Although ovarian cysts and tumors are generally considered issues associated with adult women, they can also be encountered gynecologically in infants, children, and adolescents. The vast majority of these masses evaluated within the field of pediatric gynecology consist of benign (non-cancerous) functional cysts. However, although rare, tumor structures that tend to grow or secrete hormones in the gynecological area can also be found. Ovarian cysts in young girls often grow silently and typically manifest gynecologically through persistent abdominal pain, abdominal distension, nausea, or signs of precocious puberty. A timely and correct diagnosis made with a gynecological approach is of critical importance for both preserving the ovarian tissue (ovarian reserve) and safeguarding the child's future reproductive health gynecologically.
In our clinic, the diagnosis, monitoring, and treatment of ovarian cysts and tumors in children and adolescents are managed using the most modern and sensitive pediatric gynecology protocols designed not to harm our young patients' gynecological anatomy.
Our Ovarian Cysts and Tumors Diagnosis and Treatment Services:
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Painless and Safe Gynecological Ultrasonography: We evaluate the ovarian structures and masses thoroughly using high-resolution abdominal gynecological ultrasound, completely eliminating the need for children to fear the gynecological examination.
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Laboratory and Gynecological Tumor Markers Analysis: We perform sensitive blood tests and evaluate gynecological tumor markers to understand the composition of the mass (whether cystic or solid) and clarify the benign/malignant differentiation gynecologically.
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Conservative Approach and Gynecological Follow-Up: Since many childhood cysts tend to resolve naturally, we prioritize a close and secure gynecological monitoring protocol rather than opting immediately for surgery.
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Organ-Preserving Gynecological Surgery: When a surgical intervention is necessary due to the size or type of the mass, we prefer micro-surgical or closed (laparoscopic) gynecological approaches that solely remove the cyst/tumor without causing any gynecological harm to the child's ovarian tissue.
Frequently Asked Questions
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What causes ovarian cysts in young girls? Functional cysts are commonly seen due to maternal hormones in infants, and due to an immature hormonal system and irregular ovulation gynecologically during the adolescent period.
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What are the symptoms of an ovarian cyst or tumor in children? The most frequent gynecological symptom is persistent or recurrent abdominal and pelvic pain. Additionally, noticeable abdominal swelling gynecologically, indigestion, nausea, and signs of early puberty due to hormonal imbalances can occur.
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Does every young girl diagnosed with a mass require gynecological surgery? Absolutely not. The primary rule in pediatric gynecology is to preserve the ovary. Most functional cysts regress naturally with gynecological monitoring or medication. Surgery is only considered if the cyst grows excessively, twists (torsion), or if there is a high gynecological suspicion of a tumor.
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What is ovarian torsion (twisting of the ovary)? It is the twisting of the ovary around its own axis due to the weight of the cyst, which cuts off the gynecological blood supply. It manifests as sudden, extremely severe abdominal pain and vomiting. This is an emergency gynecological condition requiring immediate intervention.
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Do these cysts or tumors prevent a child from becoming a mother in the future? Thanks to the organ-preserving gynecological techniques we apply, only the cyst or tumor is cleared away, and the healthy ovarian tissue is preserved. Thus, the child's future chance of becoming a mother is not gynecologically compromised.
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Are ovarian tumors seen in children cancerous? The vast majority of ovarian masses and tumors seen in childhood are benign (not cancer). However, a detailed evaluation by an expert pediatric gynecology physician is essential for a definitive gynecological differentiation.
To learn more about modern diagnostic, treatment, and gynecological solutions for ovarian cysts and tumors offered by Op. Dr. Semra Çapar in pediatric gynecology, and to safely protect your child's health, you can contact us today to easily schedule your appointment.