Pelvic masses, or growths or enlargements in the pelvic region, are common in women. Any growth or enlargement in the lower abdomen that arises from an ovary, the uterus, the cervix, or a nearby structure that is benign (noncancerous) or malignant (cancerous) is referred to as a pelvic mass. Although many go unnoticed, many women experience pelvic mass at some point in their lives. Pelvic masses can be classified into several types. Get the best pelvic mass treatment in Salt Lake, Kolkata by consulting with a team of experts at the top hospital.
Causes of Growth in the Pelvic Region
It is not always possible to predict who will get a pelvic mass. However, age appears to play a role in their development. Women of reproductive age who have not reached menopause, (usually occurs around the age of 50), are more likely to experience:
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Fibroid tumours
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Ectopic pregnancies
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Ovarian cysts
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Benign tumors
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Endometriosis-related tumors.
It can occur at any age though. The accumulation of menstrual blood, also known as an obstruction of the outflow tract, is the most frequent cause of uterine enlargement in girls and young women (apart from pregnancy). The endometrium, the lining of the uterus, is the source of menstrual blood, which must escape through the cervix and out through the vagina. This passage could be obstructed by any obstacles. Obstacles can develop because of birth abnormalities affecting the uterus, cervix, vagina, or hymen.
In adult women, uterine fibroids and adenomyosis are very typical causes of uterine growth; however, such conditions are uncommon in adolescents and younger adults.
Although uncommon, younger women can come to a doctor with the juvenile type of ovarian cancer and other malignant pelvic tumors. However, postmenopausal women have a higher risk of developing malignant pelvic tumors. Such problems may occur at any age though.
Symptoms of Enlarged Pelvic Mass
Some pelvic tumors do not cause symptoms. Because of a lack of symptoms they are notorious to stay undetected for a long time before pressing symptoms start. The symptoms depend upon the nature, size, and location of the pelvic mass. Some of the possible symptoms include:
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Pelvic pain
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Urge to urinate frequently.
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Nausea or vomiting.
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Abdominal bloating and swelling.
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Vaginal bleeding outside of the menstrual cycle or after menopause.
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Menstruation that is unusually heavy or irregular.
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Bowel habit changes.
Interesting to know that many pelvic tumors present with non-gynecological symptoms.
Diagnosis of Enlarged Pelvic Mass
A pelvic mass is usually detected during a routine gynecological exam. A doctor may detect larger tumors by examining the lower abdomen. Multiple imaging tests can be performed to view images of the growth and surrounding organs if a pelvic mass is suspected.
The following are some commonly used pelvic imaging tests:
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Abdominal or transvaginal ultrasound imaging.
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Computerized tomography (CT) scans.
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Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans.
Treatment and Procedure for Enlarged Pelvic Mass
Treatment for a pelvic mass will be determined by several factors, including the type, size, and location of the growth, as well as whether it is causing symptoms. Some masses may only require monitoring, while others may require surgical removal.
Surgery is required to determine whether a pelvic mass is cancerous or benign. Treatment is determined by the size of the mass and how it appears on imaging studies like an ultrasound or a CT scan. The patient’s pelvic mass can be removed laparoscopically or via laparotomy, depending on its size.
The gynecologist in salt lake at Manipal Hospitals uses minimally invasive laparoscopic procedures to remove masses with minimal disruption to surrounding healthy tissues. Patients typically experience a shorter recovery period and less post-operative discomfort because of this novel minimally invasive approach.
Manipal Hospitals, Salt Lake, Kolkata