gynecology and obstetrics
Female Pelvic Mass
Etiology of Pelvic Mass
Pelvic masses may originate from the upper female reproductive tract (cervix, uterus, fallopian tubes, ovaries) or from other pelvic structures (intestines, bladder, ureters). Type of mass in the female reproductive tract tends to vary by age group: Ininfants,in utero maternal hormones may stimulate development of follicular ovarian cysts in a fetus or during the first few months of life. This effect is rare. Inchildren,prepubertalmasses are uncommon. Ovarian masses may be follicular ovarian cysts or, rarely, benign or malignant tumors. the most common cause of symmetric uterine enlargement is pregnancy. Another common uterine mass is a Uterine Fibroids , which sometimes extends to the cervix or uterine connective tissues. Adnexal masses are often related to the menstrual cycle; they include Inpostmenopausal women,a new or growing pelvic mass is more likely to be cancerous. Many benign ovarian or uterine masses (eg, endometriomas, adenomas, fibroids) depend on ovarian hormone secretion and thus do not develop or enlarge after menopause. Metastatic cancer of the breast, colon, or stomach may first manifest as an adnexal mass. 