What should you do if you suffer from an ovarian mass?

Ovarian masses can be treated through regular review, drug treatment, laparoscopic surgery, open surgery, and traditional Chinese medicine conditioning. Ovarian masses may be caused by physiological cysts, endometriosis, ovarian tumors, pelvic inflammatory disease, polycystic ovary syndrome, etc. It is recommended to seek medical treatment in time for a clear diagnosis.

1. Regular review

For physiological ovarian cysts that are small in size and asymptomatic, it is usually recommended to have a gynecological ultrasound review every 3-6 months. This type of cyst may be related to the formation of the corpus luteum after ovulation, and most of them will disappear naturally within 2-3 menstrual cycles. During the re-examination, it is necessary to observe whether abdominal pain, abnormal vaginal bleeding and other changes occur, and avoid strenuous exercise to prevent the cyst from torsion and rupture.

2. Drug treatment

For inflammatory masses, cefixime dispersible tablets combined with metronidazole tablets can be used as directed by the doctor to fight infection. For chocolate cysts, dienogest tablets can be used to inhibit intimal growth. Liver and kidney function need to be monitored regularly during drug treatment. If the mass continues to increase or severe abdominal pain occurs, immediate follow-up is required. Some drugs may cause adverse reactions such as nausea and breast tenderness.

3. Laparoscopic surgery

Laparoscopic ovarian cyst removal is recommended when the mass exceeds 5 cm in diameter or there is a risk of malignant tumor. This surgery is completed through 3-4 small incisions in the abdomen, and the postoperative recovery is fast. It is suitable for benign lesions such as teratomas and simple cysts. Tumor marker examination needs to be completed before surgery, as transient ovarian hypofunction may occur after surgery.

4. Laparotomy

When malignant tumors are highly suspected or cysts are severely adhered to surrounding tissues, traditional laparotomy is required, in which the lesions can be completely removed and rapid pathological examination can be performed. The extent of surgery is adjusted based on pathological findings and may involve unilateral adnexectomy or comprehensive staged surgery. After surgery, you need to pay attention to the wound healing and gradually restore gastrointestinal function.

5. Traditional Chinese Medicine Conditioning

For masses with qi stagnation and blood stasis, Guizhi Fuling Capsules can be used to activate blood circulation and remove blood stasis. For those with spleen deficiency and excess dampness, Shenling Atractylodes Powder can be used to strengthen the spleen and remove dampness. Traditional Chinese medicine treatment requires syndrome differentiation, combined with moxibustion at Guanyuan, Sanyinjiao and other acupoints to improve pelvic circulation. The treatment cycle is long, so the use of blood-activating drugs during menstruation should be avoided, and raw, cold and spicy food should be avoided during the period of taking the medicine.

After being diagnosed with an ovarian mass, you should maintain a regular schedule and avoid staying up late and overexertion. Choose high-quality protein and foods rich in dietary fiber, and limit the intake of high sugar and fat. Perform breast and ovary self-examination at a fixed time every month, and pay attention to record changes in the menstrual cycle. It is recommended to consult a doctor before strenuous exercise. In case of acute abdominal pain, lie down immediately and seek emergency medical treatment. Postoperative patients should be followed up regularly to monitor hormone levels and ovarian reserve function.