Serous Ovarian Cysts

Chapter 141 Serous Ovarian Cysts



INTRODUCTION



Description: Serous ovarian cysts are a group of benign and malignant epithelial tumors of the ovary that are characterized as serous cells. These tumors are the most commonly encountered epithelial ovarian tumors. When malignant, these tumors tend to be high grade and virulent.

Prevalence: Twenty percent of all benign ovarian neoplasms.

Predominant Age: Reproductive.

Genetics: No genetic pattern.


ETIOLOGY AND PATHOGENESIS



Causes: Unknown.

Risk Factors: Family history, high-fat diet, advanced age, nulliparity, early menarche and late menopause, white race, higher economic status. Oral contraception, high parity, and breastfeeding reduce risk.


CLINICAL CHARACTERISTICS



Signs and Symptoms



• Asymptomatic

• Vague lower abdominal symptoms

• Adnexal mass (bilateral in 10% of benign and in 33% to 66% of malignant lesions), cystic and filled with a clear serous fluid. Benign tumors tend to be unilocular and smooth; malignant tumors are more often multilocular with papillary projections over much of the surface.


DIAGNOSTIC APPROACH



Differential Diagnosis



• Benign adnexal masses (corpus luteum, follicular cyst)

• Endometriosis

• Hydrosalpinx

• Paratubal cyst

• Appendiceal abscess

• Ectopic pregnancy

• Pedunculated leiomyomata

• Pelvic or horseshoe kidney

• Nongynecologic pelvic masses


Associated Conditions: None.


WORKUP AND EVALUATION



Laboratory:

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Jun 6, 2016 | Posted by in GYNECOLOGY | Comments Off on Serous Ovarian Cysts

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