Predicting malignancy of suspected ovarian tumours by CT

The CT appearance of 47 clinically suspected ovarian tumours was analysed and compared to operative findings. By using simple differential diagnostic criteria, such as the relative amount of cystic and solid tumour tissue, presence of ascites and density readings, it was possible to correctly predict the malignancy of 18 out of 20 primary and 4 out of 5 recurrent ovarian tumours. In 6 out of 16 benign ovarian tumours or pelvic masses the CT pattern was either indeterminate or similar to malignant neoplasms. Since some non-ovarian tumours may produce an identical picture, the site of origin of large tumours could not be always detected. CT provides significant complementary information on the characteristics of suspected ovarian malignancies. A tumour which has a typical benign, cystic CT appearance is very likely benign, while some of the masses which contain solid tissue, consistent with a malignancy, may still be benign.