Brenner Tumor

Overview

A Brenner tumor is a rare growth that forms on the ovary. Most Brenner tumors are benign, meaning they are not cancer and do not spread to other parts of the body. A small number can be borderline or cancerous. These tumors are often found by accident during an imaging test or surgery for another reason.

No, Brenner tumors are rare. They make up a very small number of all ovarian tumors.

Brenner tumors can develop in women of any age, but they are most often found in women between the ages of 40 and 60.

Symptoms

Common symptoms

• No symptoms at all
• Pelvic pain or a feeling of pressure
• Bloating or a swollen belly
• Abnormal vaginal bleeding, such as bleeding after menopause
• Frequent need to urinate

Causes

Main causes

• The exact cause of Brenner tumors is not known.
• They are thought to grow from cells on the surface of the ovary.

Risk factors

• Age – most common between 40 and 60
• Being postmenopausal
• Having a family history of ovarian tumors (though this is not clearly proven)

When to see a doctor

See a doctor urgently if:

• If you have sudden severe pain in your pelvic area, go to your nearest emergency department immediately.
• If you have very heavy bleeding or feel faint with pain, seek urgent care.

Book a routine appointment if:

• If you notice any new symptoms like bloating, pelvic pressure, or unusual bleeding, make an appointment with your doctor.
• If you have been told you have a growth on your ovary and are unsure what to do next, ask for a follow-up plan.

Diagnosis

A Brenner tumor is often found during a pelvic exam, an ultrasound, or a CT or MRI scan. The only way to know for sure whether the growth is benign or cancerous is to remove a small piece of it and look at it under a microscope.

Tests that may be done

• Pelvic examination
• Transvaginal ultrasound
• CT or MRI scan
• Blood tests, such as tumor markers (like CA-125)
• Surgical biopsy – removing tissue to test it

What to expect at your appointment

If a growth is found, your doctor will likely recommend regular imaging or a procedure to remove it. You may be referred to a gynecologist or a specialist in women’s health for further evaluation.

Treatment

Treatment depends on whether the tumor is benign, borderline, or cancerous, as well as your age, symptoms, and whether you want to have children in the future. Many benign Brenner tumors do not require any treatment and can be watched over time.

Self-care at home

• Keep track of your symptoms and report any changes to your doctor.
• Manage any pain with over-the-counter pain relief as directed by your doctor or pharmacist (but no specific medicines are recommended here).
• Rest when you need to and get gentle exercise if you feel up to it.

Medical treatments

If treatment is needed, surgery is the main approach. The surgeon may remove just the tumor and part of the ovary, or the whole ovary and fallopian tube. For cancerous tumors, a more extensive surgery may be needed. Chemotherapy or other therapies are only used if the tumor is malignant, and your specialist will discuss these options if relevant.

When is surgery considered?

Surgery is considered when the tumor is large, causes symptoms, or looks suspicious on imaging. It is also done to obtain a final diagnosis through laboratory testing.

Living with this condition

If you have a Brenner tumor, your daily life is likely to stay the same. Attend all follow-up appointments and keep up with any recommended scans so your doctor can monitor the growth if it is being watched.

Lifestyle tips

• Stay active – light walking or yoga can help with energy and mood.
• Maintain a balanced diet with plenty of fruits and vegetables.
• Avoid smoking and limit alcohol.
• Build a support network of people you trust.

Diet and exercise

Eating a healthy, varied diet and doing moderate exercise such as walking or swimming can support your overall well-being. There is no specific diet known to treat Brenner tumors, so focus on nourishing your body.

Mental health and emotional wellbeing

Hearing you have an ovarian growth can feel stressful and anxiety-provoking. It is normal to feel worried. Allow yourself time to process the news and speak openly with your healthcare team. If you feel overwhelmed, consider talking to a counsellor or a mental health professional.

Prevention

There is no known way to prevent a Brenner tumor, because the cause is not clear. Regular gynecologic check-ups can help find any growth early.

Vaccines

There are no vaccines that prevent Brenner tumors.

Screening programmes

There is no standard screening test for Brenner tumors. They are usually found during scans or surgery done for other reasons.

Complications

If left untreated

• A benign tumor may grow larger and cause pain or pressure.
• The ovary might twist (called ovarian torsion), which is a medical emergency.
• If the tumor is actually malignant and is not treated, it could spread – but this is rare.

Long-term outlook

The outlook for Brenner tumors is generally very good. Most are benign and do not harm your health. Even when treatment is needed, the success of surgery is high, and specialists can guide you through every step. With medical support, most people continue living full and healthy lives.

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