What is the difference between ovarian cysts and ovarian cancer?

The main difference between ovarian cysts and ovarian cancer lies in their different properties. Ovarian cysts are mostly benign lesions, while ovarian cancer is a malignant tumor. Ovarian cysts may be physiological cysts or pathological cysts, and ovarian cancer is a malignant lesion of ovarian tissue. There are big differences between the two in terms of causes, symptoms, treatment methods and prognosis.

1. Differences in properties

Ovarian cysts are mostly cystic structures containing liquid or semi-solid material. Most are benign lesions such as corpus luteum cysts, follicular cysts, etc. Some are borderline or tumors with low malignant potential. Ovarian cancer is an epithelial malignant tumor with invasive growth and metastasis characteristics. Its pathological types include serous carcinoma, mucinous carcinoma, etc. Ovarian cysts may disappear on their own, but ovarian cancer must undergo standardized treatment.

2. Differences in symptoms

Smaller ovarian cysts usually have no obvious symptoms, while larger cysts may cause lower abdominal distension and menstrual disorders.； Malignant cysts may cause abdominal distension, ascites, weight loss, etc. The early symptoms of ovarian cancer are insidious. In the advanced stage, they are persistent abdominal distension, pelvic pain, and loss of appetite. In the late stage, cachexia may occur. The symptoms of benign cysts are mostly intermittent, while the symptoms of malignant tumors are progressively worse.

3. Inspection method

Ultrasound examination can reveal the cyst wall thickness, separation, blood flow signals and other characteristics of ovarian cysts. The tumor marker CA125 is often normal or slightly elevated. Ultrasound of ovarian cancer often shows solid or mixed masses with abundant blood flow, and CA125 values ​​are often significantly elevated. CT or MRI examination can evaluate the extent of tumor infiltration. Pathological biopsy is the gold standard for diagnosing ovarian cancer.

4. Treatment plan

Physiological ovarian cysts are usually observed for 3-6 months. Laparoscopic cyst removal may be considered for pathological cysts. Ovarian cancer requires comprehensive staging surgery or cytoreductive surgery according to the stage, followed by postoperative paclitaxel combined with carboplatin chemotherapy. Borderline tumors require individualized treatment, and fertility-sparing surgery may be performed.

5. Different prognosis

Simple ovarian cysts have a high cure rate and low postoperative recurrence rate. The prognosis of ovarian cancer is closely related to the stage. The 5-year survival rate of stage I can reach 90%, while the survival rate of stages III-IV drops significantly. The prognosis of borderline tumors is between benign and malignant and requires long-term follow-up.

Women of childbearing age do not need to be overly nervous when they find ovarian cysts. Most of them are physiological changes. Regular gynecological examinations are recommended, and vigilance needs to be raised for cysts that persist, grow rapidly, or are accompanied by elevated CA125. Maintaining a regular schedule, a reasonable diet, and moderate exercise can help maintain ovarian health. If abnormal symptoms occur, you should seek medical treatment promptly to avoid delaying the diagnosis and treatment of malignant tumors.