Which tests can clarify whether an ovarian tumor is benign or malignant?

Which examinations can determine whether an ovarian tumor is benign or malignant? Ovarian cysts are one of the common gynecological diseases in women, and they can be benign or malignant. Therefore, when women are diagnosed with ovarian cysts, they should promptly identify the nature of the ovarian cysts so that they can take appropriate treatment measures based on the diagnosis results.

Clinically, which tests can determine whether an ovarian cyst is benign or malignant?

Ultrasonography

Ultrasound examination is a relatively simple and effective diagnostic method. If the cyst is benign, the unilateral cystic tissue can be clearly seen under ultrasound. If the cyst is malignant, the boundary of the local lesion is generally unclear under ultrasound, and there are often separations and ascites. At the same time, ultrasound examination can also detect the location, size, shape and nature of the mass, which can not only indicate the cystic or solid nature of the tumor, but also distinguish the benign or malignant nature of the cyst, laying a good foundation for the subsequent treatment plan and is an important reference indicator.

Radiological examination

Radiological examinations mainly include four diagnostic items: abdominal plain film, intravenous pyelography, barium swallow radiography and lymph node examination. They can preliminarily distinguish between benign and malignant cysts, and determine whether the cysts have metastasized to the liver, lungs or retroperitoneal lymph nodes. They can fully predict the development of the disease and provide a strong basis for subsequent treatment.

Laparoscopy

Laparoscopic examination can directly see the general condition of the tumor, and can clearly observe the entire pelvic and abdominal cavity, perform multiple biopsies at suspicious sites, and absorb peritoneal fluid for cytological testing to clearly diagnose whether the cyst is benign or malignant, which can provide certain guidance for subsequent treatment.

Tumor markers

Some ovarian tumors can produce and release antigens, hormones, and enzymes. These substances can be detected in the patient's serum through immunological, biochemical and other methods and become tumor markers. The determination of these markers can detect preclinical ovarian cancer and improve the treatment effect. Alpha-fetoprotein, or AFP, is the best marker for endodermal sinus tumors. The AFP value of immature teratomas is also elevated. Chorionic gonadotropin is a highly specific marker for trophoblastic disease. Lactate dehydrogenase, or CDH, is the main enzyme in the metabolism of ovarian malignant tumors. Elevated values ​​of these markers indicate the presence of some kind of tumor in the body.

Cytology

The ovaries are located in the pelvic cavity, and exfoliated cells accumulate in the rectouterine pouch. Posterior fornix puncture and aspiration of ascites for cytological examination can help identify cancer cells, especially for stage I patients, and is of certain significance for further staging and treatment.

Generally speaking, the above-mentioned examinations can more accurately characterize ovarian cysts. Once the benign or malignant nature of the ovarian cyst is confirmed, treatment should be started in a timely manner to avoid delaying the disease.