Overview and Facts
Ovarian low malignant potential tumor is a disease that begins in the cells that form the tissue covering an ovary. These tumors are usually not cancerous, but they should be monitored closely as they can become malignant. They usually occur in only one ovary, but the other should be examined in case for signs of the disease.
Why Choose Loyola for Ovarian Low Malignant Potential Tumors?
At Loyola, our expert doctors are committed to treating the whole person, not just the gynecologic cancer. The Cardinal Bernardin Cancer Center provides expanded clinics, diagnostic capabilities and laboratories for the gynecologic oncology program.
Loyola doctors, specializing in the treatment of gynecologic cancer, provide state-of-the-art diagnostic and therapeutic procedures for our patients. As a leading medical center, Loyola has extensive expertise in radical surgeries, minimally invasive surgeries, chemotherapy and radiation therapy. Our interdisciplinary team of specialists works together to develop individualized treatment plans that result in the best outcomes for our patients.
Symptoms and Signs of Ovarian Low Malignant Potential Tumors
In its early stages, an ovarian low malignant potential tumor does not display any symptoms. However, as it continues to grow, you may experience:
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Bloating, constipation and/or gas
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Pelvis pain
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Swelling or pain in the abdomen
Symptoms may be confused with other gastrointestinal issues, so it is important to see your Loyola doctor for accurate diagnosis when you first begin experiencing the above signs.
Causes and Risk Factors of Ovarian Low Malignant Potential Tumors
It is not known what causes ovarian low malignant potential tumors, but a family history of ovarian cancer may increase your risk. Other factors that have been linked to this disease include:
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Smoking
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Oral contraceptive use
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Age at first menstruation
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Age at first pregnancy and delivery
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Age at menopause
How Are Ovarian Low Malignant Potential Tumors Diagnosed?
In order to diagnose an ovarian low malignant potential tumor, your Loyola doctor will begin with a medical history and physical exam, including a pelvic exam. Then he/she will order one or several imaging tests, blood tests and a biopsy.
Imaging tests include:
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Ultrasound (or transvaginal ultrasound)
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CT Scan
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Chest X-ray
A blood test called CA 125 assay measures the level of CA 125 (a substance released by cells into the bloodstream). If you doctor needs to examine cells more closely he/she will take a biopsy, removing a sample of tumor tissue and sending it to a lab for analysis. After testing is complete, your doctor will stage the tumor if cancer exists. In general, patients with this disease have a good prognosis for recovery.
How Are Ovarian Low Malignant Potential Tumors Treated?
Surgery and chemotherapy are the most common treatment options for patients with ovarian low malignant potential tumor(s). The course of treatment depends on the stage, size and location of the tumor. The patient’s plan to have children is also a major factor in determining customized treatment.
Surgeries to treat ovarian low malignant potential tumor include:
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Total hysterectomy (removal of the uterus and cervix)
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Unilateral or bilateral salpingo-oophrectomy (removal of one or both ovaries)
As a female oncology patient at Loyola, you will receive the most advanced care from a team of specialists that include:
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Medical oncologists
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Radiation oncologists
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Social workers
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Specialty radiologists
Loyola is committed to developing new and effective therapies for gynecologic tumors, with the goal of increasing cancer survival. As a top-ranking academic medical center, Loyola has access to the most current treatment options. In addition to clinical trials, we offer genetics testing, radiation oncology and state-of-the-art laparoscopic and robotic surgical procedures.
Prevention, Early Detection and Screening for Ovarian Low Malignant Potential Tumors
It is not possible to prevent developing an ovarian low malignant potential tumor, but it is important to be aware of any family history of ovarian cancer. Talk to your doctor if you have any family member with a history of ovarian cancer or tumors. Since the prognosis for recovery is much higher when these tumors are found early, you and your doctor should incorporate screening for ovarian low malignant potential tumors in your regular pelvic exam screening.
Learn more about the gynecologic cancer screening guidelines that Loyola follows for the early detection of gynecologic cancers.
