Extraovário

Extraovário refers to any tissue or structure found outside of the ovary that resembles ovarian tissue. This condition is also known as an accessory ovary or supernumerary ovary. It is a rare congenital anomaly where one or more small, extra ovarian structures are present, typically in the pelvic region. These extraovarian tissues can vary in size and may contain functional ovarian components like follicles or corpora lutea.

The exact cause of extraovário is not fully understood, but it is believed to result from developmental abnormalities during embryogenesis. The developing ovaries might fragment or an extra bud of germ cell tissue could form. These accessory ovaries can be located near the normal ovary, along the path of ovarian descent, or even in more unusual locations such as the inguinal canal or retroperitoneum.

Clinically, extraovário can be asymptomatic and discovered incidentally during imaging studies or surgery for other conditions. However, they can also cause symptoms due to their ovarian function or complications. These complications may include ovarian torsion, rupture, cyst formation, or bleeding, similar to what can occur with a normal ovary. In some cases, the presence of extraovarian tissue can lead to hormonal imbalances or difficulties in diagnosing certain gynecological conditions. Diagnosis is usually made through imaging techniques such as ultrasound, CT, or MRI. Treatment depends on the presence of symptoms and complications, ranging from observation to surgical removal if necessary.