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The postmenopausal adnexal mass: correlation between ultrasonic and pathologic findings
1Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology B, Serlin Maternity Hospital, Tel Aviv University Medical Center, Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Israel.
Obstetrics and Gynecology
|May 1, 1991
Summary
Ultrasonography can help detect ovarian cancer in postmenopausal women. However, a negative ultrasound result may miss some malignant ovarian tumors, necessitating further investigation for complex masses.
Area of Science:
- Gynecologic Oncology
- Diagnostic Imaging
Background:
- Adnexal masses are common in postmenopausal women.
- Accurate preoperative diagnosis of adnexal masses is crucial for surgical planning and patient management.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the effectiveness of abdominal ultrasonography in predicting malignancy of adnexal masses in postmenopausal women.
- To determine the positive and negative predictive values of ultrasonography for ovarian cancer detection.
Main Methods:
- A prospective study involving 102 postmenopausal women with adnexal masses.
- Preoperative ultrasonographic evaluation of mass characteristics (simple cyst, complex mass, solid tumor).
- Correlation of ultrasound findings with surgical pathology results.
Main Results:
- Of 102 women, 29% had malignant tumors and 71% had benign tumors.
- Malignancy rates were higher for complex masses (42%) and solid tumors (29%) compared to simple cysts (6%).
- Abdominal ultrasonography demonstrated a positive predictive value of 39% and a negative predictive value of 94% for malignancy.
Conclusions:
- Ultrasonography is a valuable tool for evaluating adnexal masses in postmenopausal women.
- A negative ultrasonogram may miss up to 6% of malignant ovarian tumors, highlighting the need for careful interpretation and consideration of clinical factors.
- Complex or solid appearing masses warrant further investigation due to higher malignancy potential.