Ovarian Torsion in Postmenopausal Women and risk of malignancy

Abstract

Background: Ovarian torsion is one of the most common causes of emergency surgery in gynecology, with a tendency to occur in postmenopausal women. The aim of this study was to provide information concerning the clinical presentations, surgical management, pathological findings and risk of malignancy in postmenopausal women with ovarian torsion. Methods:In this cross-sectional study, the risk of malignancy was assessed in postmenopausal women with ovarian torsion, who admitted to the Tumor Clinic of Ghaem Hospital, Mashhad, Iran in 2013. Frozen section technique was applied in patients undergoing laparotomy. The recorded data included patients’ age and symptoms, tumor markers, type of surgery, radiological findings and pathological results. Results: Among 44 menopausal patients with pelvic masses, 10 women were selected. The most common symptom was acute abdominopelvic pain (100%). In ultrasonic evaluation, complex ovarian mass was the most frequent finding. Free fluid in the pelvis was reported in 30% of cases. Moreover, serous tumor was the most common pathological finding. Malignancy was reported in 20% of cases; therefore, surgical staging was carried out for these patients. Conclusion: Ovarian torsion is a differential diagnosis in postmenopausal women with acute symptoms of lower abdominal or pelvic pain. Risk of malignancy due to adnexal masses should be considered in these patients.