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Ovarian Cancer (Expert Forum)
Calcium deposits in right ovary?
Answered by
Annekathryn Goodman, M.D. - Gynecologic Cancers, Complex Gynecologic, Surgeries, Palliative Care, Acupuncture
Massachusetts General Hospital Cancer Center
Boston - MA
This forum is for questions and support regarding ovarian cancer issues, such as: Biopsy, Chemotherapy, Clinical Trials, Genetics, Hysterectomy,Immunotherapy, Ovarian Cancer Types, Radiation Therapy, Risk Factors, Screening, Staging, Surgery.
Calcium deposits in right ovary?
by KayEmDee, Apr 15, 2007 12:00AM
I am 43 and was recently diagnosed with a subserosal fibroid (4 by 3 cm). At my baseline transvaginal ultrasound, the technician also picked up an "echogenic area (1.5 by 1cm) suspicious of a dermoid tumor" on my right ovary. Afterwards, I went for a consult with my ob/gyn, and was surprised when she seemed more concerned with my fibroid than the area on my ovary. She said because the ovary was not enlarged, and showed no signs of a cyst, lesion or mass, the echogenic area could be due to calcium deposits rather than a dermoid cyst. I will have a follow-up ultrasound in June. This area on my ovary is causing me some distress, because from various things I have read, ovarian calcium deposits seem to be related to malignant tumors. Could you please share some information with me about ovarian calcium deposits, or what else could be causing this echogenic area? Is the watch-and-wait method the correct application for my case? I have never had any gynecological problems before. This is my first fibroid (I hadn't had a pelvic exam in 3 years) and my ovaries have never caused me any problems. Ovarian and breast cancer DO NOT run in either side of my family. I must admit, I haven't been able to think of anything else since my sonogram. Thanks so much!
Doctor's Answer
by Annekathryn Goodman, M.D., Apr 15, 2007 12:00AM
, Apr 15, 2007 12:00AM
Dear Kay,
Thank you for your complete information. calcium in and of itself is not a sign of malignancy. Old fibroids will get calcified as they age. Calcium can be commonly present in a benign tumor of the ovary called a dermoid or mature teratoma. yes, you are right, some ovarian tumors will have a microscopic form of calcium called psammoma bodies. Without seeing the films it is hard to say more. Since decision are being based on your xrays, I would suggest that you ask your doctor if you could get a second opinion from the radiologist. Sometimes adding a pelvic MRI can help sort out what kind of cyst it is.
best wishes
Thank you for your complete information. calcium in and of itself is not a sign of malignancy. Old fibroids will get calcified as they age. Calcium can be commonly present in a benign tumor of the ovary called a dermoid or mature teratoma. yes, you are right, some ovarian tumors will have a microscopic form of calcium called psammoma bodies. Without seeing the films it is hard to say more. Since decision are being based on your xrays, I would suggest that you ask your doctor if you could get a second opinion from the radiologist. Sometimes adding a pelvic MRI can help sort out what kind of cyst it is.
best wishes
