Abdominal or pelvic masses are seen in :

IGNOU PB. Bsc. Nsg. Entrance-2025

Obstetrics & Gynaecology

Easy

Appeared in: IGNOU PB. Bsc. Nsg. Entrance-2025

Explanation

Ovarian cancer is the correct answer as tumors of the ovary can grow quite large before causing symptoms, due to their location deep within the pelvic cavity.
A key clinical finding, especially in later stages, is a palpable abdominal or pelvic mass, increased abdominal girth, or a feeling of pelvic pressure.
Symptoms are often vague and nonspecific, such as bloating, constipation, and back pain, which can lead to a delayed diagnosis.
Unlike other gynecological cancers that often present with bleeding, a mass is a more characteristic sign of ovarian cancer.

Option B: Cervical cancer typically presents with abnormal vaginal bleeding, such as bleeding after intercourse (postcoital bleeding), between periods, or after menopause. An abdominal mass is not a characteristic presenting symptom.
Option C: Endometrial cancer's hallmark symptom is abnormal uterine bleeding, especially bleeding that occurs after menopause. While a very advanced tumor could potentially be palpable, it is not the typical or initial presentation.
Option D: Vaginal cancer is rare and usually presents with abnormal vaginal bleeding or discharge. While some sources note an abdominal mass is a possible, but not typical, symptom in pediatric cases, it is not the classic presentation, especially compared to ovarian cancer.

Clinical Relevance

Nursing practice connection: This is primarily an exam-oriented knowledge point with limited direct bedside application, so retain This question tests the knowledge of the distinct clinical presentations of various gynecological cancers as background academic context rather than a clinical decision trigger.
Nurses must be vigilant in assessing women who present with vague, persistent gastrointestinal symptoms like bloating, indigestion, or increased abdominal size, as these can be early signs of ovarian cancer.
A key nursing role is patient education about the signs of gynecological cancers and encouraging women to seek medical evaluation for any abnormal bleeding or persistent pelvic/abdominal symptoms.
A palpable ovary in a postmenopausal woman is an abnormal finding that requires immediate investigation, and nurses performing physical assessments should be aware of this red flag.

How to Approach the Question

First, identify the key symptom in the question stem: 'Abdominal or pelvic masses'.
Next, recall the classic presenting symptoms for each of the four gynecological cancers listed in the options.
Compare the key symptom (mass) with the typical presentation of each cancer.
Ovarian cancer is well-known for its 'silent' nature, often presenting as a mass or with symptoms of mass effect (bloating, pressure) once it has grown large.
Cervical, endometrial, and vaginal cancers most commonly present with abnormal bleeding.
Based on this comparison, conclude that abdominal or pelvic masses are most characteristically seen in ovarian cancer.

Concept Tested & Keywords

Concept Tested: This question tests the knowledge of the distinct clinical presentations of various gynecological cancers.
Stem keywords: Abdominal mass, pelvic mass, gynecological cancer
Lead-in keywords: are seen in
Negative lead-in flag: false

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