Management of the adnexal mass

Identification and prioritization of tumour-associated antigens for immunotherapeutic and diagnostic capacity in epithelial ovarian cancer: a systematic literature review

Epithelial ovarian cancer (EOC) is a prevalent carcinoma in the female population associated with poor prognostic outcomes, in part due to the late stage of the disease at diagnosis. Aiming to identify tumour-associated antigens (TAAs) with the potential to facilitate earlier detection and targeted therapy of EOC, five scientific literature repositories were systemically searched for primary literature sources reporting the expression of a TAA in the tissue or serum of adult females diagnosed with EOC and healthy women. We identified 7120 articles of which 32 met our inclusion criteria and passed the bias-quality assessment. Subsequently, data were collated on 29 TAAs whose expression had been analysed in 2181 patients and 589 healthy individuals. Reports of CA125 and EpCAM expression were numerous while tissue expression data were available for 28 TAAs. Data were segregated into three meta-cohorts for statistical scrutiny and their capacity for diagnostic and treatment targeting was assessed. We showed that CA-125 was expressed homogenously in EOC patients while EpCAM was expressed heterogeneously. CA-125 was the most promising TAA target for both diagnosis and treatment, gaining a priority score of 12 (/12) while EpCAM gained a priority score of seven. Tissue expression of EOC TAAs was homogenous; 90% of the EOC population express any identified TAA while just 20% of healthy individuals will be positive for the same TAA. We suggest TAA profiling should be a fundamental aspect of EOC diagnosis, sitting alongside the FIGO framework, promoting reduced mortality and directing the development of TAA-targeted therapeutics.

Stacking Machine Learning Algorithms for Biomarker-Based Preoperative Diagnosis of a Pelvic Mass

Simple Summary

It is critical for women who are diagnosed with a pelvic mass, or an ovarian cyst to be accurately assessed for their risk of having an ovarian malignancy. Accurate risk stratification for these women will allow for appropriate triage and referral to centers best equipped to treat women diagnosed with ovarian cancer. In this study, machine learning (ML) algorithms were used to determine the optimal combination of biomarkers for prediction of malignancy in women presenting with a pelvic mass. Nine unique ML algorithms were employed to evaluate age, menopausal status, race, and levels of 67 biomarkers from serum, urine, and plasma samples prospectively collected in a cohort 140 women with a variety of pelvic mass diagnoses benign and malignant. A complex statistical algorithm using serum levels of CA125, HE4 and transferrin provided greater than 93% sensitivity and specificity for the preoperative prediction of malignancy in women presenting with a pelvic mass.

Abstract

Objective: To identify the most predictive parameters of ovarian malignancy and develop a machine learning (ML) based algorithm to preoperatively distinguish between a benign and malignant pelvic mass. Methods: Retrospective study of 70 predictive parameters collected from 140 women with a pelvic mass. The women were split into a 3:1 “training” to “testing” dataset. Feature selection was performed using Gini impurity through an embedded random forest model and principal component analysis. Nine unique ML classifiers were assessed across a variety of model-specific hyperparameters using 25 bootstrap resamples of the training data. Model predictions were then combined into an ensemble stack by LASSO regression. The final ensemble stack and individual classifiers were then applied to the testing dataset to assess model performance. Results: Feature selection identified HE4, CA125, and transferrin as three predictive parameters of malignancy. Assessment of the ensemble stack on the testing dataset outperformed all individual ML classifiers in predicting malignancy. The ensemble stack demonstrated an accuracy of 97.1%, a receiver operating characteristic (ROC) area under the curve (AUC) of 0.951, and a sensitivity of 93.3% with a specificity of 100%. Conclusions: Combining the measurement of three distinct biomarkers with the stacking of multiple ML classifiers into an ensemble can provide valuable preoperative diagnostic predictions for patients with a pelvic mass.

Comparison of conventional, doppler and contrast-enhanced ultrasonography in differential diagnosis of ovarian masses: a systematic review and meta-analysis

OBJECTIVES

To assess the value of conventional, Doppler and contrast-enhanced ultrasonography (CEUS) (conventional ultrasonography (US), Doppler US and CEUS) for diagnosing ovarian cancer.

DESIGN

Systematic review and meta-analysis.

DATA SOURCES

PubMed, Embase and the Cochrane Library were conducted for studies published until October 2021.

ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA

Studies assessed the diagnostic value of conventional US, Doppler US or CEUS for detecting ovarian cancer, with no restrictions placed on published language and status.

