Pelvic Masses Flashcards
Define adnexa.
Ovaries, fallopian tubes, and associated ligaments
What is the appropriate measure to take following the finding of a simple ovarian cyst?
F/u or do a laparoscopy if concerned for cancer
What is the role of placing mesh in the ovaries following excision of a cystic ovary?
Prevent scar tissue and the development of adhesions
True or false: most function cysts (follicular or corpus luteum) regress in 1-2 months
True
What is the role of hormonal suppression for ovarian cysts?
-Adds nothing to waiting, but might prevent new cyst formation
What are the indications for excision of an ovarian cyst? (3)
- Any child with pelvic mass
- Any reproductive age woman with persistent cyst greater than 6 cm
- Any menopausal woman w/ persistent or complex masses
What size of cyst indicates the need for surgical excision?
6 cm
What are the risks of ovarian cysts? (2)
Pain/leakage of blood/prostaglandins leading to hemoperitoneum
-Torsion
What is a culdocentesis?
Drainage of the cul-de-sac if there is hemoperitoneum
What are the risks of ovarian torsion?
Compromised vascular supply leads to ischemia
What are the s/sx of ovarian torsion?
Sudden onset of constant or intermittent pain with TTP on exam
What is the most common cause of an ovarian torsion?
Ovarian cystic teratoma
What imaging modality is helpful in diagnosing an ovarian torsion?
US with color doppler sonography
What is the treatment for ovarian torsion?
Surgical untwisting vs removal
Why are teratomas more likely to result in ovarian torsion?
Heavier mass
What are the two main cell lineages that give rise to ovarian neoplasms?
Epithelial cells
Germ cells
What are the 5 ovarian tumor that arise from epithelial tissue?
- Serous
- Mucinous
- Endometrioid
- Clear cell
- Brenner
What is the most common malignant ovarian tumor? What are the histological characteristics of this?
- Serous cystadenocarcinoma
- Psammoma bodies
What is the most common malignant ovarian tumor among children and adolescents? What are the chemical markers of this?
Dysgerminomas and hCG/LDH
What is more characteristics of a malignant ovarian tumor: unilateral or bilateral?
Bilateral
What is more characteristics of a malignant ovarian tumor: thin walled
Benign
Thick walled = malignant
Do ascites occur more often with malignant or benign ovarian tumors?
Malignant