Ovarian tumors in women over 70

OBJECTIVES: To discuss and evaluate the management of ovarian masses in women over 70. METHODS: The nature of adnexal masses and the outcome of surgical intervention in 38 women over 70 was reviewed. RESULTS: There were seven cases of malignant ovarian tumors in our series of 38 patients reviewed. The most frequent presenting sign was abdominal pain (11 cases). The presence of an adnexal mass was suspected on the basis of routine gynecologic examination in 8 cases, whereas by routine ultrasound scan in 30 patients. Postoperative complications were rare. CONCLUSIONS: It is suggested that in all postmenopausal women routine yearly pelvic examination and ultrasound scan is advisable. Furthermore, in view of our favorable results in recent years, we feel that surgical intervention is justified in all cases of adnexal tumors in the woman over 70.