Die Durchblutung maligner und benigner Tumoren des inneren Genitale

Abstract

Malignant tumours differ mostly from benign lesions in their blood supply. This fact can be used in the sonographic diagnosis of the tumour status. This, however, depends on the availability of ultrasound equipment, capable of demonstrating this difference, which can only be detected in smallest blood vessels, in which the blood flow is extremely slow. We employed the Sonolayer SSH 140A (Toshiba, Japan) and the Quantum 2000 (Siemens, Germany) for diagnosis of lesions of the female inner genital tract. Both instruments could visualize the slow blood flow velocities in the tissues examined. Diagnosis of blood circulation in tumours of the inner genital tract thus seems less dependent on the technology employed as is the case in examining the breasts. 41 patients with ovarian tumours, 31 with endometrial pathology, and 33 with cervical lesions were examined preoperatively. Findings were correlated to histology. The lowest resistance index (RI) measured was evaluated. The following RI values were found: Ovarian tumours: malignant 46%, benign 78% (49%). Tumours of the corpus uteri: malignant 54%, benign 65% (55%). Cervical lesions: malignant 55%, benign 79% (58%). Results in premenopausal women with non-malignant lesions are specified in brackets. Pre- and postmenopausal status proved essential. When compared to breast findings, the difference between benign and malignant tumours of the inner genital tract is less pronounced due to the fact, that, physiologically, these tissues are characterised by a higher blood supply. Differentiation was thus almost impossible in premenopausal women. However, in menopausal patients, a highly significant difference between benign and malignant tumours was found, which could serve as basis for tumour status prognosis.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)