DATA EXTRACTION AND SYNTHESIS

The study selection and data extraction were performed by two independent authors. The sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative likelihood ratio (PLR and NLR), diagnostic OR (DOR) and area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC) were pooled using the bivariate generalised linear mixed model and random effects model.

RESULTS

The meta-analysis included 72 studies and involved 9296 women who presented with ovarian masses. The pooled sensitivity, specificity, PLR, NLR, DOR and AUC for conventional US were 0.91 (95% CI: 0.87 to 0.94) and 0.87 (95% CI: 0.82 to 0.91), 6.87 (95% CI: 4.98 to 9.49) and 0.10 (95% CI: 0.07 to 0.15), 57.52 (95% CI: 36.64 to 90.28) and 0.95 (95% CI: 0.93 to 0.97), respectively. The sensitivity, specificity, PLR, NLR, DOR and AUC for Doppler US were 0.93 (95% CI: 0.91 to 0.95) and 0.85 (95% CI: 0.80 to 0.89), 6.10 (95% CI: 4.59 to 8.11) and 0.08 (95% CI: 0.06 to 0.11), 61.76 (95% CI: 39.99 to 95.37) and 0.96 (95% CI: 0.94 to 0.97), respectively. The pooled sensitivity, specificity, PLR, NLR, DOR and AUC for CEUS were 0.97 (95% CI: 0.92 to 0.99) and 0.92 (95% CI: 0.85 to 0.95), 11.47 (95% CI: 6.52 to 20.17) and 0.03 (95% CI: 0.01 to 0.09), 152.11 (95% CI: 77.77 to 297.51) and 0.99 (95% CI: 0.97 to 0.99), respectively. Moreover, the AUC values for conventional US (p=0.002) and Doppler US (p=0.005) were inferior to those of CEUS.

CONCLUSIONS

Conventional US, Doppler US and CEUS have a relatively high differential diagnostic value for differentiating between benign and malignant ovarian masses. The diagnostic performance of CEUS was superior to that of conventional US and Doppler US.

Tumores anexiales incidentales en cirugía abdominal

La posibilidad de encontrar una neoplasia benigna o maligna del ovario, de forma inesperada durante una intervención quirúrgica abdominal, es una realidad para todos los especialistas en cirugía. Si bien en muchos casos se tratará de una lesión benigna, el riesgo de cáncer no debe subestimarse, ya que, por ejemplo, la ruptura intraoperatoria de una lesión quística maligna puede reestadificar a una paciente con cáncer de ovario del estadio IA al IC, con todas las consecuencias que esto implica, como la necesidad de requerir quimioterapia adyuvante y tener un peor pronóstico. Por otro lado, en mujeres premenopáusicas debe discutirse con la familia o la paciente (idealmente) el riesgo e implicaciones de la ooforectomía uni o bilateral, incluso si esto amerita dejar el quirófano para obtener el consentimiento, o posponer el procedimiento definitivo para un segundo tiempo. La consulta intraoperatoria a un ginecólogo, siempre que sea posible, se debe llevar a cabo con el fin de respaldar la conducta adoptada. Conocer el manejo adecuado de las masas anexiales encontradas de forma incidental durante una cirugía abdominal, es una prioridad para todos los cirujanos generales

Quantitative global lipidomics analysis of patients with ovarian cancer versus benign adnexal mass

Altered lipid metabolism has emerged as an important feature of ovarian cancer (OC), yet the translational potential of lipid metabolites to aid in diagnosis and triage remains unproven. We conducted a multi-level interrogation of lipid metabolic phenotypes in patients with adnexal masses, integrating quantitative lipidomics profiling of plasma and ascites with publicly-available tumor transcriptome data. Using Sciex Lipidyzer, we assessed concentrations of > 500 plasma lipids in two patient cohorts-(i) a pilot set of 100 women with OC (50) or benign tumor (50), and (ii) an independent set of 118 women with malignant (60) or benign (58) adnexal mass. 249 lipid species and several lipid classes were significantly reduced in cases versus controls in both cohorts (FDR < 0.05). 23 metabolites-triacylglycerols, phosphatidylcholines, cholesterol esters-were validated at Bonferroni significance (P < 9.16 × 10-5). Certain lipids exhibited greater alterations in early- (diacylglycerols) or late-stage (lysophospholipids) cases, and multiple lipids in plasma and ascites were positively correlated. Lipoprotein receptor gene expression differed markedly in OC versus benign tumors. Importantly, several plasma lipid species, such as DAG(16:1/18:1), improved the accuracy of CA125 in differentiating early-stage OC cases from benign controls, and conferred a 15-20% increase in specificity at 90% sensitivity in multivariate models adjusted for age and BMI. This study provides novel insight into systemic and local lipid metabolic differences between OC and benign disease, further implicating altered lipid uptake in OC biology, and advancing plasma lipid metabolites as a complementary class of circulating biomarkers for OC diagnosis and triage.

