Adnexal Tumors

Adnexal Tumors: Types, Symptoms, Causes, Treatment

Adnexal Tumors refer to the growth that occurs near the uterus. These tumors are also known as adnexal masses. Adnexal Tumors are generally formed in the ovaries or the fallopian tube. The ovaries are the ones that help to make eggs and hormones, while the fallopian tube connects to the ovaries and the uterus. The tumor can even be formed in the connective tissue of this part of the body.

Adnexal Tumors are generally not cancerous, however, they can sometimes lead to cancer. Adnexal Tumors can be caused by many conditions, and they can even happen at any age. 

Types of Adnexal Tumors

Adnexal Tumors can be classified based on where they are located and whether or not they are cancerous. Some of the different types of Adnexal Tumors include: 

Benign Ovarian

This type of Adnexal Tumor is not cancerous and does not cause any symptoms. This can include functional cysts or even a tumour. Functional cysts refer to sacs that are formed on the ovaries and hold the eggs. The sac generally goes away when the eggs are released. However, sometimes the eggs are not released or the sac closes once the eggs are released. Once this happens, the sac gets filled with liquid. Functional cysts are harmless and generally go away without any need for any treatment. Hence, benign ovarian grows slowly and hardly becomes cancerous or malignant. 

Malignant Ovarian

These types of tumours are generally cancerous. Although ovarian cancer is rare, it can be very dangerous since it is usually diagnosed only when the cancer is advanced. The most common type of Malignant ovarian tumour is called epithelial. This begins in the cells that line the ovary. Malignant tumours can even start at the egg cells or the tissue region which holds the ovaries together. 

Benign Nonovarian

This is located outside the ovaries and is not cancerous. These masses can include:

1. Ectopic Pregnancy - When fertilized eggs begin to grow outside the uterus, generally in the fallopian tubes. 

2. Endometrioma - Cysts that are developed when the tissue formed inside the uterine wall grows in the ovaries. 

3. Hydrosalpinx - When one end of the fallopian tube is blocked and begins to get filled with liquids. 

4. Leiomyoma - Tumors that start at the middle of the uterus wall. 

5. Tubo-ovarian abscess - When pus begins to be formed due to an infection in the fallopian tube and ovary.

Malignant Nonovarian

This includes cancerous masses that are formed outside the ovary. This includes Endometrial carcinoma that begins in the lining of the uterus. Another type of cancer is fallopian tube carcinoma which begins in the fallopian tube. 

Nongynecologic 

This refers to the condition that can cause Adnexal masses which have nothing related to fallopian tubes, ovaries, connective tissues, or the uterus. It can include:

1. Appendicitis - Refers to when the appendix is inflamed.

2. Pelvic Kidney - Refers to when the kidney is in the pelvis instead of the abdomen. 

3. Cancer in the gastrointestinal area

4. Bladder diverticulum - When the wall of the bladder has a pouch. 

5. Nerve sheath tumour - An abnormal growth in one of the nerves that branch off from the spinal cord. 

Symptoms of Adnexal Tumors 

There are generally no symptoms present during adnexal tumours. It is mainly diagnosed during a routine pelvic exam. However, there are a few symptoms that can be rare in a few cases. These include:

• Pelvic Pain 

• Irregular period for premenopausal women 

• Bleeding that occurs in the adnexal mass 

• Having difficulty urinating 

• Often/frequent urination 

• Constipation 

• Bloating 

• Gastrointestinal disorders

The symptoms of adnexal tumours largely depend on the size of the mass. Since the above symptoms could have different health conditions related to them, it is advisable to seek advice from your doctor if you ever experience any of the above-given symptoms. Your symptoms may require further investigation. 

Causes of Adnexal Tumors

There are multiple causes of adnexal tumours. The most common ones include: 

Ovarian Cysts

These refer to fluid-filled sacs which are developed in the ovaries. These are generally very common. It is known that many women will experience ovarian cysts at least once in their lifetime. Ovarian cysts are painless and have no symptoms. 

Benign ovarian tumours

An ovarian tumour refers to the growth of cells or an abnormal lump. When these cells inside the tumour are not cancerous, they are known as benign ovarian tumours. Depending on the size of the tumour there may or may not be any symptoms. 

Ovarian Cancer

Ovarian cancer is known to be one of the most common types of cancer in women. This type of tumour can grow and spread to other parts of the body. Some of the symptoms of ovarian cancer can include:

• Fatigue
• Indigestion 
• Heartburn 
• Back pain/pelvic pain 
• Irregular periods 
• Pain during intercourse

Diagnosis of Adnexal Tumors

While being diagnosed with an Adnexal tumour the doctor will listen to all the symptoms you have. The doctor will even look at your medical history. After this, a pelvic exam will be conducted. However, sometimes adnexal tumours are not detected with a pelvic exam, hence, the doctor will conduct certain blood tests or even an ultrasound. If there are no symptoms at all, then adnexal tumours can only be diagnosed during routine pelvic exams and check-ups. 

The doctor may even need to do other tests for more information on the diagnosis. A biopsy may be done to see if there is any cancer detected. 

Treatment of Adnexal Tumors

The Adnexal Tumors Treatment Hospital in Hyderabad depends on various factors. This can include the reason for its cause and where the tumour is located. Usually, there are three types of options to treat Adnexal Tumors. These include: 

• Expectant Management: This refers to the case where the adnexal mass found is not cancerous, and the doctor says it will go away and that you won't need any follow-up care or treatment. This generally happens in the case of a small cyst which is known to eventually just go away. 
• Continued Surveillance: This refers to when the doctor isn't certain whether or not the adnexal mass found is cancerous. Hence, they may ask you to come for continued surveillance to be checked again later. The doctor may even suggest a pelvic ultrasound or certain blood tests during visits. 
• Surgery: In case the adnexal mass found is cancerous, then your doctor will suggest you undergo surgery to remove the tumour from the body. 

How can CARE Hospitals help?

The doctors and staff at CARE Hospitals are well-experienced and trained. We provide assistance and extensive care during the postoperative recovery period to all our patients. CARE Hospitals is the Best Treatment for Adnexal Tumors in Hyderabad and is committed to operating in an environmentally responsible manner. It provides a safe space for its patients, employees, and visitors as well. CARE Hospitals is more than just a hospital; it is an entire healthcare ecosystem. CARE Hospitals ensures that it provides cost-effective treatments, and uses state-of-the-art equipment and technology.