An ultrasound at Tam Anh General Hospital in Ho Chi Minh City revealed a 120x120 mm mass in Tran’s lower abdomen. Pediatric surgeon Dr. Nguyen Thanh Son Vu stated that the cyst was 10 times the size of a normal ovary, compressing nearby organs and causing an abdominal infection. A CT scan confirmed the diagnosis as a mature teratoma. Dr. Vu surgically removed the cyst, which was determined to be benign.
Thirteen-year-old Hanh, who was asymptomatic, discovered a 42x45x70mm ovarian cyst during a routine check-up. The cyst posed a risk of ovarian torsion. Dr. Vu performed laparoscopic surgery to remove the cyst while preserving Hanh’s ovary, protecting her endocrine and reproductive functions. A biopsy confirmed the cyst was benign.
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Dr. Vu (second from the right) performs surgery on Tran. Photo: Tam Anh General Hospital |
Dr. Vu (second from the right) performs surgery on Tran. Photo: Tam Anh General Hospital
Ovarian cysts can occur in girls of all ages. The most common types are serous cystadenomas and teratomas. While mostly benign, surgical intervention is recommended for cysts 4 cm or larger to prevent complications. Early detection and monitoring are crucial to mitigate the risk of ovarian torsion, which can impact future fertility.
The vague symptoms, primarily abdominal pain, often lead to misdiagnosis as digestive problems. In adolescents, the pain can be mistaken for menstrual cramps or irregularities. Consequently, many cases are discovered incidentally during routine health check-ups or examinations for digestive issues.
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A patient undergoing an abdominal ultrasound during a health check-up. Illustrative photo: Tam Anh General Hospital |
A patient undergoing an abdominal ultrasound during a health check-up. Illustrative photo: Tam Anh General Hospital
The standard treatment for ovarian cysts is laparoscopic surgery to remove the cyst while maximizing ovarian preservation to protect future endocrine and reproductive function. Parents should ensure their children receive regular health check-ups, including an annual general examination, to detect potentially serious pediatric conditions.
Dinh Lam
*Names have been changed.
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