How to diagnose ovarian tumors

Ovarian tumors can be diagnosed through gynecological examination, imaging examination, tumor marker detection, pathological biopsy, laparoscopy and other methods.

1. Gynecological examination

The doctor uses bimanual or trimanual examination to touch the ovarian area to determine whether there is a mass, its location, size and mobility. Postmenopausal women have ovarian atrophy and should be highly vigilant if their enlarged ovaries are touched. The test may be accompanied by tenderness or abnormal discharge, but has limited sensitivity for early-stage tumors.

2. Imaging examination

Transvaginal ultrasound is the first choice, as it can display features such as mass shape, cystic solidity, and blood flow signals. CT or MRI are used to evaluate tumor extent, lymph node metastasis, and peritoneal implantation. PET-CT has advantages in recurrence monitoring, but it is not a first-line examination method.

3. Tumor marker detection

CA125 is suitable for epithelial tumor monitoring, and HE4 is more sensitive for early diagnosis. AFP and HCG suggest germ cell tumors, and CEA may be associated with mucinous carcinoma. Joint testing is needed to improve specificity, and an increase in a single indicator has no diagnostic value.

4. Pathological biopsy

Tissue specimens were obtained through laparoscopy or laparotomy, and pathological examination was performed to determine the nature of the tumor. Intraoperative frozen sections can quickly determine benign and malignant conditions and guide the selection of surgical scope. The final diagnosis needs to be confirmed by paraffin sections combined with immunohistochemistry.

5. Laparoscopy

Visually observe the tumor volume, surface condition, and pelvic and abdominal metastases, and simultaneously perform tumor debulking surgery or lymph node dissection. It is suitable for tumors that are difficult to characterize on imaging, but is contraindicated for huge tumors or extensive adhesions.

If you have abdominal pain, bloating, abnormal vaginal bleeding and other symptoms, you should seek medical treatment as soon as possible. Women over 40 years old are recommended to undergo combined gynecological ultrasound and CA125 screening every year. After diagnosis, a personalized plan needs to be formulated according to the pathological type. Benign tumors are mainly surgical resection, while malignant tumors require comprehensive intervention such as chemotherapy and targeted therapy. Maintain a regular daily schedule to avoid estrogen abuse. High-risk groups may consider genetic counseling.