What causes adnexal tumors

What causes adnexal tumors

Adnexal masses can be caused by numerous gynecologic and non-gynecologic factors. Most commonly, the tumors originate from the female reproductive system. But they can also originate in the urinary or digestive systems.

Gynecologic adnexal tumors

Most adnexal masses are caused by problems with the female reproductive system. The most common causes include:

• Ovarian cysts. These fluid-filled cysts form on your ovaries. They’re generally painless — most people never develop symptoms. Ovarian cysts are extremely common.
• Noncancerous ovarian tumors. When abnormal cells grow and multiply in the ovaries, they become solid masses, with occasional cystic components. Benign (noncancerous) tumors typically don’t spread to nearby tissues or other parts of your body.
• Ovarian cancer. When an ovarian tumor is malignant (cancerous), it can grow and spread to other areas of the body. Ovarian cancer is one of the most common types of cancer in women.
• Ectopic pregnancy. If a fertilized egg doesn’t make it all the way to the uterus, it can implant somewhere else instead, such as the fallopian tube. When this happens, it’s called an ectopic pregnancy, and it cannot be carried all the way to term. If the egg keeps growing outside of your uterus, it can cause internal bleeding and severe pain. Left untreated, ectopic pregnancies can be fatal for the pregnant person.
• Broad ligament leiomyoma. A leiomyoma may be located adjacent to the ovary and fallopian tube and be mistaken for an adnexal mass.
• Hydrosalpinx. When the fallopian tube fills with fluid, it's called a hydrosalpinx. These typically don't cause symptoms but can result in pelvic pain or infertility.
• Tubo ovarian abscess. The genital tract can be infected by an infection, which can lead to inflammation of the fallopian tube, ovary, and sometimes surrounding structures, including the bowel or bladder.

Non-gynecologic adnexal tumors

These masses usually originate in the urinary or gastrointestinal systems. Common types include adnexal tumors of the colon and appendix. It’s also possible for breast cancer and colon cancer to metastasize (spread) to the pelvis, resulting in adnexal tumors.