Early detection of ovarian carcinoma with transvaginal color Doppler ultrasonography.

Abstract

Our purpose was to assess the potentials and limitations of the early detection of ovarian cancer in protocols that involve transvaginal color Doppler ultrasonography. Retrospective analysis was performed on the data from 206 referred patients who either had surgical or clinical follow-up of ovarian masses evaluated by transvaginal color Doppler ultrasonography. Most of the patients were referrals or had risk factors. In this series of 206 patients, 26 ovarian cancers were detected, > 70% of which were stage I or II. Transvaginal color Doppler ultrasonography is capable of early detection of ovarian carcinoma. An improved detection rate may be realized with better identification of high-risk patients who should be studied with transvaginal color Doppler ultrasonography.