PELVIC MASS
PELVIC MASS: Excerpt from Algorithmic Diagnosis of Symptoms and Signs
Ask the Following Questions:
- Is there abdominal pain? The presence of abdominal pain suggests PID, ectopic pregnancy, and endometriosis, among other things. It should also suggest pelvic appendix.
- Is there fever or vaginal discharge? The presence of fever or vaginal discharge would be most suggestive of PID.
- Is there a history of menorrhagia or metrorrhagia? The history of menorrhagia or metrorrhagia should suggest ectopic pregnancy, endometriosis, and threatened abortion, as well as retained secundinae.
- Is the pregnancy test positive? A positive pregnancy test is the key to a diagnosis of ectopic pregnancy when there is abdominal pain along with the abdominal mass. If there is no pain, the pregnancy test will help diagnose a normal pregnancy.
DIAGNOSTIC WORKUP
Routine diagnostic studies include a CBC, sedimentation rate, pregnancy test, urinalysis, urine culture, chemistry panel, VDRL test, and Pap smear. If there is vaginal discharge, a smear and culture of the material should be made. If a distended bladder is suspected, catheterization for residual urine must be done. Pelvic ultrasound or a CT scan will often be useful, but why not consult a gynecologist before ordering these more expensive tests? The gynecologist may do a laparoscopy, a culdocentesis, and, ultimately, an exploratory laparotomy.
Book Source Details
- Book Title: Algorithmic Diagnosis of Symptoms and Signs
- Author(s): R. Douglas Collins
- Year of Publication: 2003
- Copyright Details: Algorithmic Diagnosis of Symptoms and Signs, Copyright © 2003 Lippincott Williams & Wilkins.
More About Hysterectomy
More Medical Textbooks Online about Hysterectomy
Review other book chapters online related to Hysterectomy:
Medical Books Excerpts
- Chronic Pelvic Pain
- "The 10-Minute Diagnosis Manual: Symptoms and Signs in the Time-Limited Encounter" (2000)
- [ read ]
Copyright notice for book excerpts: Copyright © 2008 Lippincott Williams & Wilkins. All rights reserved.
» Next page: PELVIC PAIN (Algorithmic Diagnosis of Symptoms and Signs)
Rate This Website
What do you think about the features of this website?
Take our user survey and have your say:
Website User Survey
Medical Tools & Articles:
Next articles:
Tools & Services:
Medical Articles:
Forums & Message Boards
- Ask or answer a question at the Boards:
