Commonly used methods for examining ovarian tumors

Ovarian tumors are common gynecological tumors, accounting for about 1/3 of female genital tumors. They can occur at any age, but are more common in women of childbearing age. Although the incidence of ovarian malignant tumors ranks third among female genital malignant tumors, it is often discovered in the late stage due to the difficulty in early detection. However, its mortality rate ranks first among gynecological malignant tumors.

1. Clinical examination

It mainly relies on clinical signs, such as abdominal distension, constipation, frequent urination, and abdominal mass. Some tumors can cause precocious puberty, postmenopausal bleeding, virilization, etc. A gynecological examination should be performed first. If unilateral or bilateral cystic or solid spherical masses and other pelvic abnormalities are palpated beside the uterus, various methods should be used to further confirm the diagnosis.

2. Ultrasound examination

It can assist in locating pelvic or abdominal tumors with an accuracy rate of more than 10000; distinguish between cystic or solid tumors, uterus or adnexa; and identify ovarian tumors, ascites or encapsulated effusions.

3. Cytological examination

Ovarian tumors with ascites can be examined for cancer cells by ascites puncture. Although the positive rate of smears from the posterior vaginal fornix for cancer cells is not high, it is completely harmless to the patient, so it is also a method of examination. In some ovarian tumors, estrogen is secreted, especially after menopause, the smear is highly affected by estrogen, which can assist in the examination.

4. X-ray examination

Teeth, bones and transparent shadows can be seen on the plain abdominal film of mature teratoma. Calcification foci can be seen on the X-ray film of papillary cystadenoma. Intestinal radiography can exclude intestinal tumors and help understand the location of the mass. Pneumoperitoneum and hysterosalpingography are also helpful in identifying the source of pelvic masses.

5. Laparoscopy

Under direct endoscopic vision, early and clear examinations and biopsies can be performed to determine the nature of the tumor and the extent of infiltration, assist in staging, and observe the effects of chemotherapy, which are of certain value in determining prognosis and guiding treatment.

6. Hormone determination

In cases of feminizing tumors, the estrogen levels in the blood and urine increase, and in cases of masculinizing tumors, the 17-hydroxy and 17-ketosteroid levels in the urine increase. In cases of ovarian choriocarcinoma, the levels of human chorionic gonadotropin in the blood and urine increase.

The methods for checking and diagnosing ovarian malignant tumors have been introduced very clearly. Only when we understand these methods can we help people get timely checks and diagnoses and receive timely treatment when they are sick, so as to avoid missing the best time for treatment and preventing the occurrence of ovarian malignant tumors from causing too much health harm to patients.