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Ovarian Tumours : Hormone Producing |
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The ovaries are the female organs that make the body's reproductive hormones and eggs. They work most of our lives under the control of the brain. Sometimes they may fail to function normally. This happens when a rare form of growth in the ovary, called a functioning tumour, takes over. These are not always tumours in the form of life-threatening cancers, but they still need to be treated. Female and male hormones can be made by these tumours. As a result, many different problems can develop.
If the female hormone, oestrogen, is overproduced the signs will be: - early development in a young girl of breasts and pubic hair
- a change in a woman's period or
- bleeding in women who are menopausal
If the male hormone, testosterone, is over produced in the female, the signs will be: - growth of facial hair
- severe acne
- changes in the opening to the birth canal and
- changes in the menstrual period
This can be confusing and frightening when changes like these occur. Treatment can stop most of these changes, especially if done early. Your doctor will need to do blood and urine tests to determine the right treatment plan. An ultrasound, a test using sound waves to study the ovaries, may also be needed. Surgery is usually required to remove a tumour. The tissue removed will be tested for cancer. If cancer is found, more surgery, cancer fighting medications, or radiation therapy may be suggested. If no cancer is found, recovery is usually complete and rapid. Article #6445 Copyright (c) 2002 McKesson. All Rights Reserved. |
