Correlation of Ultrasound and Pathologic Findings in Patients With Epithelial Carcinoma of the Ovary

Abstract

The findings from preoperative diagnostic ultrasound were compared with operative and pathologic findings in patients with ovarian cancer. Twenty laparotomies were diagnostic second-look procedures and 21 were therapeutic procedures in patients with clinically evident disease. Ultrasound was more reliable in patients with clinically suspected disease, but a site by site analysis demonstrated it is insensitive for detecting prevertebral adenopathy less than 3 cm in size, thin, 1.5 cm omental plaques, 5 cm or smaller lesions involving the mesentery or bowel and peritoneal masses 2 cm or less in size. Ultrasound was most sensitive in the detection of ascites.