A multidisciplinary approach remains the best strategy to improve and strengthen the management of ovarian cancer (Review)

Ovarian cancer represents one of the most aggressive female tumors worldwide. Over the decades, the therapeutic options for the treatment of ovarian cancer have been improved significantly through the advancement of surgical techniques as well as the availability of novel effective drugs able to extend the life expectancy of patients. However, due to its clinical, biological and molecular complexity, ovarian cancer is still considered one of the most difficult tumors to manage. In this context, several studies have highlighted how a multidisciplinary approach to this pathology improves the prognosis and survival of patients with ovarian cancer. On these bases, the aim of the present review is to present recent advantages in the diagnosis, staging and treatment of ovarian cancer highlighting the benefits of a patient‑centered care approach and on the importance of a multidisciplinary team for the management of ovarian cancer.

Usefulness of repeat pelvic ultrasonography before surgery for benign ovarian mass

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the results of repeat pelvic ultrasonography before surgery in patients with suspicion of benign ovarian tumor.

METHODS

A retrospective study included premenopausal women who were scheduled to undergo surgery for a benign-appearing ovarian mass and who had repeat ultrasonography on the day before surgery at Samsung Medical Center, Seoul, South Korea, between January 1, 2007, and December 31, 2011, to check for any change in the mass. Ultrasonography findings and final histology were evaluated by medical record review.

RESULTS

Of 1854 women studied, regression of mass was detected before surgery for 27 patients, and 105 patients had histologically proven functional cysts; considered together, 132 patients had functional cysts, and the remaining 1722 women had benign ovarian tumors. Evaluation of the findings of initial ultrasonography revealed that mean size (P=0.008) and proportion of bilateral cysts (P<0.001) were lower in the presence of functional cysts than benign tumors. Additionally, an anechoic pattern was more common among regressed functional cysts than among histologically proven functional cysts (P<0.001). In total, 105 (5.7%) patients required surgery for a functional cyst despite repeat ultrasonography.

CONCLUSION

Repeating ultrasonography prior to surgery may have only a limited ability to prevent unnecessary surgeries for functional cysts.

Role of perfusion CT in the evaluation of adnexal masses

The objective of this study was to evaluate the role of perfusion computed tomography (PCT) in differentiating benign from malignant adnexal masses. Twenty patients, each of pathologically proven malignant and benign adnexal masses who had undergone PCT on 64-slice CT scanner, were included in the study. The PCT parameters, viz. blood volume (BV), blood flow (BF), permeability surface index area (PS) and time to maximum of the tissue residue function (T_max) of the adnexal masses were calculated. Statistical analysis to study the association between PCT parameters and histopathological diagnosis was done. In the malignant group, the mean PS, BV and BF values were elevated. The mean T_max of the benign lesions was higher compared to that of the malignant lesions. There was a significant statistical difference in the PCT parameters between the malignant and benign groups (p value = .001). PCT can be a useful tool for differentiating benign and malignant adnexal masses. Impact statement What is already known on this subject? It is not always possible to distinguish benign from malignant adnexal lesions despite the application of various imaging techniques. Perfusion CT (PCT) is an imaging technique with which we can obtain both the morphological and functional information of tumours. Perfusion-based imaging enables us to objectively evaluate the neovascularity in a lesion. This helps in differentiating the benign lesions from aggressive malignant lesions. What do the results of this study add? The PCT parameters, viz. blood volume (BV), blood flow (BF), permeability surface index area (PS) and time to maximum of the tissue residue function (Tmax) were calculated from adnexal masses on a 64-multi-slice CT scanner and correlated with their histopathological diagnoses. The values of the mean PS, BV and BF values were significantly higher in the malignant adnexal masses. The mean Tmax in the benign masses was more compared to that of the malignant lesions. Significant statistical difference was seen in PCT parameters between malignant and benign groups. What are the implications of these findings for clinical practice and/or further research? PCT can be a useful tool for differentiating benign from malignant adnexal masses. However, more collaborative research and robust validation are imperative to further evaluate this innovative evolving technique.

Combined symptom index and second-generation multivariate biomarker test for prediction of ovarian cancer in patients with an adnexal mass

OBJECTIVE

To assess the performance of a symptom index (SI) and multivariate biomarker panel in the identification of ovarian cancer in women presenting for surgery with an adnexal mass.

