Pelvic masses

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Pelvic masses

Template:Search infobox Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]


Epidemiology and demographics

Pelvic masses are most commonly found in women, pelvic masses can also occur in men. Cases besides bladder distension and pregnancy need to be ruled out before workup. Consider every case as a malignancy. As age increases, so does the liklihood that malignancy could be a cause.

Differential Diagnosis

In alphabetical order: [1] [2]

Diagnosis

History and Symptoms

  • Determine whether the mass is painful

Physical examination

Abdomen

  • Full abdominal exam
  • Full pelvic/genital exams (bimanual & rectal)

Other

  • Full breast exam
  • Full lymph node exam

Laboratory Findings

  • Labs include:
  • BUN/creatinine
  • CBC w/ differential
  • Culture for gonorrhea and chlamydia
  • Hemoccult testing
  • Liver function tests
  • Pap smear
  • Urinalysis

Electrolyte and Biomarker Studies

  • Tumor markers if ultrasound is abnormal

MRI and CT

  • Pelvic CT
  • Abdominal CT

Echocardiography or Ultrasound

  • Pelvic ultrasound for masses in the uterus to determine existence, size & composition.

Other Diagnostic Studies

  • Colonoscopy to exclude colon cancer
  • Bladder catheterization if culprit may be bladder distension


Treatment

Acute Pharmacotherapies

  • Hypoestrogenic medications

Indications for Surgery

  • Premenopausal ovarian mass
  • Ovarian cyst
  • observe 4-6 weeks
  • suppress with OCP
  • Consider laparoscopic procedure
  • If ovarian solid mass, complex cyst, ascites are indicated, surgical evaluation is necessary
  • Postmenopausal ovarian mass
  • <3 and asymptomatic and a normal exam indicates serial ultrasounds
  • if persistent, evaluate for surgery
  • In the event that the cyst is >3 and is symptomatic, perform laparoscopy
  • Leiomyoma
  • Consider myomectomy instead of hysterectomy

Referrals

  • Premenarchal ovarian masses - high malignancy potential; immediate gynecologic referral

References

  1. Sailer, Christian, Wasner, Susanne. Differential Diagnosis Pocket. Hermosa Beach, CA: Borm Bruckmeir Publishing LLC, 2002:77 ISBN 1591032016
  2. Kahan, Scott, Smith, Ellen G. In A Page: Signs and Symptoms. Malden, Massachusetts: Blackwell Publishing, 2004:68 ISBN 140510368X



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