Ovarian cysts and neoplasms occur in children, young girls and adolescents, whereby masses develop in and around the ovaries, which are female reproductive organs. Masses such as tumours (solid mass of tissue also known as neoplasms) or cysts (fluid-filled sacs) may appear in one or both ovaries and they may appear individually or in clusters.

In most cases, ovarian cysts do not cause any problems and go away on their own as the child grows older. In cases of ovarian tumours, most of these are benign (non-cancerous). Although ovarian cysts and neoplasms are rare in children, they have to be diagnosed and treated in time to prevent worsening of the disorder as a young girl grows older. There is no definite cause of ovarian cysts in young children and infants, while in young girls close to the age of puberty; small cysts may appear due to hormonal changes that the body may be going through.

When to seek expert advise

Persistent abdominal pain must not be ignored and should be evaluated by your daughter’s paediatrician working with the Department of Paediatrics at The Aga Khan University Hospital. Any growth in your daughter’s ovary must be assessed to check if it’s cancerous or not. While cancerous tumours require immediate treatment, benign cysts may not be serious, but may cause complications, such as causing the ovary to twist on its root, blocking its blood supply, and therefore must be treated promptly as well.

Disclaimer

The information provided on our website is for educational purposes and not intended to be a substitute for medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. You should always seek the advice of your doctor or other healthcare professional provider.