[Malignant tumors of the ovaries: role of imaging]

Malignant ovarian tumors are developed in more than 95% in the epithelium surface of the ovary. In the mainly cystic forms, vegetations greater than 2cm, with an irregular surface, with a broad base on implantation, containing vessels on color Doppler are very suggestive of malignancy. Ultrasound is highly accurate in these forms. In most of the mixed forms on mainly solid forms, the irregular solid portions with degenerative changes containing tumoral vessels are very suggestive of malignancy. CT scan or MR imaging are usually more indicative of showing malignancy than ultrasound. In the multilocular forms, diagnosis of malignancy or benignity is often difficult. Extension to the pelvis, peritoneum and lymph nodes is easier to define on CT scan.