How to diagnose ovarian tumor

Based on the medical history, the location of the mass growth and its high mobility, it can generally be diagnosed as an ovarian tumor. However, a few masses fixed in the pelvic cavity cannot rule out ovarian tumors. Ovarian teratomas may show calcification, bone and tooth shadows on abdominal plain films.

When diagnosing a lower abdominal mass, it is emphasized that the child should first urinate or catheterize to empty the bladder. The abdominal diagnosis should be combined with a rectal examination to perform a bimanual diagnosis to exclude a full bladder. At the same time, the mass should be pushed, and attention should be paid to whether there is any traction on the uterus to determine its relationship with the uterus.

Ultrasound and CT diagnosis can assist in positioning and qualitative diagnosis. Chest radiography can diagnose the presence or absence of lung field and thoracic lymph node metastasis. The determination of tumor markers AFP, HCG and LDH is also important to determine the treatment plan and monitor tumor behavior.

Following clinical staging, laparotomy is performed to remove the tumor and determine its tissue type.

Among the 4,524 cases of solid tumors confirmed by pathological sections at Beijing Children's Hospital from 1956 to 1980, there were 144 cases of ovarian tumors, including 91 cases over 7 years old.

Differential Diagnosis

When the mass is large and grows into the abdominal cavity, barium meal radiography can be performed. It should be differentiated from other masses in the abdominal cavity or retroperitoneum. Clinically, there have been cases where ectopic kidneys were misdiagnosed as ovarian tumors and surgical exploration was performed, so this should be of concern.

When an ovarian tumor torsions, it must be differentiated from other acute abdominal diseases such as appendicitis and Meckel's diverticulitis.