A new method to improve the pre-operative diagnosis of ovarian cancer based on ultrasound

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"In a landmark study, investigators from Europe propose a new and simple method to assess the risk of malignancy of women with an adnexal mass. The method identified between 89-99% of patients with ovarian cancer using the results of ultrasound examination, which can be obtained in referral and non-referral centers. 

The work is based on the "Simple Rules", criteria developed by the International Ovarian Tumor Analysis (IOTA) group to improve accurate diagnosis of ovarian cancer before surgery. Published in the American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology, this new approach has the potential to level and raise the playing field and put expert interpretation and improved diagnostic capability within reach of all practitioners.

While ovarian cancer is a common and potentially lethal disease, early detection and treatment improve survival. However, adnexal masses, ovarian masses or cysts that persist and become enlarged, often pose a diagnostic dilemma because preoperative tests to determine if they are benign or malignant are often inconclusive. 

The IOTA group developed a set of "Simple Rules" based on ultrasound images of the adnexal masses, which allows them to be classified as either benign or malignant..."

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