STUDY DESIGN

Prospective study of patients seen at a tertiary medical center. Following consent, patients completed an SI and preoperative serum was collected for individual markers (CA 125) and a second-generation FDA-cleared biomarker test (MIA2G). Results for the SI and MIA2G were correlated with operative findings and surgical pathology. Logistic regression modeling was performed to assess the interaction of the SI with MIA2G to determine the risk of malignancy (ROM).

RESULTS

Of the 218 patients enrolled, the mean age was 53.6 years (range 18-86). One-hundred and forty-seven patients (67.4%) were postmenopausal. Sixty-four patients (29.4%) had epithelial ovarian cancer or fallopian tube cancer (EOC/FTC) and 17 (7.8%) had borderline ovarian tumors. A positive SI or MIA2G correctly identified 96.1% of patients with EOC/FTC. Using logistic regression, we found that both SI and MIA2G score were significantly associated with ROM (p < 0.001). In a simulation with disease prevalence set at 5%, patients with a negative SI and a MIA2G score of 6 had a ROM of 1.8% whereas patients with the same MIA2G and positive SI had a 10.5% ROM, nearly a 6-fold higher risk.

CONCLUSIONS

The combination of a patient-reported symptom index and refined biomarker panel allows for improved accuracy in the assessment for ovarian cancer in patients with an adnexal mass. This strategy could offer a personalized approach to addressing ROM to triage patients with an adnexal mass to appropriate care.

Recommendation Patterns among Gynaecologists and Radiologists for Adnexal Masses on Ultrasound

OBJECTIVE

Ultrasound is the primary modality used to evaluate adnexal lesions. Follow-up recommendations for ovarian cysts remain controversial between gynaecologists and radiologists. The objective of this study was to compare practice patterns for adnexal masses described on ultrasound on the basis of the interpreter's field of specialty.

METHODS

This study was conducted within the McGill University Hospital Network at two hospitals that differ in the department of interpretation of pelvic ultrasounds. In one hospital, all studies are reported by gynaecologists, and in the other, by radiologists. The study investigators collected data from pelvic ultrasounds of newly diagnosed ovarian lesions performed from May to June 2014. Multivariate logistic regression analyses were used to compare recommendation patterns between the two groups.

RESULTS

A total of 201 of 1110 pelvic ultrasound studies performed met our inclusion criteria. Gynaecologists interpreted 69 (34%) pelvic ultrasounds, and radiologists reported on 132 (66%). Reported adnexal mass types were not significantly different between the two groups. As compared with gynaecologists, radiologists were more likely to recommend MRI or CT scans (OR 11.76; 95% CI 1.17-117.78), as well as follow-up ultrasound studies (OR 4.67; 95% CI 1.66-13.1), and they were less likely to recommend no further imaging (OR 0.18; 95% CI 0.07-0.45). Groups did not differ in recommendation patterns for referral to a specialist.

CONCLUSION

There are significant differences in recommendation patterns between gynaecologists and radiologists in evaluating new adnexal masses on ultrasound. This difference can have important effects on resource use and patients' concerns.

An adolescent with an asymptomatic adnexal cyst: To worry or not to worry? Medical versus surgical management options

Paraovarian cysts or paratubal cysts (PTCs) arise from either the mesothelium or from paramesonephric remnants. These present as either adnexal mass or as an incidental finding. Diagnosis is usually established on ultrasound and it is important to differentiate these from ovarian cysts. Typically PCTs appear as simple cysts by ultrasound and are indistinguishable from ovarian cysts if one does not recognize the extraovarian location. Occasionally, PTCs have internal echoes due to hemorrhage. PTCs are usually asymptomatic and benign. The differential diagnosis includes a simple ovarian cyst, peritoneal inclusion cyst and hydrosalpinx. Malignant changes have been reported in about 2% to 3%, and it should be suspected if papillary projections are present. PTCs management depend upon the presence and severity of the symptoms, the cyst size and US characteristics, CA 125 results, age of the patient and the risk of malignancy. Simple PTCs can be expected to regress and may be managed expectantly. When surgery is indicated, a joint multidisciplinary management by the paediatric surgeons and trained paediatric gynaecologists should be the gold standard. (www.actabiomedica.it)

Preoperative measurement of serum C-reactive protein: is it useful in the differential diagnosis of adnexal masses?

BACKGROUND

Serum biomarkers may help to discriminate malignant from benign adnexal masses with equivocal features on imaging. Adequate discrimination of such tumors is crucial for referring patients to either a specialized cancer center or a nonspecialized gynecology service.

