Your Doctor Discovered an Ovarian Cyst: Should You Worry About Ovarian Cancer?
Ovarian cancer is an overgrowth of abnormal cells that develops in the ovaries. These cancer cells can multiply quickly, invading healthy tissue. The symptoms of ovarian cancer can be similar to many other medical issues women face, including ovarian cysts. If you’ve been treated for ovarian cysts, you may wonder if you should worry about ovarian cancer in the future.
What is an Ovarian Cyst?
The ovaries play an important reproductive function, producing eggs that allow women to become pregnant. But occasionally, an ovary can develop a cyst or fluid-filled sac that raises concern. The most common types of ovarian cysts include:
- Functional Cyst:
- These cysts form during the usual reproductive cycle and typically resolve on their own within a few months.
- Ovarian Endometriomas:
- If you have endometriosis, your endometrial tissue can grow outside the uterus and attach to the ovary.
- Ovarian Cystadenomas:
- These are liquid-filled cysts that develop on an ovary. They are typically benign but can be cancerous.
- Ovarian Dermoid Cysts or Teratomas:
- These are cysts consisting of multiple types of cells and are an ovarian germ cell tumor. They are usually benign but can sometimes be malignant.
In some cases, your doctor may want to remove your ovarian cyst. In others, the best course of treatment may be to see if the cyst resolves independently.
Symptoms of Ovarian Cancer
If you’re concerned about developing ovarian cancer because of personal risk factors or exposure to cancer-causing chemicals, it’s good to know the possible early symptoms of ovarian cancer. The symptoms of ovarian cysts and ovarian cancer are often similar, including:
- Abdominal swelling or bloating
- Abnormal menstrual bleeding
- Abdominal pressure and pain
- Painful intercourse
- Frequent urination
- Feeling overstuffed or having difficulty eating
Consult your doctor right away if you develop any of these symptoms.
Possible Causes of Ovarian Cancer
We can’t definitively say what causes ovarian cancer. But scientists do know that ovarian cancer starts when DNA in cells in or near the ovaries mutate. These changes cause cells to rapidly reproduce, causing a mass of cancer cells that invade healthy tissue and can invade other parts of the body. Risk factors for ovarian cancer include:
- Family history of ovarian cancer
- Endometriosis
- Genetics
- Older age
- Having never been pregnant
- Exposure to asbestos including talcum powder containing asbestos
Consult an Experienced Lawyer for Guidance
If your doctor diagnosed you with ovarian cancer that you believe is related to using talcum powder that may have been contaminated with asbestos, you may have legal options. The experienced attorneys at Madeksho Law have been helping victims pursue justice since 1972. Call us at 888-910-6376 or use the online contact form to set up a consultation. There's never a fee unless we recover compensation on your behalf.
