Differential diagnosis of inguinal region masses in gynecological practice
V. F. Bezhenar,
V. Yu. Ulchenko,
A. E. Grigorian,
D. V. Fedosova,
A. B. Ismogulova,
A. B. Todua,
I. A. Kuznecova,
A. S. Smirnov https://doi.org/10.24884/0042-4625-2025-184-6-29-37
Abstract
INTRODUCTION. Inguinal masses in women have heterogeneous etiologies and include both surgical and gynecological pathologies, which makes differential diagnosis challenging. Particular focus is placed on distinguishing inguinal extragenital endometriosis from a congenital abnormality – the cyst of the canal of Nuck.
The OBJECTIVE was to analyze the clinical and anamnestic, instrumental, and morphological characteristics of inguinal masses in women of reproductive age.
METHODS AND MATERIALS. The study included six reproductive-age women presenting with inguinal masses. Medical history, clinical symptoms, ultrasound (US) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) findings, type of surgical intervention, and histopathological evaluation were analyzed. Quantitative variables are presented as median (Me) and interquartile range [Q1; Q3].
RESULTS. The median age was 43 [39; 44] years, and the median body mass index was 20.4 [19.1; 22.1] kg/m². Catamenial symptoms were observed in 50 % of patients, and the median pain severity score using the Visual Analogue Scale was 0 [0; 8]. Preoperative imaging suggested the cyst of the canal of Nuck in 67 % of cases. Histopathological examination confirmed the cyst of the canal of Nuck in four (67 %) patients, whereas in two (33 %) patients, round ligament endometriosis was identified. All patients underwent surgical treatment, and no postoperative complications occurred.
CONCLUSIONS. The presented clinical observations illustrate the diagnostic complexity of inguinal masses in women. The findings support the necessity of a multidisciplinary approach, the use of high-resolution imaging modalities, and surgical verification for definitive diagnosis.
About the Authors
V. F. Bezhenar
Pavlov University
Russian Federation
Competing Interests:
Russian Federation
Bezhenar Vitaliy F., Dr. of Sci. (Med), Professor, Head of the Clinic of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Head of the Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductology, Chief Freelance Obstetrician and Gynecologist of the Health Committee of Saint Petersburg
6-8, L’va Tolstogo str., Saint Petersburg, 197022
Competing Interests:
The authors declare no conflict of interest.
V. Yu. Ulchenko
Pavlov University
Russian Federation
Competing Interests:
Russian Federation
Ulchenko Vyacheslav Yu., Cand. of Sci. (Med), Head of the Organizational and Methodological Department
6-8, L’va Tolstogo str., Saint Petersburg, 197022
Competing Interests:
The authors declare no conflict of interest.
A. E. Grigorian
Pavlov University
Russian Federation
Competing Interests:
Russian Federation
Grigorian Anna E., Postgraduate Student of the Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Neonatology, Obstetrician and Gynecologist
6-8, L’va Tolstogo str., Saint Petersburg, 197022
Competing Interests:
The authors declare no conflict of interest.
D. V. Fedosova
Pavlov University
Russian Federation
Competing Interests:
Russian Federation
Fedosova Dariya V., Postgraduate Student of the Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductology, Obstetrician and Gynecologist
6-8, L’va Tolstogo str., Saint Petersburg, 197022
Competing Interests:
The authors declare no conflict of interest.
A. B. Ismogulova
Pavlov University
Russian Federation
Competing Interests:
Russian Federation
Ismogulova Aisha B., Clinical Resident of the Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductology
6-8, L’va Tolstogo str., Saint Petersburg, 197022
Competing Interests:
The authors declare no conflict of interest.
A. B. Todua
Pavlov University
Russian Federation
Competing Interests:
Russian Federation
Todua Anna B., 6th year student of the Faculty of Medicine
6-8, L’va Tolstogo str., Saint Petersburg, 197022
Competing Interests:
The authors declare no conflict of interest.
I. A. Kuznecova
Pavlov University
Russian Federation
Competing Interests:
Russian Federation
Kuznecova Irina A., Cand. of Sci. (Med), Associate Professor of the Department of Pathological Anatomy with Pathology Department, Member of the Board of the Faculty of Medicine and Methodical Council
6-8, L’va Tolstogo str., Saint Petersburg, 197022
Competing Interests:
The authors declare no conflict of interest.
A. S. Smirnov
Pavlov University
Russian Federation
Competing Interests:
Russian Federation
Smirnov Aleksandr S., Pathologist of Pathology Department № 1 (General Pathology and Oncopathology) of the Scientific and Clinical Center of Pathomorphology
6-8, L’va Tolstogo str., Saint Petersburg, 197022
Competing Interests:
The authors declare no conflict of interest.
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Bezhenar V.F., Ulchenko V.Yu., Grigorian A.E., Fedosova D.V., Ismogulova A.B., Todua A.B., Kuznecova I.A., Smirnov A.S. Differential diagnosis of inguinal region masses in gynecological practice. Grekov's Bulletin of Surgery. 2025;184(6):29-37. (In Russ.) https://doi.org/10.24884/0042-4625-2025-184-6-29-37
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