WS17‐06Three‐dimensional power Doppler ultrasound as a second line screening tool in ovarian cancer screening – preliminary results

Abstract

IntroductionIn this screening program, 2D color Doppler (2D CD) was used as the first, and CA‐125 and 3D power Doppler (3D PD) were used as second‐line screening tools when 2D scoring system indicated possible malignancy. The study was designed to show whether early stages of ovarian cancer can be correctly diagnosed by 3D PD and whether 3D would perform better than CA‐125.MethodsAll patients were either postmenopausal, or premenopausal with positive family history, or they had a persistent ovarian cyst. They were all examined by 2D CD and if values of scoring system were over cut‐off point, 3D PD analysis was performed and CA‐125 was tested.ResultsA total of 108 patients (97 postmenopausal and 11 premenopausal with family history) had a 2D scan. In 5 cases 2D scoring indicated possible malignancy after which 3D analysis was done as well as test for CA‐125. In 2 cases 3D PD scoring was negative, as well as CA‐125 and the lesions were simple cyst surrounded by chronic inflammatory process in the first patient and ovarian fibroma in the second. In 3 cases 3D PD scoring was positive while CA‐125 measurement showed increased values only in 1 case. PHD analysis confirmed the diagnosis of ovarian carcinoma in all three lesions. 3D PD correctly predicted benign or malignant nature of the lesion, while CA‐125 failed to do so in two stage 1 ovarian cancers.ConclusionAlthough now expensive and in most hospitals unavailable, 3D power Doppler is a future screening tool in ovarian cancer screening programs. However, a lot more women should be screened before proper statistical analysis could be done.