Role of USG and CT scan in evaluating ovarian lesions

Abstract

Introduction: Ultrasound helps by detecting lesions, give idea about its internal structure and also give opportunity to evaluate other abdominal organs. However evaluation by CT scan can give additional information, which can modify the course of treatment and prognosis of patient. Material and methods: Study comprise of 84 patients who were evaluated with ultrasonography (USG) and computerized tomography (CT) scan of abdomen and pelvis. Ovarian pathologies were categorized with benign, malignant and metastasis and compared with histopathological diagnosis or conservative treatment follow up. Results: 84 patients were evaluated; CT scan and sonography are excellent noninvasive modality to differentiate ovarian masses from benign and malignant lesions and both imaging techniques seem to be comparable in differentiation of malignant from benign ovarian tumors. CT scan was more sensitive than ultrasonography, but sonography is more specific than CT scan in diagnosis of malignant lesions. Ultrasonography has high positive predictive value as compare to CT scan to diagnose malignant lesions. Discussion: Ultrasound by virtue of non-invasiveness, lack of radiation hazard and by ability to demonstrate structural changes in organ is investigation of choice in ovarian pathology and it can easily detect solid to cystic lesions and characterize the size, shape and extent of lesion. Computerized Tomography is particularly useful to know the enhancement pattern of the lesion, density and extent and staging of malignancies.