Adnexal Tumors

Diagnosis

Physicians at Mayo Clinic have extensive experience diagnosing adnexal tumors. To help determine the best treatment options, they use the latest diagnostic techniques. While diagnosing the cancer, physicians try to determine where the cancer began so that the most effective treatment plan possible can be formulated.

Medical History

As a first step to diagnosing an adnexal tumor a physician will conduct an in-depth interview with the patient. The physician will collect details about when the condition first appeared and the symptoms experienced by the patient.

Physical Examination

After gathering a medical history, the physician will conduct a physical examination of the patient. The doctor will perform a pelvic exam to examine the vagina, rectum and lower abdomen for masses or growths. The physician may also order blood tests, urinalysis and serum tumor marker tests.

Imaging Studies

Specialists at Mayo Clinic use high resolution imaging studies to diagnose adnexal tumors. These studies may include:

• X-rays generate two-dimensional views of the pelvis to help physicians locate abnormalities.
• Ultrasound uses high-frequency sound waves to form images of the pelvis that identify a tumor. A technician places a wand like device (transducer) on the surface of the pelvis while monitoring the image on the screen. Transabdominal (through the abdomen) and transvaginal (through the vagina) Doppler ultrasound technology is available at Mayo Clinic.
• Computed tomography (CT) scans generate two-dimensional cross-sectional images of the abdomen and pelvis that may reveal whether cancer has invaded other tissues or organs beyond the initial tumor site. New technology at Mayo Clinic also allows for three-dimensional reconstruction of the CT images.
• Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) technology uses magnetic fields and radio waves to identify small abnormalities in the soft tissue of the pelvis in two- and three-dimensional views.
• Positron emission tomography (PET) scans utilize radioactive materials to identify metabolically active tissues, such as cancer.

Biopsy

To see if an adnexal tumor contains cancerous cells, a physician may remove a small piece of the suspected tumor (biopsy), usually during surgery. Depending upon the location of the tumor, tissue may be collected using fine-needle aspiration or other techniques. Experienced pathologists examine the tissue under a microscope.