How does a physician typically evaluate a patient with an ovarian adnexal mass?
The initial evaluation of an ovarian adnexal mass generally includes a patient history, physical examination and imaging, typically ultrasound. The physician bases his/her examination protocol on his/her own education, training and experience. The findings of the pelvic examination are often ambiguous, but may assist the physician in determining the location, size and mobility of the tumor. Physical examination alone is not a reliable predictor of whether an ovarian tumor is benign or malignant. Pelvic ultrasound can provide valuable information about an ovarian tumor, specifically volume measurement and tumor morphology (wall thickness, papillary projections, solid areas, and ascites); however it cannot be used to definitively diagnose malignancy.
