Mucinous Cystadenoma- Rare Type of Ovarian Tumor
There are different types of ovarian tumors affecting the human body. Of these 15- 20 % are Mucinous Cystadenoma. These tumors are characterized by cystic masses separated by septa with thin walls. They can be identified using imaging techniques such as CT scan, MRI, or ultrasound. Sometimes mucinous cystadenoma get enlarged and extends into abdomen. If the tumor happens to rupture the contents will be spilled in to the abdomen causing a condition called Psedomyxoma peritonei. The tumor will contain solid tissues such as stromal tissue and malignant cancer cells.
The mucinous cystadenoma that affects the ovary can be divided in to three main categories according to the histology. They are benign, malignant and borderline. Benign tumors are harmless tumors and malignant tumors are high risk tumors. The borderline tumors have moderate level of risk. A person with benign mucinous cystadenoma has 100% survival rate for a period of 10 year, while those having borderline tumors can expect 60 % survival rate and for people with malignant mucinous tumor the survival rate is only 34 %.
Of all the mucinous ovarian tumors the benign mucinous cystadenoma accounts 80 % and borderline mucinous cystadenoma make 10% and malignant mucinous cystadenoma account for the remaining 10%. In 15 to 30% of the malignant mucinous cystadenoma are bilateral. They have peak occurrence in people of 40 to 70 years of age.
Mucinous Cystadenoma Prevention and Treatment
Mucinous Cystadenoma usually do not shrink by themselves they may remain as non- interfering in some cases. Smaller sized cystadenomas can be removed by laparoscopic method. Depending on the size the surgery needed will also differ. Large mucinous cystadenoma may require abdominal surgery. There is no real good treatment for this ovarian condition. The occurrence of mucinous cystadenoma can be prevented by the right diet from the young age. Good nutrient food and right lifestyle with proper exercise will improve the general health of the person including the health of the reproductive organs.
The high risk group of Mucinous Cystadenoma includes women who are overweight. Hormonal imbalance also results in these types of tumors. The major way to avoid hormonal imbalance is to avoid the use of artificial preservatives, processed food and food with high fat content. Persons with a family history of mucinous carcinoma should be extra cautious about what they eat and must always maintain a proper diet.