Ovarian Diseases

Ovaries are the paired gonads of the female reproductive system that contain haploid gametes known as oocytes. The ovaries are located intraperitoneally in the pelvis, just posterior to the broad ligament, and are connected to the pelvic sidewall laterally by the suspensory ligament of the ovary and to the uterus medially by the utero-ovarian ligament. These organs function to secrete hormones (estrogen and progesterone) and to produce the female germ cells (oocytes), which are expelled and then “captured” by the uterine tubes. The primary blood supply to the ovary is provided by the ovarian artery, a direct branch of the abdominal aorta; the ovarian artery anastomoses with the ascending branch of the uterine artery, providing excellent collateral blood flow.

Ovarian cancer is a malignant tumor arising from the ovarian tissue and is classified according to the type of tissue from which it originates. The 3 major types of ovarian cancer are epithelial ovarian carcinomas (EOCs), ovarian germ cell tumors (OGCTs), and sex cord-stromal tumors (SCSTs). By far, EOCs are the most common, tend to present in postmenopausal women with advanced disease, and carry a poor prognosis. On the other hand, OGCTs and SCSTs frequently affect younger women, tend to present earlier, and carry a better prognosis. Affected individuals are frequently asymptomatic, although they may present with nonspecific symptoms such as fatigue, increasing abdominal girth, GI symptoms, and pelvic pain. Moreover, if the tumor secretes hormones, abnormal bleeding may be a presenting symptom. Diagnosis is suspected based on imaging studies and confirmed with histologic examination. Treatment is primarily surgical and often with adjuvant chemotherapy.

Endometritis is an inflammation of the endometrium, the inner layer of the uterus. The most common subtype is postpartum endometritis, resulting from the ascension of normal vaginal flora to the previously aseptic uterus. The 2nd subtype is endometritis unrelated to pregnancy, which is further subdivided into acute and chronic forms. Pelvic inflammatory disease usually precedes acute endometritis, while the chronic form is often idiopathic but may be associated with chlamydia, tuberculosis, radiation therapy, or intrauterine devices. Clinical features include fever, abdominal pain, abnormal vaginal bleeding, and vaginal discharge. Diagnosis is based on history and physical examination. Imaging is performed to exclude abscesses, septic pelvic thrombophlebitis, and retained products of conception. Management includes hydration and antibiotic therapy.

Ovarian cysts are defined as collections of fluid or semiliquid material, often walled off by a membrane, located in the ovary. These cysts are broadly categorized as either functional or neoplastic. Neoplastic ovarian cysts are subcategorized as either benign or malignant. When the cysts occur as a result of normal physiologic processes, they are called functional, whereas if there is abnormal growth of ovarian cells, the cyst is referred to as neoplastic. In women of reproductive age, neoplastic ovarian cysts are typically benign; however, the risk of malignancy increases in the postmenopausal period. While most ovarian cysts do not cause symptoms, some women report vague symptoms such as lower abdominal pain or abdominal fullness. Complications of functional cysts include torsion and rupture. Neoplastic cysts may be either benign or cancerous. A diagnosis of ovarian cancer requires consultation with a specialist because treatment involves coordination of surgery and chemotherapy. Treatment is dependent on the etiology of the ovarian cyst and may range from surgical intervention to supportive care only.

Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) is the most common endocrine disorder of reproductive-age women, affecting nearly 5%‒10% of women in the age group. Characterized by hyperandrogenism, chronic anovulation leading to oligomenorrhea (or amenorrhea), and metabolic dysfunction, PCOS increases a woman’s risk for infertility, endometrial hyperplasia or carcinoma, and cardiovascular disease. The pathophysiology is incompletely understood but thought to have a multifactorial genetic basis causing altered pulsatile release of gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH), as well as increases in luteinizing hormone (LH), androgens, estrogen, and insulin: The result is chronic anovulation and hirsutism, which define the condition. Diagnosis is one of exclusion; therefore, other causes of abnormal uterine bleeding and hirsutism must be ruled out. Management includes attempting to restore normal ovulation through weight loss, oral contraceptive pills (OCPs), and fertility assistance.