AIM

We aimed to investigate whether the preoperative level of serum C-reactive protein (CRP), alone or combined with CA125 and menopausal status in the Ovarian Score (OVS), is useful in the prediction of malignancy in women with ovarian tumors.

METHODS

This cross-sectional study included 293 patients who underwent surgery in a tertiary cancer center. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) areas under the curves (AUC) for CRP, CA125 and OVS were calculated in different scenarios, as well as their sensitivity and specificity, using standard cutoff points (for CRP, 10 mg/L; for CA125, 35 U/mL).

RESULTS

CA125 and the OVS performed significantly better than CRP alone in the differentiation of benign disease from epithelial ovarian cancer (EOC) (AUC = 0.86 for CA125, 0.79 for OVS, and 0.73 for CRP). OVS and CRP alone were superior to CA125 only in the differentiation of borderline ovarian tumors from advanced stages of EOC and non-EOC. Sensitivity and specificity were 52.5% and 83%, respectively, for CRP, 77.9% and 66.7% for CA125, and 71.3% and 67.8% for OVS.

CONCLUSIONS

OVS is as good as CA125 in the differentiation of benign tumors from ovarian cancer. The addition of CA125 and menopausal status to CRP enhanced the relatively low discriminatory power of isolated CRP.

Evaluation of a Validated Biomarker Test in Combination With a Symptom Index to Predict Ovarian Malignancy

Objective

This study aimed to evaluate the predictive ability of a multivariate biomarker test in combination with a symptom index (SI) to identify ovarian cancer in a cohort of women planning to undergo surgery for a pelvic mass.

Methods

This was a prospective study of patients seen at a tertiary care medical center. Following consent, patients completed an SI and preoperative serum was collected for a Food and Drug Administration–cleared multivariate biomarker test [multivariate index assay (MIA)]. Results for the SI and MIA were correlated with operative findings and surgical pathology.

Results

Of 218 patients enrolled, 124 (56.9%) had benign disease and 94 (43.1%) had borderline tumors or carcinomas. Sixty-six patients had a primary ovarian or fallopian tube cancer. The median age of patients enrolled in this study was 54 years (interquartile range, 44–63 years), of whom 148 (67.9%) were postmenopausal. More than a third (36.3%) of patients with benign masses was accurately identified as low risk by MIA and SI. The sensitivity and negative predictive value (NPV) of the SI relative to primary ovarian cancer was 87.9% (95% CI, 77.9%–93.7%) and 91.6% (95% CI, 84.3%–95.7%), respectively. The sensitivity and NPV of CA125 was 75.4% (95% CI, 63.7%–84.2%) and 86.4% (95% CI, 79.1%–91.5%), respectively, and the sensitivity and NPV of the MIA were 93.9% (95% CI, 85.4%–97.6%) and 94.5% (95% CI, 94.5%–100%), respectively. The overall sensitivity for the combination of MIA plus SI was 100% (66/66; 95% CI, 94.5%–100%), and specificity was 36.3% (45/124; 95% CI, 28.4%–45.0%), with an NPV of 100% (95% CI, 92.1%–100%).

Conclusions

The addition of a patient-reported SI, which captures subjective symptoms in an objective manner, improved the sensitivity of MIA across all stages and subtypes of ovarian cancer.

Comparison of Adnexal Mass in Women Undergoing Mass Excision During the Antepartum Period and Cesarean Section

OBJECTIVES

The frequency of adnexal masses in pregnant women ranges from 0.1% to 4%. Selecting the right approach to manage the subsequent intervention remains one of the most controversial challenges among gynecologists. Our aim in this cross-sectional study was to clarify the clinical-pathological differences among the adnexal masses that are excised during either the antepartum period or cesarean section (CS).

METHODS

In this study, we assessed 11,000 pregnancy cases referred to the Qaem Hospital in the Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Iran, between 2010 and 2014. In total, 53 pregnant women with adnexal masses (other than non-gynecological mass and ectopic pregnancy) were selected for further investigation. We divided patients into two groups (group A and group B). Patients of group A had a diagnosed tumor that was excised antepartum while patients in group B had a mass taken out during CS. We then assembled data based on maternal age, parity, gestational age, surgery type, delivery mode, size and location of the tumor, complications, presentations, histopathological diagnosis, and ultrasonography findings for further analysis.

RESULTS

The major proportion of masses (62.3%) were excised during CS whereas the remainder (37.7%) were removed antepartum. The mean size of the detected tumor for benign and malignant cases was 10.0 cm and 13.8 cm in group A, and 8.0 cm and 9.3 cm in group B, respectively. There was a statistically significant difference observed between patients in the two groups regarding the benign/malignant status of the mass (p = 0.008), its size (p = 0.019) and simplicity/complexity (p = 0.004).

