[Imaging procedures in diagnosis of ovarian carcinoma]

Each of the 3 major imaging modalities, ultrasound, computed tomography, and magnetic resonance imaging, plays a specific role in the evaluation of the ovaries. Depending on the different diagnostic potential each imaging technique has its special operating areas. Ultrasound, and in particular transvaginal ultrasound, remains the examination of choice for screening and can detect a wide spectrum of ovarian pathology from simple ovarian cysts to complicated ovarian masses. Computed tomography is currently the recommended modality to stage ovarian carcinoma, but is also used in the follow-up and to judge the response to cytostatic therapy. Magnetic resonance imaging is a valuable tool to evaluate disorders of sexual differentiation and to localize ectopic gonads. Magnetic resonance imaging is also capable of depicting spread of ovarian carcinoma throughout the pelvis and the abdomen.