Ovarian Cysts
- Diagnosis
How are ovarian cysts diagnosed?
Ultrasound is the preferred method for characterising ovarian cysts. Features such as solid areas, multiple internal compartments, irregular margins and high velocity blood flow increase the index of suspicion for ovarian cancer.
A blood test for CA125 may be taken if
there is concern about malignancy. This
blood protein is frequently raised in
ovarian cancer, but must be interpreted
in conjunction with symptoms and
ultrasound findings as it can also be
raised in non-cancerous conditions
such as endometriosis and fibroids.
