The Adnexa and Other Pathology

The incidence of adnexal pathology diagnosed in the first trimester varies from 0.2 to 6 per cent. The majority are ovarian cysts of less than 5-6cm in diameter that will spontaneoulsy resolve. Larger masses or those with a more complex appearance are less likely to resolve spontaneously and may represent a neoplastic process. The overall risk of malignancy in adnexal masses is however low at 1-8 per cent. Adnecxal torsion can occur in pregnancy and the risk decreases as the gestation increases. During pregnancy, the same ovarian masses can be found as in the non pregnant population. Additionally a number of pregnancy-associated masses may occur.