Key Points for This Section

Ovarian low malignant potential tumor is a disease in which abnormal cells form in the tissue covering the ovary. Possible signs of ovarian low malignant potential tumor include pain or swelling in the abdomen. Certain factors affect prognosis (chance of recovery) and treatment options. In most cases, ovarian low malignant potential tumor can be treated successfully.

Ovarian low malignant potential tumor is a disease in which abnormal cells form in the tissue covering the ovary.

Ovarian low malignant potential tumors have abnormal cells that may become cancer, but usually do not. This disease usually remains in the ovary. When disease is found in one ovary, the other ovary should also be checked carefully for signs of disease.

The ovaries are a pair of organs in the female reproductive system. They are located in the pelvis, one on each side of the uterus (the hollow, pear-shaped organ where a fetus grows). Each ovary is about the size and shape of an almond. The ovaries produce eggs and female hormones (chemicals that control the way certain cells or organs work).

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Anatomy of the female reproductive system. The organs in the female reproductive system include the uterus, ovaries, fallopian tubes, cervix, and vagina. The uterus has a muscular outer layer called the myometrium and an inner lining called the endometrium.

Possible signs of ovarian low malignant potential tumor include pain or swelling in the abdomen.

Early ovarian low malignant potential tumor may not cause any symptoms. If symptoms do occur, they may include the following:

• Pain or swelling in the abdomen.
• Pain in the pelvis.
• Gastrointestinal problems, such as gas, bloating, or constipation.

These symptoms may be caused by other conditions. If the symptoms get worse or do not go away on their own, check with your doctor.

Certain factors affect prognosis (chance of recovery) and treatment options.

The prognosis and treatment options depend on the following:

• The stage of the disease (whether it affects part of the ovary, involves the whole ovary, or has spread to other places in the body).
• What type of cells make up the tumor.
• The size of the tumor.
• The patient’s general health.

In most cases, ovarian low malignant potential tumor can be treated successfully.

These tumors are usually found early. However, even advanced stage ovarian low malignant potential tumors can be treated successfully. Patients who do not survive usually die from complications of the disease (such as a small bowel obstruction) or the side effects of treatment, but rarely because the tumor has spread.