• cisti ovariche
• età pediatrica
• marcatori tumorali
• neoplasie
• ovaio

The purpose of this study was to detect the role
of serum tumor markers in the differential diagnosis and in
the choice of the surgical treatment of ovarian lesions in
pediatric age.
Methods. We retrospectively reviewed medical charts of
all pediatric girls operated in two pediatric centers during a
10-year period. The following features were analyzed: age
at the moment of presentation, symptoms, diagnostic
studies, surgical approach, pathological findings, and, in
particular, serum tumor markers. Also, a literature review
and statistical analysis concerning the increase of
different tumor markers in benign and malignant ovarian
lesions were related to the study.
Results. A total of 120 children with 127 ovarian masses
(7 with bilateral pathologies) were reviewed. Pathology
showed 61 nonneoplastic lesions (48%), 54 benign tumors
(42.5%), 5 malignant tumors (4%), and 7 torsed normal
ovaries (5.5%). The evaluation of serum tumor markers
was performed in 106 cases and was positive in 16
(15.1%): in all of the 5 cases (100%) of malignant neoplastic
lesions and in 11 (20.4%) benign neoplastic ones.
The literature review confirmed these data, and statistical
analysis highlighted them as significant values.
Conclusions. The role of tumor markers is still controversial.
This is the reason why, before considering a
radical treatment, we suggest caution to optimize future
fertility.