Difference Between Ovarian Cysts and Ovarian Cancer?

Ovarian Cysts Vs. Ovarian Cancer: What’s the Difference?

Gynecological issues tend to be misunderstood, especially when distinguishing between ovarian cysts and ovarian cancer. The American Cancer Society estimates that 1 in 91 women will develop ovarian cancer at some point in their lives. In contrast, ovarian cysts occur in nearly all women of reproductive age at some point.

This highlights the importance of distinguishing between common, typically harmless cysts and potentially life-threatening cancer. Both conditions affect the ovaries and may be accompanied by abdominal pain, bloating, or changes in menstrual cycles. However, they differ in nature, severity, and treatment options.

Keep reading to discover the significant differences between ovarian cancer and ovarian cysts!

What are Ovarian Cysts?

An ovarian cyst is a fluid-filled sac that forms on or inside an ovary. It is common, particularly during a woman's reproductive years, and is often linked to the menstrual cycle. Most ovarian cysts are functional and are considered a regular part of ovulation. These cysts typically go away on their own without treatment.

In some cases, cysts may rupture or twist, leading to a condition known as ovarian torsion, which can cause severe pain and may require surgical intervention.

What is Ovarian Cancer?

Ovarian cancer is a malignant condition in which the cells of the ovaries multiply uncontrollably and form a tumor. It is one of the most serious gynecologic cancers due to its subtle symptoms and delayed diagnosis. There are several types of ovarian cancer, with epithelial ovarian cancer being the most common.

Risk factors for this cancer include a family history of breast or ovarian cancer, genetic mutations (BRCA1 and BRCA2), advancing age, and hormone replacement therapy.

How are Ovarian Cysts and Ovarian Cancer Different?

Ovarian cysts and ovarian cancer both affect the ovaries but vary significantly in cause, prognosis, and treatment. Cysts are usually benign and related to hormonal changes, while cancer is a dangerous condition that can spread and become fatal.

The following table highlights the key differences for better clarity and understanding:

Can the Symptoms Be Similar?

Ovarian cysts generally don’t lead to any symptoms. However, when they do they can cause some symptoms similar to those of ovarian cancer, such as:

• pelvic or abdominal pain or a dull ache
• Bloating
• Pain during sex
• Unusual changes in your period
• urinary frequency or urgency

Since, they can also be signs of other health conditions, consult with the doctors if you have them. Unusual growth of hair on your face and body is a symptom that’s more prone to happen with ovarian cysts than as compared to the ovarian cancer. You might get it in case your body starts to make more male hormones like androgens. 

Few rare symptoms that are associated more closely to the ovarian cysts are sudden and sharp belly pain, fever and nausea. These signs could have indicated that you have cyst that has twisted or broken. If you have a serious pain on either side of your lower belly, it is suggested that you must visit healthcare experts. 

Which Ovarian Cysts May Raise Your Cancer Risk?

Most ovarian cysts aren’t cancer and it doesn’t increase your risk of cancer in any other way. However, particular types are more prone to be cancerous. They are called ‘complex’ ovarian cysts. A complex cyst has solid areas, a bump (nodules) on the surfaces or several fluid-filled areas. On the other hand, simple cysts aren’t tied to a higher ovarian cancer risks. Usually, they are simple in shape round or oval.

How Often Are Ovarian Cysts Cancerous?

Before menopause, the chance of an ovarian cyst being cancerous is very low (approximately 1-3%). While it is true that the majority of ovarian cancer cases are diagnosed after age 45, this does not mean cysts in younger women have a high cancer risk.

Ovarian cysts and ovarian cancer may appear similar but differ significantly in cause, severity, and treatment. Understanding these differences is critical for every woman's health. Early diagnosis and appropriate medical care can alleviate symptoms, prevent complications, and, in the case of cancer, save lives.

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