Abstract

We present the review of the literature and the proposals of the exact diagnosing and therapy of the ovarian tumors complicating pregnancy. The incidence of ovarian tumors in pregnant women is estimated on 1/1000 deliveries. The coexistence of an ovarian tumor with pregnancy presents problems to both the clinician (obstetrician, oncologist) and the patient. Depending of the increasing uterus during pregnancy, the appropriate diagnosis of adnexal mass is based on the initial pelvic and ultrasound examination. Most of ovarian tumors in pregnant women are asymptomatic and when they are unsuspicious simple cysts or cystic teratomas the conservative management is recommended. In cases of complex masses and/or torsion, rupture, hemorrhage the surgical intervention by laparotomy (in some cases laparoscopy) is required. The possibility of malignancy and its therapeutic implications (hysterectomy, salpingo-oophorectomy, delay to delivery) must be discussed with the patient and her family (the lives of two human beings together are affected).