Characterisation of adnexal masses

Abstract

The adnexa adjoin the uterus and contain the ovaries, fallopian tubes, associated vessels, support ligaments and connective tissue. Pathology in the adnexa may also arise from the uterus, bowel, bladder, retroperitoneum, nerves or peritoneal metastatic deposits from another site particularly breast, stomach or colon. Processes that lead to development of adnexal masses include congenital masses, functional cysts, haemorrhagic lesions, neoplastic masses or inflammatory diseases. As treatment options will vary considerably depending on the etiology of the mass, accurate diagnosis is of paramount importance.