Pelvic Masses = Cancer?
Question
My sister had her tubes tied about 2 yrs. ago. She has been having all sorts of pelvic problems. She urinates constantly or with simple movements feels an active bladder. She feels discomfort when having intercourse. Dr. just did a few tests on her and told her they found pelvic masses. She is afraid this may be cancer. Does pelvic masses translate to cancer?
Please advise and thank you for your prompt response.
Answer
Last Updated: June 14, 2013
There are many different types of pelvic masses. A pelvic mass can be from an enlarged fallopian tube, from old or current infection. Perhaps the most common type of pelvic mass is a fibroid, a non-cancerous growth arising from the uterus. A mass can be from endometriosis. Or it can be one of thirty different types of ovarian tumors, benign or malignant. If this mass is a cyst (fluid-filled) rather than solid, it is more likely to not be malignant. In general, smaller masses, less than 5 cm., are more likely to not be malignant. If the woman is in the reproductive age group, up to 40-45, the chances of ovarian cancer are small. A blood test, a CA-125, can be helpful in diagnosing and treating a mass from the ovary, but is not foolproof for diagnosis – there is a very high level of false positives and false negatives. In younger women, if a cyst is present, it can be of hormonal origin and related to disturbances in ovulation. Sometimes an injection of progesterone is given or the woman is placed on oral contraceptives for 4-6 weeks, to suppress the pituitary hormone FSH which stimulates the cyst. If the woman is in a younger age group, the chances of malignancy with a pelvic mass are likely to be less than 5%. You cannot really diagnose the type of pelvis mass from ultrasound or a CAT, so often surgery is necessary.
Dr. Mary Davenport
Dr. Mary Davenport
Answered By:
Mary Davenport, MD, MS
Mary Davenport, MD, FACOG, an obstetrician/gynecologist from the Oakland Region of California, offers telehealth services over MyCatholicDoctor.com She graduated from Tufts University School of Medicine and completed her residency at UC San Diego. Dr. Davenport is a Fellow of the American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology, and serves on the Advisory Board of the California Association of Natural Family Planning.
