Adnexal masses: characterization and imaging strategies

Area of Science:

• Gynecologic imaging
• Diagnostic radiology
• Oncology

Background:

• Adnexal masses present a wide differential diagnosis, including benign, borderline, and malignant conditions.
• Risk stratification relies on patient age, menopausal status, imaging findings, and tumor markers.
• Accurate characterization is crucial for appropriate patient management.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review available imaging modalities for characterizing adnexal masses.
• To describe typical ultrasound and magnetic resonance imaging features of common adnexal lesions.
• To provide a suggested imaging algorithm for managing patients with adnexal masses.

Main Methods:

• Review of current literature on adnexal mass imaging.
• Description of characteristic imaging features on ultrasound and MRI.
• Development of a diagnostic and management algorithm.

Main Results:

• Ultrasound and MRI are key modalities for characterizing adnexal masses.
• Specific imaging features help differentiate benign from malignant lesions.
• An integrated imaging algorithm aids in risk stratification and management decisions.

Conclusions:

• Imaging plays a pivotal role in the differential diagnosis and management of adnexal masses.
• A structured approach utilizing ultrasound and MRI improves diagnostic accuracy.
• The proposed algorithm facilitates timely and appropriate patient care.