation.
It is normal to experience a wide range of emotions. For some women, it can be a frightening and unsettling time.
Whatever you may be feeling at present, try talking about it with someone who specialises in dealing with this condition such as your consultant or the gynaecology cancer nurse specialist (CNS). They will listen, answer any questions you may have and can put you in touch with other professionals or support agencies if you wish.
What is surgery for an ovarian mass and why is it necessary?
This operation is performed for different reasons:
- to remove an ovarian mass and make a diagnosis
- for suspected cancer of the ovary
- after a diagnosis of cancer of the ovary
- to remove any ovarian cancer that may remain following your chemotherapy
Surgery to remove an ovarian mass includes removal of the mass, ovary or ovaries and a hysterectomy (womb, fallopian tubes and cervix). The fatty tissue called the omentum that surrounds the womb and ovaries is also removed during surgery. The surgeon will then be able to make a diagnosis and, if it is cancer, see how far it has spread. Some women may need more extensive surgery than others and this will be discussed with you.
The aim of the operation is to remove the ovarian mass. If there is any evidence of cancer you may be offered further treatment such as chemotherapy. This will be discussed with you when all of your results are available. If the results show that you do not have cancer you will not need any further treatment.