PELVIC MASS

Ask the Following Questions:

1. Is there abdominal pain? The presence of abdominal pain suggests PID, ectopic pregnancy, and endometriosis, among other things. It should also suggest pelvic appendix.
2. Is there fever or vaginal discharge? The presence of fever or vaginal discharge would be most suggestive of PID.
3. 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.
4. 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.

Other Book Chapters Related to Pelvic mass

Read excerpts from these other book chapters related to Pelvic mass:

Copyright Details: Algorithmic Diagnosis of Symptoms and Signs, Copyright © 2008 Williams & Wilkins.

More About Causes of Pelvic mass

• Back to symptom: Pelvic mass: Introduction (review 33 causes)
• Next Book Extract About Pelvic mass: Dysmenorrhea (In a Page: Signs and Symptoms)
• All Book Extracts: All Online Book Extracts for Pelvic mass

More About This Book: Title: Algorithmic Diagnosis of Symptoms and Signs Authors: R. Douglas Collins Publisher: Lippincott Williams & Wilkins Copyright: 2003 ISBN: 0-7817-3805-9

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• Dysmenorrhea (In a Page: Signs and Symptoms)
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• PELVIC PAIN (Differential Diagnosis in Primary Care)

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