Which is a differential diagnosis for a simple ovarian cyst in an adolescent female?

The choice of ectopic pregnancy and tubo-ovarian abscess as a differential diagnosis for a simple ovarian cyst in an adolescent female is appropriate due to the overlapping clinical presentations and the need to rule out serious conditions. In young females, an ovarian cyst can present with abdominal pain, bloating, or irregular menstrual cycles, which can also be symptoms of an ectopic pregnancy or a tubo-ovarian abscess.

Ectopic pregnancy occurs when a fertilized egg implants outside the uterine cavity, most commonly in the fallopian tube. Adolescent females may be unaware they are pregnant, and the rupture of an ectopic pregnancy can lead to acute abdominal pain and other systemic symptoms requiring immediate medical attention. A tubo-ovarian abscess, often related to pelvic inflammatory disease or complications from an ovarian cyst, also presents with significant abdominal or pelvic pain and can mimic the symptoms of a cyst.

In contrast to the other options presented, neither menopausal symptoms nor uterine prolapse are relevant to adolescent females, as these conditions typically affect older women. Cervical cancer, although a concern in sexually active females, is less common in this age group and not a typical differential diagnosis when specifically considering the presentation of a simple ovarian cyst. Thus, ectopic