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Adnexal masses in pregnancy
R H M Hermans1, D-C Fischer, H W H M van der Putten
1Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Maastricht University Medical Center, Maastricht, The Netherlands.
Onkologie
|May 29, 2003
Summary
Adnexal masses during pregnancy are common, but most resolve spontaneously. Ovarian tumors require surgical treatment and chemotherapy, which appears safe during pregnancy, though long-term effects on children are unknown.
Area of Science:
- Obstetrics and Gynecology
- Reproductive Medicine
- Oncology
Background:
- Adnexal masses are frequently detected during routine pregnancy ultrasounds.
- Most early-pregnancy adnexal masses resolve spontaneously within 16 weeks.
- Ovarian tumors occur in approximately 1 in 1,000 pregnancies, with a 3% malignancy rate.
Purpose of the Study:
- To provide an overview of the frequency, diagnosis, and pathology of ovarian tumors during pregnancy.
- To summarize current treatment modalities for adnexal masses and ovarian tumors in pregnant patients.
Main Methods:
- Review of literature on adnexal masses and ovarian tumors in pregnancy.
- Analysis of diagnostic procedures and pathological characteristics.
- Summary of surgical and chemotherapeutic treatment strategies.
Main Results:
- Adnexal masses are common in pregnancy, with most resolving spontaneously.
- Surgical treatment of ovarian tumors during pregnancy requires adequate staging and debulking.
- Chemotherapy (taxol-platinum) is indicated later in pregnancy, and appears safe, but long-term fetal outcomes require further study.
- Aspiration of cysts is not recommended due to poor diagnostic correlation and risk of malignant spread.
Conclusions:
- Ovarian tumors in pregnancy necessitate prompt diagnosis and tailored treatment.
- Chemotherapy during pregnancy is a viable option, but requires careful consideration of gestational age.
- Further research is needed on the long-term effects of intrauterine chemotherapy exposure on children.