Academic Journal of Cancer Research 7 (1): 08-18, 2014
ISSN 1995-8943
© IDOSI Publications, 2014
DOI: 10.5829/idosi.ajcr.2014.7.1.1107
Corresponding Author: Amal Y. Hassan, Obstetrics and Gynecology Department, Faculty of Medicine, Cairo University, Egypt .
8
Two Dimensional Ultrasound and Doppler in Assessment
of Adnexal Masses in Correlation to Histopathological Analysis
Amal Y. Hassan, Ali A. Abd Ellatif and Fatma F. Darweesh
Obstetrics and Gynecology Department, Faculty of Medicine, Cairo University, Egypt
Abstract: Adnexal masses are considered a group of the most common diseases in gynecology. Ovarian tumors,
alone, represent two thirds of these cases. Even though histopathological examination of the adnexal lesion is
the gold standard for the final diagnosis or exclusion of malignancy, clinical evaluation, 2D, Doppler studies
in addition to tumor markers are reasonably accurate, helpful and non-invasive tools for assessment of adnexal
lesions particularly distinguishing benign from malignant ovarian tumors. 2D ultrasound & Doppler are the main
diagnostic tools in provisional diagnosis of these adnexal masses. This study included thirty patients with
complex adnexal masses, the role of these tools was evaluated in the assessment of their lesions. It was found
that, clinical picture alone has the lowest sensitivity to predict malignancy while applying these tools can
improve the assessment of adnexal masses and provisionally differentiate between benign and malignant
ovarian tumors.
Key words: Adnexal masses Doppler ultrasound in correlation with Histopathological analysis Ovarian
malignancy Two dimensional ultrasound
INTRODUCTION masses to a trained gynecological oncologist for
Adnexal masses are considered a group of the most known to improve survival [5]. Doppler US is useful in
common diseases in gynecology, ovarian tumors, alone, cases with an apparent solid area or septum, while
represent two thirds of these cases. Ovarian neoplasms transabdominal US is helpful for larger masses or those
present an increasing challenge to the physician, and located superiorly or laterally in the pelvis, transvaginal
ovarian cancer being the most lethal of all gynecological US provides optimal visualization of most adnexal
cancers, presents late and responds poorly to treatment diseases.
[1]. Malignant ovarian tumors are the fourth most common
cause of death in women [2]. Approximately 4-24% of In General, US Features that Indicate Malignancy
adnexal masses in premenopausal women and 39-63% in Include:
postmenopausal women are malignant [3]. Because the
patient usually complains of abdominal symptoms, she Solid component (particularly if there is visible flow
may not have a pelvic examination, and a tumor may be in it at Doppler evaluation).
missed. Benign conditions of the reproductive tract, as Thick septa.
pelvic inflammatory disease, endometriosis and Ascites.
pedunculated uterine leiomyoma, can simulate ovarian Doppler criteria that indicate malignancy as increased
cancer. Non-gynecologic causes of an adnexal mass, vascularity.
such as inflammatory disease or neoplastic colonic
mass or even a pelvic kidney can simulate ovarian cancer US demonstration of a solid component within a
[4]. A preoperative suggestion of malignancy can guide cystic mass is the most important predictor of malignancy,
the gynecologist to refer women with suspected pelvic and conversely, malignancy is very unlikely in the
appropriate therapy and optimized debulking, which is