Predictors of ovarian malignancy in children: overcoming clinical barriers of ovarian preservation.
OBJECTIVE
Ovarian preservation is desirable in girls with benign ovarian masses. We aimed to 1) identify clinical predictors of malignant ovarian masses, 2) investigate how often ovarian tissue is present to preserve in benign masses, and 3) identify factors associated with successful ovarian preservation.


METHODS
Retrospective analysis (1997-2012) of girls age 1-18years with an ovarian mass managed operatively. Data on presenting symptoms, imaging, biochemical markers, treatment, outcome, and pathology were extracted.


RESULTS
We identified 150 patients. Large mass size, solid components, and elevated tumor markers (AFP, βHCG, and/or LDH) were significantly predictive of malignancy. All masses <10cm, predominantly cystic, and with negative tumor markers were benign. Masses with all three of these characteristics would decrease a 20% malignancy pretest probability to a posttest probability of 0.25%. Benign masses managed by oophorectomy contained normal ovarian tissue in 76% of the specimens. For benign masses, successful ovarian preservation was significantly associated with size <10cm, predominantly cystic, laparoscopy, and absence of torsion or calcifications.


CONCLUSIONS
Ovarian masses that are <10cm, primarily cystic, and have negative tumor markers are most likely benign. Viable ovarian tissue is frequently present in benign masses, so significant efforts should be made for ovarian preservation.
Division of Pediatric Surgery, Department of Surgery, Indiana University School of Medicine, Riley Hospital for Children, Indianapolis, IN, USA.
Jonathan C
JC
Papic
Division of Pediatric Surgery, Department of Surgery, Indiana University School of Medicine, Riley Hospital for Children, Indianapolis, IN, USA; Children's Health Services Research, Department of Pediatrics, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, USA.
S Maria E
SM
Finnell
Department of Biostatistics, Indiana University, Indianapolis, IN, USA.
James E
JE
Slaven
Division of Pediatric Surgery, Department of Surgery, Indiana University School of Medicine, Riley Hospital for Children, Indianapolis, IN, USA.
Deborah F
DF
Billmire
Division of Pediatric Surgery, Department of Surgery, Indiana University School of Medicine, Riley Hospital for Children, Indianapolis, IN, USA. Electronic address: frescorl@iupui.edu.
Frederick J
FJ
Rescorla
Division of Pediatric Surgery, Department of Surgery, Indiana University School of Medicine, Riley Hospital for Children, Indianapolis, IN, USA.
Charles M
CM
Leys
D000230:Adenocarcinoma / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000473:pathology / Q000601:surgery; D000293:Adolescent; D014408:Biomarkers, Tumor / Q000097:blood; D002114:Calcinosis / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000209:etiology; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D003537:Cystadenoma / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000473:pathology / Q000601:surgery; D005260:Female; D059247:Fertility Preservation; D005350:Fibroma / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000473:pathology / Q000601:surgery; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D007247:Infertility, Female / Q000517:prevention & control*; D010535:Laparoscopy; D009373:Neoplasms, Germ Cell and Embryonal / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000473:pathology / Q000601:surgery; D059351:Organ Sparing Treatments; D010048:Ovarian Cysts / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000473:pathology / Q000601:surgery; D010051:Ovarian Neoplasms / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000473:pathology / Q000601:surgery; D010052:Ovariectomy / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000379:methods*; D011237:Predictive Value of Tests; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D018312:Sex Cord-Gonadal Stromal Tumors / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000473:pathology / Q000601:surgery; D014102:Torsion Abnormality / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000209:etiology; D047368:Tumor Burden
D014408:Biomarkers, Tumor
Children; Fertility sparing; Ovarian malignancy; Ovarian mass; Ovarian preservation