Adnexal masses associated with pelvic pain: A review and commentary on the evidence

Abstract

Pain in relation to the menstrual cycle is representative of Endometriosis. It has been reported that Endometriosis can be easily confounded with neoplasia. In the clinical practice of Gynecologic Oncology we find with relative frequency patients who are unknown carriers of endometriosis who present and are operated on because they resemble a picture of gynecological cancer, predominantly of the ovary. It has been reported that Endometriosis can be easily confounded with neoplasia. Endometriomas form part of the differential diagnosis alongside various ovarian cystic formations. On the other hand, ovarian tumors are very common in women of reproductive age. Most are benign, but malignant ovarian tumors are a leading cause of cancer death in women. In women with endometriosis, the risk of developing ovarian cancer has been estimated to be up to 50% higher than in the general population. The aim of our concise review was to establish the current state of knowledge regarding adnexal tumors associated with pelvic pain.

Keywords

• endometrioma
• tumor-associated pain
• differential diagnosis