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What is an Adnexal Mass?

Emma Lloyd
Emma Lloyd

An adnexal mass is a tissue mass in the adnexa of the uterus, which refers to the space occupied by the uterus, ovaries and fallopian tubes. These can take the form of different types of malignant or benign masses. In premenopausal women, most adnexal masses are caused by ectopic pregnancy, ovarian cysts, tumors, polycystic ovaries and abscesses. After menopause, more likely causes include fibroid tumors, fibromas and malignant tumors. The most common locations for this type of mass to grow are in a fallopian tube or ovary.

The majority of adnexal masses are benign, but diagnosis is difficult because there are many forms that a mass can take. Even in a healthy ovary, follicular cysts can develop half a dozen times in a single year. Most of the time, these cysts develop, shrink and disappear within the course of a single menstruation cycle. In some cases, however, they grow larger and remain in the ovary, fallopian tube or uterus.

An adnexal mass may be caused by fibroid tumors.
An adnexal mass may be caused by fibroid tumors.

Often, a definitive diagnosis of an adnexal mass is never reached. This is because in order for a diagnosis to be achieved, a woman must undergo a surgical biopsy procedure so that a sample of the mass can be obtained for laboratory analysis. Therefore, the mass must be carefully evaluated using information obtained from ultrasound and other tests in order to determine whether a mass is likely to be malignant or benign. Another common factor with these types of masses is that most are asymptomatic and are discovered during a routine pelvic or other examination rather than because they cause pain or discomfort.

Treatment for a serious adnexal mass may include surgery.
Treatment for a serious adnexal mass may include surgery.

The presence of certain risk factors indicates the likelihood of a cancerous mass or another type of mass that might be of concern. Solid tumors and large cysts generally are considered of greater concern than small cysts or those that contain fluid. In prepubescent and postmenopausal women, any mass is of greater concern because benign follicular cysts are not a likely cause of adnexal masses in these age groups. For example, in girls younger than 9 years old, about 80 percent of adnexal masses are cancerous. By contrast, in women of reproductive age, only 10 percent of masses are malignant.

The adnexa of the uterus includes the uterus, fallopian tubes and ovaries.
The adnexa of the uterus includes the uterus, fallopian tubes and ovaries.

Small, asymptomatic masses generally do not require any treatment. Instead, these masses are monitored with tests and pelvic examinations. In cases where the mass is large or is causing symptoms, it is surgically removed. Surgery generally is more aggressive and involves the removal of more tissue when the mass is malignant. This is important to prevent recurrence or spread of the cancer. Surgical removal of a malignant tumor is likely to be followed up with a course of chemotherapy treatments.

Discussion Comments

Nefertini

@SimpleByte - Symptoms include abdominal or pelvic pain and irregular menstrual periods. Some women might experience abdominal swelling, frequent urination, or even weight loss. Ovarian cancer symptoms can include these same symptoms along with feeling full or inability to eat, pain during sexual intercourse, tiredness, and back pain. In its early stages, ovarian cancer may not have any symptoms. It's vital for women to get regular checkups since adnexal masses may not give them any symptoms, and it's important for women to see their doctors if they do experience any of the above symptoms. These symptoms can occur in many conditions including non-cancerous ones, but they need to be checked out by a medical professional.

SimpleByte

I realize that many of these growths may not have any symptoms and are discovered during routine pelvic exams. What, though, are adnexal mass symptoms a woman might experience in those growths that do have symptoms?

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    • An adnexal mass may be caused by fibroid tumors.
      By: designua
      An adnexal mass may be caused by fibroid tumors.
    • Treatment for a serious adnexal mass may include surgery.
      By: prluka
      Treatment for a serious adnexal mass may include surgery.
    • The adnexa of the uterus includes the uterus, fallopian tubes and ovaries.
      By: Alila Medical Media
      The adnexa of the uterus includes the uterus, fallopian tubes and ovaries.
    • In premenopausal women, most adnexal masses are caused by ectopic pregnancy or ovarian cysts.
      By: 9nong
      In premenopausal women, most adnexal masses are caused by ectopic pregnancy or ovarian cysts.
    • A small, asymptomatic adnexal mass generally can be monitored with tests and pelvic examinations.
      By: javiindy
      A small, asymptomatic adnexal mass generally can be monitored with tests and pelvic examinations.
    • The majority of adnexal masses are benign.
      By: Zsolnai Gergely
      The majority of adnexal masses are benign.