Non-Ovarian Mimics of Ovarian Malignancy

Publication date: Available online 18 April 2019Source: Seminars in Ultrasound, CT and MRIAuthor(s): Mahesh ShettyAbstractOnce a pelvic mass is identified on an ultrasound examination, the important next step in the differential diagnostic work up is to determine its origin. Most lateral pelvic masses in women are ovarian in origin, and the distinction between ovarian and non-ovarian mimics of ovarian cancer is critical for appropriate clinical and surgical management. Adnexal masses detected on ultrasound can be further characterized by MRI when needed. Superior contrast resolution, multiplanar imaging, characteristic signal intensity of common pathology such as dermoid tumors or endometriomas allows one to accurately evaluate adnexal tumors with supplemental use of MRI. Commonly encountered extraovarian abnormalities that mimic ovarian malignancies are broadly categorized as being either predominantly cystic or solid. The most common causes of such extraovarian lesions that mimic ovarian pathology include fallopian tube diseases, paroaovarian cysts, peritoneal inclusion cysts and a pedunculated or a broad ligament fibroid. Less common causes of cystic and solid non-ovarian mimics of ovarian malignancy include mucocele of the appendix, lymphocele, spinal meningeal cysts, extraovarian endometriomas, extraovarian fibrothecomas and gastrointestinal stromal tumors (Table 1). Identifying a normal appearing ovary is the key in distinguishing an extraovarian pelvic mass from an ova...
Source: Seminars in Ultrasound, CT and MRI - Category: Radiology Source Type: research