Ovarian cancer and polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) are two conditions related to the female reproductive system that produce masses that can be seen on an ultrasound. While they have distinct differences, they also have several similarities that make it hard for doctors to finalize a diagnosis until they’ve done more testing.
PCOS, although non-cancerous, needs to be addressed because it increases the chances of developing ovarian cancer later.
What is Ovarian Cancer?
Ovarian cancer starts in a woman's ovaries. Early in the disease, there may not be any ovarian cancer signs. When and if symptoms develop, they are common enough to be mistaken for other conditions.
Ovarian cancer signs can include:
- bloating
- weight loss
- cramping or pressure in the pelvic area
- back pain
- fatigue
- frequent urination
- pain during intercourse
- reduced appetite, menstrual changes
- abnormal discharge or bleeding
Related Read: 5 Signs and Symptoms of Ovarian Cancer That Every Woman Should Know
The most common type of ovarian cancer is epithelial ovarian cancer. Treatment for ovarian cancer usually includes one or a combination of treatments, including surgery, chemotherapy, targeted therapy, radiation therapy, and immunotherapy.
The cause of ovarian cancer is unknown. Your risk of developing ovarian cancer is higher if you are older, have a family history of ovarian cancer, are overweight, take hormone replacement therapy after menopause, or have never given birth. The presence of polycystic ovary syndrome, if left untreated, can also increase the risk of ovarian cancer.
Endometriosis is also a risk factor for developing ovarian cancer because it causes uterine cells to grow abnormally in or on the ovaries.
What is Polycystic Ovary Syndrome?
Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) results in cysts on the ovaries, causing the ovaries to enlarge and form multiple tiny cysts on the outer edge of the ovaries or in the ovaries. The cysts contain immature eggs that aren't released during ovulation. This means women with PCOS may miss periods or have irregular or very light periods.
PCOS can produce two types of cysts on your ovaries: functional and pathological. Functional cysts form due to the menstrual cycle and are rarely cancerous or cause symptoms. They usually go away without treatment. Pathological cysts are much rarer and slightly more likely to become cancerous.
Causes of PCOS
While the specific trigger is unknown, PCOS is linked to hormone imbalances in women of reproductive age, such as:
- Too much testosterone
- Too much luteinizing hormone (LH) stimulates ovulation
- Not enough sex hormone-binding globulin (SHBG), the hormone that helps reduce the effects of testosterone in a woman’s body
- Too much prolactin, although less common, is the hormone that allows women to produce milk during or after pregnancy
The most common PCOS symptoms are menstrual changes, including irregular periods or very long periods, and weight gain. PCOS can also cause excess facial and body hair, severe acne, or baldness. Many women with PCOS have difficulty getting pregnant.
Your risk for PCOS increases if you have insulin resistance (called prediabetes), which can cause the ovaries to increase testosterone production. The risk is higher if you have a family history of PCOS or long-term, low-grade inflammation. The inflammation causes excess androgen production.
Long-term complications of PCOS include:
- A potentially higher risk of ovarian cancer
- Heart and blood vessel problems
- Infertility
- Miscarriage or premature birth
- High blood pressure and gestational diabetes during pregnancy
- Severe liver inflammation
- High cholesterol
- Type 2 diabetes
- Depression and anxiety
- Sleep apnea
- Endometrial cancer
How are Ovarian Cancer and PCOS Different?
Ovarian cancer and PCOS are very different conditions:
- Ovarian cancer is more common in older women, while PCOS occurs in women in their reproductive years (ages 20-40).
- Ovarian cancer tumors are a solid mass of cells, while PCOS forms cysts filled with fluid and normal tissue.
- Ovarian cancer tumors require treatment to remove them, but PCOS cysts come and go with your menstrual cycles.
- Untreated ovarian cancer can cause death, but PCOS cysts are not fatal, although they can be frustrating to live with.
Ovarian cancer and polycystic ovary syndrome have these things in common:
- Both cause problems with the reproductive system.
- Both can cause changes in your menstrual periods, pelvic pain, stomach bloating, and pain during intercourse.
- Being overweight makes both conditions worse.
- A family history of ovarian cancer or PCOS increases your risk of developing either condition.
Can Having PCOS Increase the Risk of Developing Ovarian Cancer?
Getting your hormones balanced is an important part of PCOS treatment that will help with reducing the risk of the development of ovarian cancer in the future. If diagnosed with PCOS, be sure you complete the treatment recommended by your doctor to lower future cancer risk.
There are extensive studies underway to try to determine if women with PCOS are more likely to develop ovarian cancer; however, as of now, they’re inconclusive.
When Should I See a Gynecologist?
See your healthcare provider if you're worried about your periods, if you're having trouble getting pregnant, or if you have signs of excess hormones such as facial and body hair growth.
If you've had one or more of the ovarian cancer symptoms listed above for over a couple of months, get them checked out with your doctor. It is important to see your gynecologist for your regular Pap smears and pelvic exams. Early identification and intervention from your gynecologist frequently result in improved outcomes for individuals.
Gynecologic Cancer Care Available in Portland-Vancouver
If your gynecologist finds a mass, whether during a pelvic exam or through imaging, they will likely have it removed and tested, or they will have a biopsy performed. The specific approach will depend on the patient’s age and their interest in having children in the future.
After testing the tissue samples, your gynecologist will determine if the mass is cancerous. If it is, a gynecologic oncologist is the next type of physician to see.
At Compass Oncology, our gynecologic oncologists provide patients with comprehensive, compassionate, and high-quality cancer care in the Portland, Oregon, and Vancouver, Washington, areas.
