What is an "ectopic right ovary"?

Hello Glass Not Full,

Thanks for getting in touch again, my name is Helen, I’m one of the Cancer Information Nurses on the Macmillan Support Line.

I hope you found Penelope’s response to your query about MRI scans helpful.

I was sorry to read that you have been diagnosed with an ovarian cancer and hope you have recovered well from your surgery.

You have mentioned your ovary was described as ectopic and you wondered what this meant.

Ektós is the Greek word for outside. Ectopic describes something that is found outside the common position in the body.

You will be more familiar with the term in relation to ectopic pregnancies, which are ones that develop outside the womb and in the fallopian tube – so outside the normal environment.

The term in relation to your ovary means it was in an uncommon position in the body.

Although ectopic ovary is a term used, perhaps undescended ovary might be more useful. During the third month of foetal development, the ovaries usually descend from a position near the kidneys to their final position in the pelvis.

You might be interested to know I found a little bit of information that suggested undescended ovaries are often found with womb or uterine anomalies. Both are rare occurrences, but you mentioned needing surgery as a youngster for a bicornate uterus.

You have asked what the significance of this might mean for you, and I imagine you mean does the fact you had an undescended ovary mean you are at greater risk of the cancer returning, perhaps? 

Only your team, who have full access to your clinical details, can answer that very important question and we would really encourage you to ask them if you feel this is worrying you and impacting on your recovery.

I note you asked about follow up checks and blood tests in your post on the ovarian cancer forum – while I am sure the community will respond, I wanted to add this to my response for you. 

You should have regular follow up appointments either face-to-face or by phone along with CA-125 checks. In time these will become less frequent.

If you have no appointment date in your diary for either a blood test, or an appointment, please do check with your nurse specialist about when you should be seen again.  

I hope this information is useful. Please don’t hesitate to get back in contact by email, webchat or phone, if you need further information or support.

The Macmillan Support Line offers practical, clinical, financial and emotional support. You can call us free from landlines and from most mobile phone networks on 0808 808 00 00, 7 days a week, 8am – 8pm.

Best wishes, Helen

Cancer Information Nurse Specialist 

Ref HM/DT