Evaluation of Ovarian Masses Completed with Ultrasound
A study published in the Journal of the National Cancer Institute indicates that the most effective way to differentiate whether ovarian masses are benign or malignant adnexal is ultrasound scanning, rather than blood testing.
Over 1,000 women participated in the trial, who all underwent transvaginal ultrasound scanning with gray-scale and Doppler imaging within a three month period before surgery. 809 patients had blood specimens procured before undergoing surgery.
The European research team in Belgium investigated findings from both the assessment methods. Blood testing considered the presence and level of CA-125, a tumor protein marker, that is overproduced by ovarian tumor cells.
Pattern recognition was used by radiologists to evaluate the ultrasound images. With this technique, 93 percent of the tumors were correctly identified as malignant or benign. In case of benign disease, interpretation of ultrasound exam correctly classified the type of disease in 59 percent of the cases. Assessment with CA-125, alternatively, was accurate in 83 percent of the cases. False positive findings were seen with endometrioma, abscess, and fibroma.
Based on these findings, the team questioned the broad use of CA-125 to assess women with ovarian masses. However, the utility of ultrasound examination to be used as a diagnostic tool in this context requires expert reviewers. As such, the team called for improvements in the training of those who perform gynecologic ultrasound examinations.
November 16, 2007 Related topics: Imaging, Diagnostic, Radiology, Obstetrics, Gynecology & Neonatology