PCOS is a hormonal imbalance that can lead to metabolic issues. Ovarian cancer develops in the ovaries. Both conditions have different symptoms, risk factors, and treatments.
Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a condition caused by hormonal imbalances. In addition to metabolic issues, physical changes, and fertility problems, it can cause fluid-filled cysts to form in the ovaries.
Most ovarian cysts are noncancerous. Ovarian cancer happens when a tumor forms in an ovary and is capable of invading or spreading into other tissues.
This article takes a closer look at the differences between PCOS and ovarian cancer, including symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment.
Both PCOS and ovarian cancer can cause growths to form in the ovaries. However, they each have different symptoms to be aware of.
Symptoms of PCOS
PCOS symptoms are caused by the hormonal imbalances associated with the condition. Women with PCOS can have altered levels of hormones like testosterone, insulin, and certain female sex hormones.
The symptoms of PCOS can include:
- noticeable changes in menstrual periods, such as periods that are:
- infertility
- excessive hair growth, called hirsutism, on the face and body
- hair loss on the scalp
- oily skin and acne
- unintended weight gain
- patches of darkened skin, called acanthosis nigricans, that appear under the breasts, in the groin, and in the creases of the neck
Women with PCOS are also at a higher risk of having other health conditions,
Symptoms of ovarian cancer
Early ovarian cancer doesn’t often cause symptoms. Because of this,
According to the American Cancer Society (
- abdominal bloating
- pain in your abdomen or pelvis
- feeling full quickly after eating, called early satiety
- difficulty eating
- urgent or frequent urination
Additional symptoms of ovarian cancer can include:
- fatigue
- noticeable changes in menstrual periods, such as heavier or irregular periods
- painful sex
- back pain
- constipation
- upset stomach
- abdominal swelling that happens along with unintentional weight loss
While anyone can develop PCOS or ovarian cancer, some individuals may be more likely to. This is called having risk factors.
Having risk factors doesn’t mean you’ll certainly develop a specific medical condition. It just means that you’re at a higher risk than those without risk factors.
Risk factors for PCOS
It’s estimated that
PCOS can develop at any point after puberty. However, many women receive a diagnosis
There’s a genetic component to PCOS. That means that you’re more likely to have PCOS if another female in your family, such as your mother or a sister, has it.
Having obesity, especially during your adolescent years, can also boost your risk of PCOS.
Risk factors for ovarian cancer
Compared to other types of cancer, ovarian cancer is less common. However, it’s still in the top 10 leading causes of cancer death for American women.
Researchers estimate that 20,890 women in the United States will receive a new diagnosis of ovarian cancer in 2025.
Most women diagnosed with ovarian cancer are older, with around half being over the age of 63. It’s rare for someone under the age of 40 to be diagnosed with this type of cancer.
Additional risk factors for ovarian cancer are:
- a personal history of breast cancer
- a family history of ovarian cancer, breast cancer, or colorectal cancer
- genetic changes that boost your risk of ovarian cancer, such as changes in BRCA1 and BRCA2
- hormone replacement therapy (HRT) use after menopause
- never giving birth or having children at a later age
- overweight or obesity
- smoking
The starting point for the diagnosis of PCOS or ovarian cancer involves a doctor getting a thorough medical history. You’ll be asked about:
- your symptoms, their severity, and when you first noticed them
- any changes you’ve noticed with your menstrual cycle
- medical conditions you’ve been previously diagnosed with
- whether any medical conditions run in your family
- types of medications and supplements that you take
Your doctor will also do a physical exam, which may include a pelvic exam.
Imaging, such as an ultrasound, can also help your doctor see your ovaries and surrounding tissues.
Blood tests may also be ordered. Not only can these give your doctor a better idea of your overall health, but they can also evaluate your hormone levels or check for the presence of cancer markers like CA-125.
If your doctor is concerned that a mass in your ovary may be cancerous, they’ll collect a biopsy that can be analyzed in a lab to check for cancer cells.
If cancer is found, the biopsy sample can also be used to help characterize the cancer and inform your treatment options.
PCOS and ovarian cancer are each treated or managed differently. The treatment options for each are noted below.
Treating or managing PCOS
There’s currently no cure for PCOS, but treatment can help manage its symptoms. Treatment options for PCOS include:
- medications to manage symptoms, such as:
- hormonal birth control to regulate your menstrual cycle, reduce acne and excess hair growth, and lower your risk of endometrial cancer
- androgen-blocking medications that lower the impact of androgens like testosterone and can reduce hair loss associated with PCOS
- metformin, a diabetes drug that can lower insulin levels
- weight management strategies, which may include one or a combination of diet, exercise, and weight loss medications
- interventions to help you get pregnant, such as medications like clomiphene (Clomid) or in vitro fertilization (IVF)
Treating or managing ovarian cancer
The specific treatment used for ovarian cancer can depend on many factors, including the type of ovarian cancer, its stage, and your age and overall health. In many cases, a combination of treatments may be used.
Surgery is one of the main treatments for ovarian cancer. The goal is to remove as much of the cancer as possible.
Ovarian cancer surgery typically involves the removal of the ovaries, fallopian tubes, and uterus. Depending on how far the cancer has spread, other tissues may be removed as well.
Other types of treatment that can be used to treat ovarian cancer include:
PCOS and ovarian cancer can both cause growths to form in the ovaries. In the case of PCOS, these are fluid-filled cysts. In ovarian cancer, tumors form in or around the ovaries.
The causes of both conditions are also different. PCOS happens due to hormonal imbalances. Ovarian cancer occurs when cells of the ovary begin growing uncontrollably and invade surrounding tissue.
Both conditions also have different symptoms, risk factors, and treatments.
Overall, see a doctor if you notice concerning symptoms that are different from what is normal for you. A doctor can perform tests to help determine what’s causing your symptoms.