Transvaginal biopsy in the diagnosis of ovarian cancer

Laparotomy and debulking surgery followed by chemotherapy have been the treatment of choice in late stage ovarian carcinoma. Developments in the chemotherapeutic management of ovarian cancer have resulted in a change in opinion as to the optimal management of this disease. Many patients are now receiving initial chemotherapy and trials are in place to compare up front and adjuvant surgery. Tissue diagnosis is required prior to commencing chemotherapy. This article describes one method for accurately obtaining a tumour biopsy. A retrospective case note review of 14 women with a provisional diagnosis of ovarian carcinoma who underwent transvaginal biopsy of their pelvic disease is described. Only 7/12 cases with a positive biopsy had a definite diagnosis of ovarian cancer. The procedure was found to be safe and well tolerated.