Surgical management of the incidentally identified ovarian mass

Abstract

Due to the widespread use of sophisticated and detailed diagnostic imaging, pediatric surgeons may encounter incidental ovarian masses on preoperative imaging obtained for abdominal pain, trauma or other indications. Surgeons may also encounter unexpected ovarian masses at laparotomy or laparoscopy. Operative management differs based on the size, type of lesion (cystic, solid or mixed) as well as the age of the child. Neonatal cystic lesions may not require therapy whereas a solid ovarian mass in an adolescent requires appropriate evaluation to differentiate benign from malignant disease. Intraoperative and preoperative evaluation, staging, and management of incidentally identified ovarian masses in children and adolescents will be reviewed.