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Prepubertal ovarian cyst formation: 5 years' experience
D M Millar1, J M Blake, D A Stringer
1Department of Gynecology and Radiology, Hospital for Sick Children, University of Toronto, Ontario, Canada.
Obstetrics and Gynecology
|March 1, 1993
Summary
Small ovarian cysts are common in prepubertal females and usually harmless. Larger cysts are rare but may require monitoring for complications like torsion or precocious pseudopuberty.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Gynecology
- Reproductive Endocrinology
Background:
- Ovarian cysts are frequently encountered in pediatric patients.
- Understanding the incidence and clinical significance of ovarian cysts in prepubertal females is crucial for appropriate management.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the frequency of ovarian cyst formation in prepubertal females.
- To analyze the clinical implications and outcomes of ovarian cysts in this age group.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective chart review of prepubertal females diagnosed with ovarian cysts.
- Analysis of ultrasound findings, cyst characteristics, and clinical presentations.
Main Results:
- Ovarian cysts were identified in 99 of 1818 prepubertal females (5.4%).
- The majority were small (2-3 mm), unilocular cysts (83%), with an incidence of 2-5% in females aged 0-8 years.
- Large cysts (>2 cm) were rare, occurring mainly in infants; two of 17 large cysts were associated with torsion and complex ultrasound features.
- Five cases (5%) of functioning cysts causing precocious pseudopuberty were identified.
Conclusions:
- Small, unilocular ovarian cysts (<1 cm) are common (2-5%) and clinically insignificant in prepubertal girls.
- Large ovarian cysts (>2 cm) are rare; unilocular cysts <5 cm can be managed conservatively with ultrasound surveillance.
- Ovarian cysts linked to precocious pseudopuberty are typically larger (>2 cm) and may recur.