Exxcellence pearls: adnexal masses in adolescents

Question 1

What is the differential diagnosis for adnexal masses in adolescent patients?

Answer 1

Ovary: functional cyst, endometriosis, benign neoplasm such as teratoma and cystadenoma, malignant neoplasms such as germ cell, sex cord or stromal tumors, epithelial carcinoma, and torsion
Tube: paratubal cysts, tubo-ovarian abscess, hydrosalpinx, ectopic pregnancy
Uterus: anomalies such as oblique vaginal septum and mullerian anomalies
G.I.: appendiceal abscess
Other: peritoneal inclusion cyst, pelvic kidney

Question 2

What laboratory testing should be performed in adolescent patient with an adnexal mass?

Answer 2

Beta hCG, CBC, gonorrhea and chlamydia screening, tumor markers (AFP, LDH, inhibin, hCG)