Ovarian Tumours in Pregnancy

Ultrasound study of ovarian cysts in pregnancy: prevalence and significance

“…One had a twisted necrotic fimbrial cyst removed at 24 weeks with salbutamol cover. None of these was a functional cyst, confirming that the risk of torsion is much higher for neoplastic cysts (Buttery et al 1973). The second woman had a leaking 7-cm chocolate cyst removed at 20 weeks.…”

“…Two persisting asymp- firmatory laparotomy was always performed. If only those confirmed by laparotomy are included, the prevalence becomes much more uniform at between 1 in 600 and 1 in 1000 (Ballard 1984;Booth 1963;Buttery et al 1973;White 1973). The present study shows a prevalence of adnexal cysts detected by ultrasound in the firsthalf of pregnancy of 1 in 190 and about 1 in 6 of these underwent surgery (i.e.…”

“…Apparently simple cysts should also be removed if they are very large (3 cm) (Ballard 1984) or persistent (Buttery et al 1973), as in these situations, the probability that the cyst is indeed neoplastic is much higher. In some patients with dermoid cysts, it may even be possible to identify the mamilla ultrasonically.…”

“…Abdominal surgery during pregnancy carries a risk to both the mother and fetus (Buttery et al 1973;Gustafson et al 1954;Hill et al 1974). Abdominal surgery during pregnancy carries a risk to both the mother and fetus (Buttery et al 1973;Gustafson et al 1954;Hill et al 1974).…”

“…The management of uncomplicated ovarian cysts in pregnancy presents a difficult clinical decision. Abdominal surgery during pregnancy carries a risk to both the mother and fetus (Buttery et al 1973;Gustafson et al 1954;Hill et al 1974). Conservative management, on the other hand, may be followed by the spread of an undiagnosed malignancy or complications such as torsion which may necessitate difficult and much more hazardous emergency surgery in late pregnancy.…”