A retrospective study of large ovarian masses in paediatric practice

A retrospective review of 15 patients presenting over a 15-year period with large ovarian tumours is reported in whom the presenting complaint was gross abdominal swelling. Histological confirmation of all the tumours was obtained. There were three serous cystadenomas, two mucinous cystadenomas, one Brenner tumour, three benign juvenile granulosa cell tumours--two not menstruating, three benign teratomas--one not menstruating, one malignant teratoma--not yet menstruating, one malignant embryonic carcinoma and one hydatid disease. All the patients are currently well. The radiological findings are described and some of the marked differences in the radiological appearances of adult and paediatric ovarian masses are illustrated.