Clinical Information

Women with ovarian cancer symptoms and adnexal masses present primarily to gynecologists, primary care physicians, or general surgeons. Triage guidelines from the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists and the Society of Gynecologic Oncologists recommend referral of women with a pelvic mass at high risk for ovarian cancer to gynecologic oncologists. Specialized treatment improves patient outcomes resulting in fewer complications and better survival rates when compared to patients treated by surgeons less familiar with the management of ovarian cancer.

The risk of ovarian malignancy algorithm (ROMA) incorporates cancer antigen 125 (CA125), human epididymal protein 4 (HE4), and menopausal status to assign women that present with an adnexal mass into a high-risk or low-risk group for finding an ovarian malignancy. ROMA is indicated for women who meet the following criteria: older than age 18, presenting with an adnexal mass for which surgery is planned, and who have not yet been referred to an oncologist. ROMA must be interpreted in conjunction with clinical and radiological assessment.