The university experience of clinical and pathological findings of ovarian neoplasms in children and adolescents

An Evaluation of the Incidence of Right-Sided Ovarian Cystic Teratoma Visualized on Sonograms

This study set out to determine the incidence of right-sided ovarian cystic teratoma. The author examined 270 cases of ovarian cystic teratoma. In this series, ovarian dermoids were more frequently found on the right ovary than the left ovary. The primary data were obtained over two decades and include both retrospective and prospective review. The data included the clinical history of each patient, pelvic sonography examination, and microscopic and/or surgical findings reports. Data used were limited to proven cases of ovarian cystic teratoma shown by sonography and confirmed by histology. Results demonstrate that 195 dermoids (72.22%) were located on the right ovary, 47 dermoids were found on the left side (17.41%), and 28 dermoids were found bilaterally (10.37%). The results indicate that the incidence of unilateral dermoids occurs more often on the right side.

Impact of surgeon specialty on ovarian-conserving surgery in young females with an adnexal mass

PURPOSE

To evaluate the patterns of surgical care among pediatric and adolescent females undergoing operative intervention for an adnexal mass with particular attention toward factors associated with ovarian-conserving surgery and access to gynecologic care.

METHODS

All female patients aged < or = 18 years undergoing surgery for an adnexal mass between January 1, 1991 and December 31, 2002 were retrospectively identified and demographic, operative, and pathologic data abstracted. Logistic regression analyses were used to identify factors independently associated with ovarian-conserving surgery and access to gynecologic care.

RESULTS

Eighty-two consecutive cases were identified. The median age at surgery was 15 years, and 91.7% of patients were > or = 12 years of age. A malignant ovarian neoplasm was present in 14.6% of cases. Oophorectomy was performed in 52.4% of cases, while 47.6% of patients underwent ovarian-conserving surgery. Multivariate regression analysis revealed that ovarian-conserving surgery was significantly less likely in the setting of malignancy, torsion, and an ovarian size of > or = 6 cm. The presence of a gynecologic surgeon, compared to other surgical specialties, was statistically significantly and independently associated with ovarian-conserving surgery (odds ratio [OR] 8.71, 95% confidence interval [CI] 2.12-41.41, p = .001). Post-menarchal status and age > or = 16 years were the characteristic most predictive of access to gynecologic surgical care.

CONCLUSIONS

In pediatric and adolescent patients, operative intervention for an adnexal mass is significantly more likely to result in ovarian conservation when performed by a gynecologic surgeon. For such patients, improved access to gynecologic consultation prior to surgical intervention may reduce the number of patients subjected to oophorectomy for benign conditions.

Adnexal mass evaluation in the emergency department

Female patients who have stable vital signs presenting to the emergency department with abdominopelvic pain and an adnexal mass can be extremely difficult to manage. However, by performing a rapid problem-oriented history and physical with emphasis on the age of patient, menstrual history, and pelvic exam, a detailed differential diagnosis can be compiled. With the addition of a complete blood count and HCG, if appropriate, and a CA-125 for your consultant, additional information can be obtained while a ultrasound examination is being performed. With the above information, consultation and disposition should be readily accomplished.

Evaluation of adnexal masses in adolescents

The detection of adnexal masses in adolescents is worrisome to patients, their families, and physicians. Reassurance can be given that the vast majority of these lesions are benign. Furthermore, a significant fraction of benign masses are functional ovarian cysts, most of which resolve spontaneously and never need surgery. Imaging is critical in determining the management of these patients. Sonography is the preferred first-line diagnostic tool. When surgery is necessary, physicians must recognize the importance of conserving the ovaries and uterus to avoid the loss of reproductive and endocrine function.

Surgically treated adnexal masses in infancy, childhood, and adolescence

OBJECTIVE

We retrospectively evaluated the clinical presentation and histopathologic findings of benign and malignant adnexal masses in infants, children, and adolescents.

STUDY DESIGN

Between 1955 and 1992, 486 patients (aged 7 days through 20 years) with adnexal masses were surgically evaluated.

RESULTS

Of 521 adnexal masses, 92% were benign, including 335 nonneoplastic and 144 of 186 (77%) neoplastic lesions. The frequency of ovarian malignancies correlated inversely with patient age. Germ cell, stromal, and epithelial malignancies accounted for 40%, 21%, and 33%, respectively, of the 42 cancers. Nonconcordance between preoperative and postoperative diagnoses was noted in 94 cases. The most common preoperative diagnosis necessitating reassignment was acute appendicitis. During the last decade of this study, ultrasonography and computed tomography missed no malignancies.

CONCLUSION

Physicians who care for young girls must be familiar with the differential diagnosis of adnexal masses to advise conservative management when appropriate and surgical intervention when necessary.