Adnexal Tumors

Overview

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Tumors that arise in the ovaries or fallopian tubes (which are appendages, or adnexa, of the uterus) are called adnexal tumors. Adnexal tumors can occur before puberty, after puberty and after menopause. They can be cancerous (malignant) or noncancerous (benign). If they cause symptoms, treatment is usually necessary. Noncancerous masses typically require surgery only. Cancerous tumors may require surgery followed by chemotherapy or radiation or both.

Why choose Mayo Clinic for adnexal tumors

• Expertise and innovation. Mayo Clinic is known for pioneering the frozen section technique, which allows surgeons to determine during the initial surgery whether tissue is cancerous or noncancerous, significantly increasing the ability to remove as much cancer as possible.
• Latest technology. Mayo Clinic is one of only a few medical centers in the United States offering intraoperative radiation — radiation given directly to the tumor bed through an abdominal incision at the time of surgery — as a specialized treatment for tumors that recur in the abdomen.
• Successful outcomes. Mayo Clinic surgeons aggressively remove as much ovarian and fallopian tube cancer as possible (optimal debulking), which leads to better outcomes and improves the chance of cure.
• Comprehensive cancer center. Mayo Clinic Cancer Center meets strict standards for a National Cancer Institute comprehensive cancer center, which recognizes scientific excellence and a team approach to cancer prevention, diagnosis and treatment. Mayo is also a member of the Gynecologic Oncology Group (GOG), a national collaborative organization whose members conduct research to find the best treatments for gynecologic cancers.

Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minn., and in Jacksonville, Fla., are ranked among the Best Hospitals for cancer by U.S. News & World Report.

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