Table of contents:
- Difference between ovarian cyst and ovarian cancer
- 1. Differences in the definition of ovarian cysts with ovarian cancer
- 2. Differences in symptoms of ovarian cysts with ovarian cancer
- 3. The difference between the causes of ovarian cysts and ovarian cancer
- Can ovarian cysts develop into cancer?
Ovarian cancer (ovary) is a type of cancer that commonly affects women, in addition to cervical cancer. However, not everyone knows what ovarian cancer actually is, so it is often considered the same as ovarian cysts. In fact, they are two different conditions. So, what is the difference between ovarian cancer and ovarian cysts? Can a cyst become ovarian cancer? Come on, understand the difference below.
Difference between ovarian cyst and ovarian cancer
It is important to recognize the difference between ovarian cancer and ovarian cysts. Especially for you, your family, or friends who have one of these diseases. The reason is, the treatment for the two diseases is different.
So that you are not mistaken again, let's discuss the differences one by one below.
1. Differences in the definition of ovarian cysts with ovarian cancer
The difference between ovarian cancer and ovarian cysts can be seen from the definition. Ovarian cancer is a cancer that occurs in ovarian cells. The ovaries are glands that are owned by women to produce eggs and sex hormones.
Cancer cells can start from cells that are on the outer surface of the ovaries, cells that produce eggs, or cells that produce sex hormones. Just like cancer in general, cancer cells in the ovaries function abnormally so that they continue to divide without control. As a result, there is a buildup of cells which later forms a tumor.
Meanwhile, ovarian cysts are fluid-filled sacs that form on or on the outer surface of the ovaries. The presence of a pocket on the ovary is what may often be mistaken for a malignant tumor, aka a cancerous tumor.
2. Differences in symptoms of ovarian cysts with ovarian cancer
Apart from definition, the difference between a cyst and cancer in this organ can also be very much from the symptoms it causes. According to the American Cancer Society, symptoms of ovarian cancer that are commonly felt by women include flatulence, abdominal pain and around the hips, feeling full quickly on the stomach, and experiencing bladder problems.
Some of them also experience symptoms such as body fatigue, pain during sex, constipation, swelling in the stomach, and experiencing insolent bleeding when menstruating.
Symptoms of cancer are generally felt when the disease has entered an advanced stage. However, some have experienced it at an early stage. Meanwhile, in women who experience ovarian cysts, the symptoms that generally occur are hip pain and abdominal pain.
3. The difference between the causes of ovarian cysts and ovarian cancer
You can also see the difference between these two conditions from the underlying cause. The cause of ovarian cancer is not known with certainty by health professionals. However, most think that this has something to do with DNA mutations in cells that cause cancer in general.
DNA contains a command system for cells to grow, divide, and die. However, because of the mutation, the command system is damaged, making the cells abnormal.
While most cysts form as a result of the menstrual cycle. Your ovaries will grow follicles that have a structure similar to a cyst every month. These follicles later function to produce hormones and release eggs.
Can ovarian cysts develop into cancer?
Cancer that attacks the ovaries is a dangerous and life-threatening disease. The good news is, in stage 1, 2, and 3 ovarian cancer that is not too severe, ovarian cancer can be treated. Ovarian cancer treatment is very diverse, generally is surgical removal of cancer cells and chemotherapy.
The emergency status is different from that of an ovarian cyst. The reason is that some cysts are formed as a result of a natural process when a woman is menstruating. Most cases of ovarian cysts are harmless and the majority go away without treatment within a few months.
However, you should not underestimate these cysts on the ovaries. Because ovarian cysts that you have can become ovarian cancer at a later date.
The Mayo Clinic states that cysts on the ovaries that develop after menopause are likely to be malignant (malignant) or will become cancerous. Over time, without cancer treatment, this disease can lead to complications of ovarian cancer.
If you experience this condition, your doctor will refer you to a gynecological oncologist. To keep an eye on these cysts on the ovaries, it may be recommended that you get regular pelvic exams to detect ovarian cancer early.
