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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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What Does A Shadow In Ultrasound Mean?

My girlfriend recently had an ultrasound done and they found fibroid tumors (I think near her bladder ) plus an unexplained shadow on her ovary . She had to get an MRI, but we won t know the results until next week. What can cause the shadow? Will the fibroid tumors go away? We are hoping for the best. (We are most concerned about the shadow on her ovary.) Thank you. (I forgot to add that she is 55 years old, has smoked for several decades, and could stand to lose a little weight, all of which I ve read can make somebody a cancer cadidate. Hopefully, we will find out tomorrow.)
posted on Mon, 30 Apr 2012
Twitter Mon, 30 Apr 2012 Answered on
Twitter Thu, 3 May 2012 Last reviewed on
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OBGYN,  's  Response

Here are the answers to your specific question, not in order:

1. Fibroid tumors are very common. They are tumors that arise from a smooth muscle cell that make up the wall of the uterus. They are usually associated with heavy, painful periods. They do not go away. They can sit quietly, and also grow for no reason.

2. The "shadow" on her ovary is likely nothing. Assuming that she is young (i.e. less than 50), then there is extremely little concern about ovarian cancer. The possibilities include: a collapsed cyst, an ovarian fibroma, or an artifact of imaging related to surrounding structures.

I hope this helps you while you wait for answer. Do not worry too much, I am sure that it will all go well!
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OBGYN,  Dr. Sree Gouri SR's  Response
Hi,
smoking will increase the risk of ovarian cancer.
In former smokers 50% increased risk of ovarian cancer is there compared with non-smokers.
Fibroids to be treated only if they are causing symptoms.
As you are telling that your friend is 55 years old, by this time she may attained menopause or going to attain in near future.
After attaining menopause fibroids will shrink and no need of treatment if asymptomatic.
According to smoking history and weight loss there is chance of ovarian malignancy.
But don't worry it may be benign mass sometimes. Get MRI done which will clear the doubts.
take care
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What Does A Shadow In Ultrasound Mean?

Here are the answers to your specific question, not in order: 1. Fibroid tumors are very common. They are tumors that arise from a smooth muscle cell that make up the wall of the uterus. They are usually associated with heavy, painful periods. They do not go away. They can sit quietly, and also grow for no reason. 2. The shadow on her ovary is likely nothing. Assuming that she is young (i.e. less than 50), then there is extremely little concern about ovarian cancer. The possibilities include: a collapsed cyst, an ovarian fibroma, or an artifact of imaging related to surrounding structures. I hope this helps you while you wait for answer. Do not worry too much, I am sure that it will all go well!