Evaluation of ovarian cysts in adolescents

The presentation of an adnexal mass in an adolescent is a concerning event for the patient and the family. Patients are most likely to present with abdominal pain or a palpable mass. The diagnostic imaging of choice is pelvic ultrasonography. The majority of these lesions are benign ovarian cysts. These cysts should be followed with ultrasound, as many will spontaneously regress. Further evaluation with laboratory tests may also be warranted, which will aid in diagnosis and treatment. Ovarian cysts that are failed to resolve, severely symptomatic, or concerned with malignancy require surgical intervention. Laparoscopy has shown to be beneficial in the adolescent population and should be the procedure of choice. In addition, ovarian conservation is the ideal treatment in order to continue normal pubertal development and preserve reproductive health.