Ovarian masses in the pediatric patient

Ovarian masses in the pediatric patient are uncommon. Children with ovarian tumors, however, pose diagnostic and therapeutic challenges because their presentation can mimic other more common intraabdominal disorders and their tumor histology varies widely. The refinement of surgical techniques and the advent of more effective chemotherapy in the past 25 years has increased overall survival rates from approximately 20% to 70%, thus improving the outcome for girls with malignant tumors. This article summarizes the current evaluation and management of ovarian masses in childhood and reviews pertinent pathology.