CONCLUSIONS

The rate of malignant tumors was considerably higher in women who had antepartum mass excision compared to those with mass resection during CS. Also, tumors were larger (and more complex) in patients in group A compared to group B.

Laparoscopic versus laparotomic surgery for adnexal masses: role in elderly

BACKGROUND

The purpose of this study is to compare laparoscopy (LPS) and laparotomy (LPT), in terms of surgical outcomes, in elderly patients (>65 years) with adnexal masses.

METHODS

We retrospectively reviewed a series of women older than 65 who had a diagnosis of adnexal masses. Then, all patients were divided into two different groups according to the type of surgery: 27 who underwent LPS (LPS group) and 24 who underwent LPT (LPT group). We took into consideration: age, comorbidity, histological diagnosis, surgery approach, and surgical outcome. Then, we calculated the percentages of all of these data and then χ (2) test and t-Student test were used to calculate the p value, to compare the two surgical techniques. A p value lower than 0.05 was considered to be statistically significant.

RESULTS

At first, we evaluated the relation between the diagnosis and the surgery approach, and we obtained statistically significant results for serous cyst, adenocarcinoma serous/mucinous, and others, and the table highlights that some of the benign masses were mostly treated with LPS, while borderline and malignant masses were treated with LPT. Then, we evaluated the comorbidities of the patients, and we found that those cases had a significantly higher prevalence of cardiovascular disease and metabolic diseases. Finally, we compared the surgery outcome of LPS versus LPT surgeries for adnexal masses in elderly women, and there were statistically significant results for postoperative complications, number of patients who needed drainage, and number of days of hospitalization after surgery.

CONCLUSIONS

Our results demonstrated that the patients who underwent LPS, compared to the patients who underwent LPT, have better outcomes in terms of postoperative complications (7.4 % with LPS and 37 % with LPT), number of patients who needed drainage (11.1 % with LPS and 62.5 % with LPT), and number of days of hospitalization after surgery, in term of mean (5 for LPS and 10.9 in term of LPT).

Ultrasound-Guided Aspiration With and Without Ethanol Sclerotherapy in the Management of Simple Adnexal Cysts: A Single-Center Experience

STUDY OBJECTIVES

To compare the efficacy of ultrasound-guided aspiration versus aspiration with ethanol sclerotherapy in the management of simple adnexal cysts measuring 3 to 10 cm, and to explore the risk factors for recurrence associated with each approach.

DESIGN

A prospective follow-up of patients after cyst aspiration with and without ethanol sclerotherapy in simple adnexal cysts in a single-center trial (Canadian Task Force classification II-1).

SETTING

Bellvitge Teaching Hospital, Barcelona, Spain.

PATIENTS

Cyst aspiration and ethanol sclerotherapy were performed in 66 and 75 patients, respectively, between 2002 and 2014. Women enrolled before March 2009 underwent simple aspiration (group 1), and those enrolled after March 2009 underwent ethanol sclerotherapy (group 2).

INTERVENTIONS

Ultrasound-guided fine-needle aspiration with and without ethanol sclerotherapy.

MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS

Potential risk factors for recurrence-age, menopausal status, symptoms, cyst diameter, laterality, aspirated volume, simple US-guided aspiration or alcohol sclerotherapy, and complications-were analyzed by logistic regression. The recurrence rates were analyzed by the Kaplan-Meier and Mantel-Haenszel methods. The overall recurrence rates were 72.7% (48 of 66) in group 1 and 22.7% (17 of 75) in group 2 (p < .0001). Risk factors significantly associated with recurrence were simple aspiration without ethanol sclerotherapy (odds ratio [OR], 19.7; 95% confidence interval [CI], 6.756-57.714), postmenopausal status (OR, 9.3; 95% CI, 1.720-50.956), and cyst size (OR, 1.04; 95% CI, 1.005-1.093).

CONCLUSION

Based on the lower recurrence rate, ethanol sclerotherapy was more efficacious than simple aspiration in the management of simple adnexal cysts measuring <10 cm.

Mucinous Borderline Ovarian Tumor in Very Old Aged Postmenopausal Woman

Mucinous borderline ovarian tumors (BOTs) occur most often in women between the ages of 20 and 30. Early-stage detection of the condition has a more favorable prognosis. In this case report, the authors present an elderly 93-year old woman who visited our hospital due to severe abdominal pain after being diagnosed with a pelvic mass 2 years ago and not undergoing any treatment since the diagnosis was made. She underwent emergency left salpingo-oophorectomy and was diagnosed with mucinous BOT according to biopsy results.

