Final answer:
In bilateral ovarian tumor cases, high suspicion for metastatic disease is appropriate because primary bilateral ovarian cystadenocarcinomas are rare. Malignant tumors can metastasize to other organs and bilateral presentation often indicates a metastatic rather than a primary process.
Step-by-step explanation:
In cases where there are bilateral ovarian tumors, a high diagnostic concern for metastatic disease is warranted as bilateral primary ovarian cystadenocarcinomas are considered rare. Ovarian cysts, which are typically non-cancerous sacs filled with fluid or other material, are a common disorder of the ovaries and usually harmless. However, when an ovarian tumor is present, especially when they are bilateral, it raises suspicion for metastasis as certain types of cancer, including ovarian cancer, tend to metastasize to specific organs such as the liver.
Malignant tumors, unlike benign ovarian cysts, are cancerous growths that have the ability to spread to other parts of the body through processes such as metastasis. During metastasis, cancer cells can enter the bloodstream and travel to form new tumors in distant locations. Considering this, the presence of tumors in both ovaries prompts careful clinical evaluation to distinguish between a rare primary malignancy and more common metastatic scenarios.
It is important for health professionals to monitor cancer survivors for signs of recurrence meticulously. For instance, an elevated AFP level in a child previously treated for teratoma might suggest a relapse.