Role of Imaging Techniques in Ovarian Cancer Diagnosis: Current Approaches and Future Directions

Background: Ovarian cancer is a leading gynecological malignancy with high global mortality. Early and accurate diagnosis is critical for optimal management; however, a considerable portion of ovarian masses remain indeterminate after initial evaluation. Although transvaginal ultrasound is the first-line imaging tool, up to 30% of cases yield inconclusive findings, complicating treatment decisions. Methods: This review summarizes current diagnostic strategies for ovarian masses, with an emphasis on advanced imaging and emerging technologies. Topics include the diagnostic utility of contrast-enhanced MRI, the application of the O-RADS MRI scoring system, and the integration of Artificial Intelligence (AI) into imaging workflows. Results: Contrast-enhanced MRI offers high diagnostic accuracy (83-93%) for characterizing indeterminate ovarian masses. The O-RADS MRI Score offers a reported sensitivity of 93% and specificity of 91% for malignancy risk assessment. Additionally, new classification systems have been proposed to further improve diagnostic performance. AI-based approaches, particularly machine learning and deep learning applied to imaging data, show potential in improving diagnostic precision; however, most techniques require further clinical validation before widespread adoption. Conclusions: Advanced imaging techniques and AI-driven methods are reshaping the diagnostic landscape of ovarian cancer. While current tools like MRI and O-RADS enhance accuracy, ongoing research into novel models and AI applications suggests further improvements are possible. Clinical validation and expert oversight remain essential for their integration into routine practice.