Abstract
The presentation of an adnexal mass in an adolescent is a concerning event for the patient and the family. Patients are most likely to present with abdominal pain or a palpable mass. The diagnostic imaging of choice is pelvic ultrasonography. The majority of these lesions are benign ovarian cysts. These cysts should be followed with ultrasound, as many will spontaneously regress. Further evaluation with laboratory tests may also be warranted, which will aid in diagnosis and treatment. Ovarian cysts that are failed to resolve, severely symptomatic, or concerned with malignancy require surgical intervention. Laparoscopy has shown to be beneficial in the adolescent population and should be the procedure of choice. In addition, ovarian conservation is the ideal treatment in order to continue normal pubertal development and preserve reproductive health.
Highlights
Adnexal masses are uncommon occurrences in the adolescent population
Laparoscopy has shown to be beneficial in the adolescent population and should be the procedure of choice
Many practitioners are unfamiliar with the proper management of these adnexal masses and are quick to proceed with surgical intervention that is often unnecessary
Summary
Adnexal masses are uncommon occurrences in the adolescent population. When they occur, they are anxiety-provoking for both the patient and her family. The estimated incidence of adnexal masses in the adolescent population is approximately 2.6 per 100,000 girls younger than 18 years of age [1]. An estimated ten percent of pediatric ovarian masses are found to be malignant [2,3]. Ovarian malignancies account for only one percent of all malignancies found in female patients less than 15 years of age [4]. While the discovery of an ovarian mass in an adolescent patient is concerned, conservative management is warranted due to the fact that the majority of these tumors are benign [5]. It is important to be aware of the presentation, evaluation, and treatment of benign ovarian cysts in order to conserve ovarian function
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