Sonographic determination of the malignancy of ovarian tumors and therapeutic consequences

Abstract

Any Ultrasound investigation cannot reveal a histological diagnosis. There is a close correlation between sonographic characterisation of ovarian tumours and malignancy. Facts as size and structure of tumours, as well as papillarities on septae or walls of the cysts have much influence on the risk of malignancy. In cases with presence of papillarities in ovarian tumours a malignancy rate of 90% has to be expected. Contrary, simple, completely anechogenic ovarian cysts are benign with a probability of 98%. To improve the accuracy of prediction, we have to consider all other clinical aspects (age, anamnesis, tumour marker, etc.) We have to differentiate three steps concerning the risk of malignancy of ovarian tumours with subsequent different therapeutic management: the so called "simple Cyst", the "benign adnexal tumour" and the "malignant ovarian masses".