Ovarian Neoplasm: Delivering Suspicion of Cancer in the Emergency Department

Cancer is not infrequently detected in the Emergency Department (ED) and is sometimes even an incidental finding on imaging. Since the ED is designed to identify and treat acutely ill patients, the time providers can spend with patients and the depth of investigation into patient conditions is limited. However, Emergency Medicine physicians must ensure the appropriate follow-up for patients with presumptive diagnosis of cancer to ensure timely confirmatory testing, prompt treatment, and accurate prognosis. A 26-year-old woman presented to the ED for evaluation of abdominal pain and urinary complaints and was ultimately found to have a 36cm ovarian mass that was suspicious for neoplasm. The mass caused obstruction of urinary outflow leading the patient to develop a urinary tract infection. Emergency Medicine physicians are faced with the challenge of having limited time and short-lived doctor-patient relationships. In cases of suspicious findings, balancing the urgency of follow-up without causing undue harm from heightened anxiety for patients is essential. It is important to discuss findings that may be concerning for cancer with both clear verbal and written communication. Employ strategies such as direct communication with primary care physicians and outpatient specialists via phone consultation and electronic medical record messaging, as well as providing clear discharge instructions in-person and in-writing to the patient including whom to call and the time frame for follow-up.