Understanding Ovarian Cysts and Cancer: What Every Patient Should
Know
Ovarian cancer is a concern for many women, especially when a mass or cyst is discovered on the ovary. However, according to Dr Steven R. Goldstein, an Obgyn in Manhattan not all ovarian cysts or growths are dangerous, and understanding the difference between benign cysts and malignant tumors is crucial in making informed decisions about your health.
First and foremost, it’s important to recognize that functional ovarian cysts never become cancerous. These cysts are a normal part of a woman’s menstrual cycle and fall into two categories. The first type, called follicular cysts, forms before ovulation when a follicle fails to release an egg. The second type, haemorrhagic cysts, forms after ovulation due to minor bleeding in the area where the egg was released. Both of these types are benign, self-resolving, and, importantly, are not tumors and do not transform into cancer.
In contrast, non-functional or “dysfunctional” cystic changes in the ovary
may represent tumors, which are considered "new growths." However, it’s essential to understand that even among ovarian tumors, the vast majority are benign, and only a small percentage are malignant (cancerous). What’s particularly notable about ovarian tumors is that they are either benign or malignant from their onset they do not evolve from benign to malignant over time. This distinction significantly impacts how they are diagnosed and managed.
Because of this, if a physician can confidently determine that an ovarian mass is benign, the likelihood of it becoming cancerous later is virtually zero. This is where advanced imaging techniques, particularly transvaginal ultrasound with color flow Doppler, become essential.
Dr. Steven R. Goldstein, a highly regarded Obgyn in Manhattan, specializes in using color flow Doppler ultrasound to differentiate between benign and potentially malignant ovarian masses. This non-invasive, painless method allows for detailed evaluation of the cyst’s characteristics. Dr. Goldstein looks for two key indicators:
1. The absence of any solid components arising from the cyst wall.
2. The absence of vascularity, or blood flow, within or around the cyst as shown on Doppler imaging.
Why is blood flow important? Malignant tumors require a blood supply to grow, divide, and spread. A lack of vascularity on a color Doppler scan is a reassuring sign that a mass is unlikely to be cancerous. In fact, the absence of both solid components and vascular flow strongly supports a benign diagnosis.
If you've been informed that you have an ovarian mass and are concerned about the possibility of cancer, it’s essential not to panic. Modern imaging and diagnostic tools can offer highly accurate, non-invasive assessments.
Dr. Goldstein’s expertise and the use of state-of-the-art ultrasound technology ensure that patients receive clear, evidence-based guidance and avoid unnecessary anxiety or surgery when it's not warranted. To learn more or to undergo a specialized screening, schedule a
consultation with Dr. Steven R. Goldstein, MD a top Gynecologist in Manhattan
With a compassionate approach and a commitment to medical excellence, Dr. Goldstein provides women with peace of mind through expert evaluation and personalized care in the heart of Manhattan.