Performance of three-dimensional power Doppler angiography as third-step assessment in differential diagnosis of adnexal masses

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the contribution of three-dimensional (3D) power Doppler angiography (3D-PDA) to the differential diagnosis of adnexal masses.

METHODS

This was a prospective study in women diagnosed with a persistent adnexal mass and subsequently scheduled for surgery in a tertiary university hospital. All women were evaluated by transvaginal/transrectal ultrasound according to a predetermined three-step protocol, with transabdominal ultrasound being performed in some cases. First, morphological evaluation of the mass was performed using gray-scale 'pattern recognition' (first step). Lesions diagnosed as having a benign pattern were considered as being at low risk of malignancy whereas tumors with solid components, ascites and/or signs of carcinomatosis were considered as being at high risk of malignancy. In both cases no further test was performed and a decision regarding clinical management, either for follow-up or surgery, was taken. Tumors with solid components but without signs of ascites or carcinomatosis were considered as being at intermediate risk of malignancy. These lesions were assessed by two-dimensional (2D) PDA to evaluate tumor vascularity (color score) (second step). Solid tumors with a color score of 1 or 2 were considered as benign and no further test was performed, while tumors with a color score of 2, 3 or 4 within solid components or a color score of 3 or 4 in the case of a solid tumor were considered as malignant. The latter group underwent 3D-PDA assessment (third step). Vascularization index (VI) was calculated in a 1-mL sphere of the most vascularized area of the tumor. When a VI ≥ 24.015% was found, the tumor was considered as malignant. All masses were removed surgically and definitive histological diagnosis was used as the gold standard. Sensitivity and specificity for each strategy were calculated and compared. In the case of bilateral tumors, only the more suspicious one was used for analysis.

RESULTS

A total of 367 adnexal masses diagnosed in 367 women (mean age, 46.5 (range, 18-80) years) were evaluated during the study period. Of these, 86 masses were malignant and 281 were benign. The sensitivity and specificity for each assessment strategy were as follows: one-step, 97.7% and 78.6%; two-step, 94.2% and 97.9% (P < 0.001 for specificity when compared with that of one-step); three-step, 90.7% and 98.9% (not statistically significant when compared with that of two-step).

CONCLUSIONS

The addition of 2D-PDA in the differential diagnosis of an adnexal mass significantly increases specificity while sensitivity remains high; however performing subsequent 3D-PDA does not provide additional information or further improve diagnostic performance subsequent to 2D-PDA.

Criteria for selection of laparoscopy for women with adnexal mass

Objectives:

We compared the indication of laparoscopy for treatment of adnexal masses based on the risk scores and tumor diameters with the indication based on gynecology-oncologists' experience.

Methods:

This was a prospective study of 174 women who underwent surgery for adnexal tumors (116 laparotomies, 58 laparoscopies). The surgeries begun and completed by laparoscopy, with benign pathologic diagnosis, were considered successful. Laparoscopic surgeries that required conversion to laparotomy, led to a malignant diagnosis, or facilitated cyst rupture were considered failures. Two groups were defined for laparoscopy indication: (1) absence of American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology (ACOG) guideline for referral of high-risk adnexal masses criteria (ACOG negative) associated with 3 different tumor sizes (10, 12, and 14 cm); and (2) Index of Risk of Malignancy (IRM) with cutoffs at 100, 200, and 300, associated with the same 3 tumor sizes. Both groups were compared with the indication based on the surgeon's experience to verify whether the selection based on strict rules would improve the rate of successful laparoscopy.

Results:

ACOG-negative and tumors ≤10 cm and IRM with a cutoff at 300 points and tumors ≤10cm resulted in the same best performance (78% success = 38/49 laparoscopies). However, compared with the results of the gynecology-oncologists' experience, those were not statistically significant.

Discussion:

The selection of patients with adnexal mass to laparoscopy by the use of the ACOG guideline or IRM associated with tumor diameter had similar performance as the experience of gynecology-oncologists. Both methods are reproducible and easy to apply to all women with adnexal masses and could be used by general gynecologists to select women for laparoscopic surgery; however, referral to a gynecology-oncologist is advisable when there is any doubt.

