Objective: To characterize the origin of nongynecologic pelvic masses.
Study design: Using a radiology database, women who underwent transvaginal ultrasound, CT scan, or MRI for the indication of pelvic mass or pelvic fullness were identified. Demographic information, radiologic data, and outcomes were reviewed.
Results: A total of 450 women underwent imaging for the above indications been 2002 and 2012. Of those women, 347 had at least 1 pelvic mass; 3 women had both gynecologic and nongynecologic masses, and 13 women had 2 gynecologic masses. Forty women (12%) had nongynecologic pathology. Of the nongynecologic masses 13 were gastrointestinal in origin, 9 were urologic, and 9 were neuromuscular. Other etiologies included metastatic cancers, iatrogenic masses, and hematologic masses. Seventy-four women had malignant pathology (21%): 17/40 (43%) of nongynecologic pelvic masses and 57/320 (18%) of gynecologic masses (p < 0.05).
Conclusion: Compared to pelvic masses of gynecologic origin, nongynecologic pelvic masses are more likely to be malignant.