Role of ultrasonography in the early diagnosis of ovarian cancer.
BACKGROUND
Malign ovarian carcinomas are the main cause of death from gynaecological cancer. In fact, only in 30% of cases is it diagnosed at an early stage. In our study the possibility of an early diagnosis of the ovarian malignant neoplasia was evaluated.


METHODS
One hundred and thirty-nine women with adnexal swelling were subjected to pelvic echography. The sample was selected during routine gynaecological checkups.


RESULTS
All the cases showing a mass diameter exceeding 25 mm were classified as positive. Echotomography showed 129 cases of positive ovarian mass with an accurate diagnosis in 92.27%. Integrating the results of echography with those of radioimmunoassay an early diagnosis of ovarian cancer was achieved in 92.53 of the cases.


CONCLUSIONS
A routine pelvic examination associated with pelvic echotomography represent an effective protocol for the diagnosis of ovarian cancer at an early stage.
Zarcone
R
R
Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Second University of Naples, Italy.
Bellini
P
P
Carfora
E
E
Monarca
M
M
Longo
M
M
Cardone
A
A
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008875:Middle Aged; D010051:Ovarian Neoplasms / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D013997:Time Factors; D014463:Ultrasonography