Algorithmic approach to solid adnexal masses and their mimics: utilization of anatomic relationships and imaging features to facilitate diagnosis

Solid adnexal masses, while less common than their cystic counterparts, may present a challenge for radiologists given the wide range of histologic entities that occur in this region. Pelvic masses, especially when large, can seem overwhelming at first but application of an algorithmic approach allows for more confident assessment. This approach focuses first on the use of anatomic relationships and interactions of various pelvic structures to localize the mass' origin. For instance, the directionality of ureteral displacement can suggest if a mass is intra or extraperitoneal. Then, key discriminating imaging features, such as the presence of fat, hypervascularity, or low T2 signal on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) can be applied to further narrow the list of diagnostic possibilities. Entities such as leiomyomas, nerve sheath tumors, congenital uterine anomalies, and vascular abnormalities (ovarian torsion or iliac vessel aneurysm) in particular are often accurately characterized with sonography and/or MRI. For solid adnexal masses in which a definitive diagnosis by imaging is not reached, information germane to clinicians regarding further management can still be provided, principally with regard to surgical vs. nonsurgical treatment.

Borderline tumours of the ovary, current controversies regarding their diagnosis and treatment

Borderline ovarian tumours generally affect women of reproductive age. The positive prognosis is related to the fact that over 80% of cases are diagnosed at an early stage of the disease. Although radical surgery is the standard of care for this disease, fertility-sparing surgery can be performed in selected cases. Since it was first described in 1929, the knowledge of the molecular and histologic characteristics has been significantly improved. In this review, advances in the clinical behaviour, pathologic characteristics, prognostics factors, and different strategies of treatment are discussed.

Intensive training program for ultrasound diagnosis of adnexal masses: protocol and preliminary results

OBJECTIVE

To assess the feasibility of a specific training program for ultrasound diagnosis of adnexal masses.

METHODS

A 2-month intensive training program was developed. The program protocol consisted of a 1-day intensive theoretical course focused on clinical and sonographic issues related to adnexal masses and ovarian cancer, followed by a 4-week real-time ultrasound training program in a tertiary center (25-30 adnexal masses evaluated per month) and a final 4-week period for offline assessment of three-dimensional (3D) volumes from adnexal masses. In this final period, each trainee evaluated five sets of 100 3D volumes. 3D volumes contained gray-scale and power Doppler information, and the trainee was provided with clinical data for each case (patient age, menopausal status and reported symptoms). 3D volumes were obtained from surgically removed masses that had undergone histological diagnosis or from masses that had been followed up until resolution. After assessment of each set, the trainee's diagnostic performance was calculated (sensitivity and specificity) and each incorrectly classified mass was evaluated with the trainer. The objective was to achieve a sensitivity of > 95% and a specificity of > 90%. Learning curve cumulative summation (LC-CUSUM) graphs were plotted to assess the learning curve for the trainees.

RESULTS

One trainer and two trainees with little experience in gynecological ultrasound (one gynecologist and one radiologist) participated in this study. LC-CUSUM graphs showed that competence was achieved after 170 or 185 examinations. The objectives for diagnostic performance were achieved after assessment of the second set of 3D volumes (200 cases) for each trainee.

CONCLUSIONS

The proposed training program appears to be feasible. High diagnostic performance can be achieved after analysis of 200 cases and maintained thereafter.

Expectant management of adnexal masses in selected premenopausal women: a prospective observational study

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the results of expectant management of ovarian cysts with benign ultrasound morphology in selected asymptomatic premenopausal women.

METHODS

This was a prospective cohort study of premenopausal women diagnosed with a persistent adnexal cyst. Patients were selected according to symptoms (asymptomatic), the cyst's appearance on ultrasound (benign) and size (< 8 cm). Patients underwent a follow-up protocol with transvaginal ultrasound examination at 6-monthly intervals for 2 years and then annually for at least 3 years.

RESULTS

The study comprised 166 women (mean age, 40 years) with 192 masses present at inclusion. Twenty-two women (with 29 masses) were lost to follow-up. Seventy-four masses (38.5%) resolved spontaneously (median time from diagnosis to resolution, 40 months). Forty-nine masses (25.5%) persisted without change (median follow-up time, 88 (range, 36-192) months). Forty masses (20.8%) were surgically removed; 12 because of increase in size, four because a second lesion appeared during follow-up, three because of change in appearance and increase in size, five because of surgery for uterine benign or malignant disease, two because of change in appearance without increase in size, one because of clinical suspicion of ovarian torsion and 13 because of the patient's decision in spite of there being no change in the mass. Histology was benign in all but two cases (Stage Ia mucinous ovarian carcinoma and Stage Ia mucinous borderline tumor). During follow-up 40 new masses in 31 women were diagnosed, of which 21 resolved spontaneously, five (all with benign histology) were surgically removed and 14 were still present at the time of writing.

CONCLUSIONS

Expectant management of cysts with benign ultrasound morphology is a management option in selected asymptomatic premenopausal women.