Cystic Masses During Pregnancy

Abstract

The prevalence of cystic masses in pregnancy varies from 0.1 to 2.4% and approximately 1 to 6% of these masses are malignant. The clinical presentation of cystic masses in pregnancy varies widely. The majority of cystic masses identified in pregnancy are benign simple cysts less than 5mm in diameter. Malignant neoplasms may be developed, and it is of paramount importance for the attending physician to be able to identify them. Ultrasonography is an excellent tool for the detection of cystic masses and for the discrimination between benign and malignant masses. IOTA group has proposed simple ultrasound rules in order to distinguish between benign and malignant cystic masses. In some cases where there is uncertainty about the type of mass, the MRI has high diagnostic value. Tumor markers that used in epithelial and nonepithelial cancers in nonpregnant women are difficult to interpret in pregnancy, because they are involved in biological functions associated with fetal development, differentiation, and maturation.