Differential Diagnosis for Calcified Mass on Pelvis
Single Most Likely Diagnosis
- Uterine leiomyoma (fibroid): This is a common condition in women, especially of reproductive age, where a calcified mass can be seen on the pelvis due to the degeneration of a fibroid. The presence of calcification, especially in a postmenopausal woman, increases the likelihood of this diagnosis.
Other Likely Diagnoses
- Ovarian dermoid cyst: These cysts can contain calcified elements and are often found in the pelvis. They are usually benign but can cause symptoms due to their size or torsion.
- Calcified lymph nodes: In the pelvis, lymph nodes can become calcified due to various reasons, including previous infections or malignancies. This would be more likely if there's a history of cancer or chronic infection.
- Bone island or osteoma: A bone island is a benign growth of bone within another bone, and an osteoma is a benign bone tumor. Both can appear as calcified masses on imaging.
Do Not Miss Diagnoses
- Malignant bone tumor (e.g., osteosarcoma, chondrosarcoma): Although less common, these tumors can present with calcification and would have a significant impact on prognosis and treatment if missed.
- Metastatic disease: Calcified metastases to the pelvis from other primary sites (like breast, lung, or kidney cancer) are crucial not to miss due to their implications for staging and treatment.
Rare Diagnoses
- Teratoma: While not the most common, teratomas can contain calcified components and are found in the pelvis, especially in younger individuals.
- Skeletal remnants or anomalies (e.g., os acetabuli): Rare skeletal anomalies or remnants can sometimes be mistaken for a calcified mass on the pelvis.
- Calcified hematoma or abscess: In rare cases, a calcified hematoma or abscess can form in the pelvis, especially after trauma or infection.