Adnexal Tumors

Healthcare professionals diagnose adnexal tumors or masses through a combination of physical exams, imaging tests, and blood tests.

During a pelvic exam, a healthcare professional:

Inserts gloved fingers into the vagina while pressing a hand on the belly to feel the pelvic organs
Examines the external genitals, vagina, and cervix for any abnormalities

Imaging tests help determine the location, size, and characteristics of an adnexal tumor or mass. Common imaging options include:

Ultrasound – uses sound waves to create images of pelvic organs
CT scan (computerized tomography) – provides detailed cross-sectional images
MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) – produces highly detailed images to assess soft tissue

Blood tests may help identify the cause of an adnexal tumor or mass, including:

Pregnancy test – to rule out pregnancy-related masses
Infection markers – to detect underlying infections
Tumor markers – for example, CA 125 test detects a protein often present in ovarian cancer cells

Treatment depends on the type, size, and cause of the growth.

Observation: Small cysts or benign masses may not require treatment and can be monitored over time
Surgery: Recommended if the tumor or mass is large, causes symptoms, or may be cancerous

Seek medical attention if you notice:

Early evaluation can help determine whether the adnexal mass is benign or requires intervention.

Overview