Adnexal Tumors – Symptoms and Causes
Overview
Adnexal tumors develop in the tissue near the uterus, including the ovaries, fallopian tubes, and the connective tissues that support these organs. These growths can be cancerous or non-cancerous.
Doctors often detect adnexal tumors during routine pelvic exams or imaging tests performed for unrelated reasons. Some tumors grow slowly and remain small, while others may enlarge or lead to complications if left unmonitored.
Symptoms
Adnexal tumors often develop without causing noticeable symptoms, especially when small. Many are found during routine pelvic exams or imaging tests done for other reasons.
Common symptoms that might appear include:
- Pelvic pain or pressure
- A feeling of fullness in the abdomen
- Swelling or bloating in the abdomen
- Changes in bowel habits, like constipation
- Frequent need to urinate
- Unusual vaginal bleeding
- Pain during sex
More severe symptoms may develop if the tumor grows larger or if complications occur. These can include:
- Severe pain that comes on suddenly
- Fever
- Nausea and vomiting
- Feeling faint or dizzy
These symptoms aren’t specific to adnexal tumors and could be caused by many other conditions.
When to Get Medical Help
Contact your doctor if you notice any unusual symptoms in your pelvic area. Though adnexal tumors are often found during routine exams, certain signs should prompt you to seek medical attention right away.
Call your doctor if you experience:
- Persistent pain in your pelvis or abdomen
- A feeling of fullness even after eating small amounts
- Unusual vaginal bleeding or discharge
- Frequent urination or difficulty emptying your bladder
- Abdominal swelling or bloating that doesn’t go away
Don’t wait for your next checkup if you have severe symptoms like sharp pain or sudden swelling. These might signal a complication that needs immediate treatment.
Women with risk factors such as a family history of ovarian cancer should discuss screening options with their healthcare provider. Regular checkups can help catch adnexal tumors early, when treatment is most effective.
Causes
Adnexal tumors develop when cells in the adnexa of the uterus grow abnormally. The exact causes remain unclear, but several factors may increase risk.
- Ovarian cysts โ fluid-filled sacs that commonly form during ovulation.
- Endometriomas โ growths from endometriosis, where uterine-like tissue grows outside the uterus.
- Benign tumors โ such as dermoid cysts or cystadenomas.
- Malignant tumors โ cancerous growths that can invade nearby structures or spread.
Genetic factors play an important role. Some people inherit gene mutations that make them more likely to develop these tumors. For example, mutations in BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes increase the risk of ovarian tumors.
Risk Factors
Several risk factors may increase the chance of developing adnexal tumors:
| Risk Factor | Description |
|---|---|
| Age | Risk increases with age, especially after menopause |
| Family history | Having close relatives with ovarian or breast cancer |
| Genetics | Certain genetic mutations (BRCA1, BRCA2) |
| Hormonal factors | Early menstruation or late menopause |
| Never being pregnant | Women who haven’t given birth have higher risk |
Age affects risk levels too. Most adnexal tumors appear during reproductive years, but different types can occur at different life stages:
Hormonal influences contribute to tumor development. Factors that increase lifetime exposure to estrogen may raise risk, including:
- Early first period
- Late menopause
- Never having children
- Using certain hormone therapies
Environmental factors like exposure to talcum powder, asbestos, and radiation may increase risk in some cases. Research continues to investigate these connections.
Inflammation from conditions like endometriosis, pelvic inflammatory disease, or polycystic ovary syndrome may trigger cellular changes that lead to tumor formation.
Endometriosis, a condition where uterine tissue grows outside the uterus, may increase the chance of certain adnexal tumors. Women with this condition should discuss monitoring options with their healthcare providers.
Obesity has been linked to higher rates of several reproductive system tumors, including some adnexal masses. Maintaining a healthy weight through a balanced diet and regular exercise may help reduce this risk.
Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) might increase the risk for certain adnexal tumors. This is especially true for estrogen-only formulations used for extended periods. Women considering HRT should talk with their doctors about potential benefits and risks.
