Abstract

Ovarian tumors are uncommon in the child and adolescent population, but given that cancer is a leading cause of death even in this age group it is important for the general practice physician to be aware of the signs and symptoms. These can include abdominal pain, increased abdominal girth, a palpable mass on pelvic or abdominal exam, nausea and vomiting, decreased appetite, weight loss, constipation, back pain, leg cramps, dyspareunia, urinary symptoms, abnormal uterine bleeding, and ascites, to name a few. The types of gynecological tumors seen in adults are also seen in children except in differing frequencies. The most common type of ovarian tumor in children is the germ cell tumor, of which there are several subtypes including dermoid cysts, dysgerminoma, yolk sac tumor, immature teratomas, and embryonal carcinomas.

Document Type

Book Chapter

Publication Date

2010

Notes/Citation Information

Published in Pediatric and Adolescent Sexuality and Gynecology: Principles for the Primary Care Clinician. Hatim A. Omar, Donald E. Greydanus, Artemis K. Tsitsika, Dilip R. Patel, & Joav Merrick, (Eds.). p. 597-627.

© 2010 Nova Science Publishers, Inc.

The copyright holder has granted the permission for posting the book chapter here.

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