Primary Care and General Pediatrics

Background: Ovarian tumor is one of the most common gynecological tumor seen in females. In Pakistan, it is the 2nd most common cause of death in women malignancies after breast tumor. It is often called the “silent killer” because the disease is not often detected until it reaches an advance stage. 

Objective: The aim of this study was to determine the frequency of various clinical presentations of ovarian tumors by age and stage that could lead to early diagnosis.

Methodology: A case series study has been conducted in the department of Obstetrics & Gynecology at Isra University Hospital, Hyderabad. Data were obtained by history, detailed symptoms, Physical examinations and relevant investigations. Then diagnosis is confirmed by ultrasound or laparotomy and histopathology.

Results: In my study majority of women i.e. 37 (38.1%) belonged to age group >60 years while 17 (17.5%) belonged to <30 years. Regarding the duration of symptoms i.e. 18 (18.6%) women had symptoms of less than 6 months while 42 (43.3%) women had symptoms for more than 1 year. Majority of women i.e. 47 (48.5%) were nullipara while 21 (21.6%) were multipara. Abdominal mass seen i.e. 43 (44.3%) in women while 19 (19.6%) had increased urinary frequency, while 19 (19.6%) were asymptomatic. 77 (79.6%) patients had benign tumor while 20 (20.6%) patients had malignant ovarian tumor.

CONCLUSION: Ovarian malignancy is a serious disease affecting women of all ages. The women having history of malignancy in family should screen regularly specially in old age. So, it is concluded that for prognosis and patient survival, early detection and treatment is mandatory, which may reduce mortality.

There is need to increase awareness of population. Detail physical examination and appropriate investigations should be carried out in every patient presenting with gynecological problem.