What is Pelvic Mass

Pelvic mass is an abnormal growth in the pelvis. The pelvis is the area between your hip bones. It includes the bladder, rectum, uterus, and ovaries. A pelvic mass may be found during a routine pelvic exam or while performing an MRI, CT scan, or ultrasound for other problems of the abdomen.

What are common types of pelvic masses?

Pelvic masses include:

• Ovarian cysts. These are fluid-filled sacs that form on an ovary.
• Tumors. These may be cancerous (malignant) or noncancerous (benign). Noncancerous tumors in the uterus are called uterine fibroids.
• Ectopic pregnancy. This is when the fertilized egg attaches (implants) outside the uterus.
• Infections.

What type of testing may be needed?

Your health care provider may recommend that you have tests to diagnose the cause of the pelvic mass. The following tests may be done if a pelvic mass is found:

• Physical exam.
• Blood tests.
• X-rays.
• Ultrasound.
• CT scan.
• MRI.
• A surgery to look inside your abdomen with cameras (laparoscopy).
• A biopsy that is performed with a needle or during laparoscopy or surgery.

In some cases, what seemed like a pelvic mass may actually be something else, such as a mass in one of the organs that is near the pelvis, an infection (abscess), or scar tissue (adhesions) that formed after a surgery.

Tests and physical exams may be done once, or they may be done regularly for a period of time. Tests and exams that are done regularly will help monitor whether the mass or tissue change is growing and becoming a concern.

What are common treatments?

Treatment is not always needed for this condition. Your health care provider may recommend careful monitoring (watchful waiting) and regular tests and exams. Treatment will depend on the cause of the mass.

Follow these instructions at home:

• What you need to do at home will depend on the cause of the mass. Follow the instructions that your health care provider gives to you. In general:
  • Keep all follow-up visits as directed by your health care provider. This is important.
  • Take over-the-counter and prescription medicines only as directed by your health care provider.
  • If you were prescribed an antibiotic medicine, take it as told by your health care provider. Do not stop taking the antibiotic even if you start to feel better.
  • Follow any restrictions that are given to you by your health care provider.
• Try to stay calm, and be sure to ask questions. Make sure you understand the recommendations for monitoring and whether there is a reason for concern.

Contact a health care provider if you:

• Develop new symptoms.
• Note changes in the size, shape, or position of your mass.
• Are unable to have a bowel movement.
• Bruise or bleed easily.

Get help right away if you:

• Vomit bright red blood or vomit material that looks like coffee grounds.
• Have blood in your stools, or the stools turn black and tarry.
• Have an abnormal or increased amount of vaginal bleeding.
• Have a fever or chills.
• Develop sudden or worsening pain that is not relieved by medicine.
• Feel dizzy or weak.
• Feel light-headed or you faint.
• Feel that the mass has suddenly gotten larger.
• Develop severe bloating in your abdomen or your pelvis.
• Cannot pass any urine.

Summary

• A pelvic mass is an abnormal growth in the pelvis. The pelvis is the area between your hip bones. It includes the bladder, rectum, uterus, and ovaries.
• Pelvic masses include ovarian cysts, tumors, ectopic pregnancy, or infections.
• Your health care provider may recommend that you have tests to diagnose the cause of the pelvic mass.
• Treatment will depend on the cause of the mass.