Adnexal mass referral patterns in Gynecologic Oncology

Area of Science:

• Gynecologic Oncology
• Oncology
• Women's Health

Background:

• Adnexal masses are common gynecologic conditions.
• Referral patterns to Gynecologic Oncology for adnexal masses are not well-documented.
• There is a perception of increased referrals not meeting established criteria.

Purpose of the Study:

• To determine the proportion of adnexal mass referrals meeting American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) criteria over an eleven-year period.
• To analyze trends in referral criteria adherence and malignancy rates.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective chart review of adnexal mass referrals from 2011 to 2021.
• Evaluation of variables including age, menopausal status, imaging, tumor markers, surgery, and histopathology.
• Assessment of adherence to ACOG referral criteria.

Main Results:

• 84.7% of 864 new consults met ACOG referral criteria.
• A significantly higher proportion of consults met criteria in 2021 compared to 2011 (p=0.003).
• The proportion of malignant cases among surgical referrals meeting criteria increased from 37.8% in 2011 to 45.2% in 2021.

Conclusions:

• The proportion of adnexal mass referrals meeting ACOG criteria has increased.
• There is a trending increase in malignant histopathology among these referrals.
• Improved referral scrutiny may decrease benign cases, preserving resources for high-risk patients.