Thomakos N, Chantzi H, Rodolakis A, Antsaklis A
1st Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Athens, Alexandra hospital, Athens, Greece
Correspondence: Thomakos Nikolaos, 17 Eslin St, GR-11523, Athens, Greece
Abstract
The management of adnexal masses during pregnancy may be challenging for the patient and the clinician. Adnexal masses may be detected during prenatal ultrasound, and although such masses are rarely malignant (1/10.000 to 1/50.000 pregnancies), the probability of borderline tumor or cancer should always be considered. The etiology of ovarian masses differs according to the patient age and includes benign entities, such as functional ovarian cysts, benign cystic teratomas, and serous cystadenomas predominate, whereas in the unusual cases of cancer, they are typically germ cell and borderline ovarian tumours, and are usually low stage and low grade. When an ovarian cancer is diagnosed during pregnancy, in most cases, it is possible to offer appropriate treatment to the mother without placing the fetus at serious risk. The case of a pregnant woman with cancer involves evaluation of sometimes competing maternal and fetus risks and benefits. The diagnostic and treatment decisions need specific interdisciplinary consultation with specialists in maternal and fetal medicine, gynecologic oncology and pediatrics, as well as Imaging and pathology.
Keywords: adnexal masses, pregnancy, cancer, ovarian cancer
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