Ovarian Masses in Children and Adolescents: A Review of the Literature with Emphasis on the Diagnostic Approach

Most abdominal masses in the pediatric population derive from ovaries. Ovarian can occur all ages, although their incidence, clinical presentation and histological distribution vary among different age groups. Children adolescents may develop non-neoplastic ovarian lesions, such as functional cysts, endometrioma, torsion, abscess lymphangioma well neoplasms, which are divided into germ cell, epithelial, sex-cord stromal miscellaneous tumors. Germ cell tumors account for majority of neoplasms population, while adults most frequently present with epithelial Mature teratoma is common neoplasm children adolescents, whereas dysgerminoma constitutes frequent malignancy. Clinical manifestations generally include pain, palpable mass, nausea/vomiting endocrine alterations, menstrual abnormalities, precocious puberty virilization. During investigation masses, important objective to evaluate likelihood malignancy since management benign malignant lesions fundamentally different. The presence solid components, large size heterogenous appearance on transabdominal ultrasonography, magnetic resonance imaging computed tomography indicate an increased risk Useful tumor markers that raise concern cancer alpha-fetoprotein, lactate dehydrogenase, beta subunit human chorionic gonadotropin, antigen 125 inhibin. However, serum levels neither confirm nor exclude Management needs be curative and, when feasible, function-preserving minimally invasive. mass should treated specialized centers avoid unnecessary oophorectomies ensure best possible outcome.