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The Use of Ultrasound to Assess the Morphology of Ovarian Tumours

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Ultrasound and Endoscopic Surgery in Obstetrics and Gynaecology

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Abstract

The rapid development of ultrasound technology has led to an increase in the detection rate of ovarian cysts. Such cysts can be diagnosed at any age or stage of a woman’s life, from as early as the fetal stage to as late as the postmenopause. A high number of cystic structures are seen in the ovaries, even in postmenopausal women. Many of these regress spontaneously or remain unchanged. The clinical dilemma that these cystic structures cause for the clinician is well documented. Furthermore, it is also well known that transvaginal sonography plays an important role, not only in the detection of ovarian cysts, but also in the characterisation of these lesions. The problem for the clinician remains the same. Which cystic structures on the ovaries can be managed conservatively, and which need to be removed? Advances in surgery have now led to a further issue. If there is an ovarian cyst, is it suitable for minimal access surgery or are the services of a gynaecological oncologist required? This chapter will discuss some of the problems that appear at a clinical practice when using B-mode ultrasound and will also try to explain the significance of certain morphological features of ovarian tumours.

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Authors
  1. Seth Granberg
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  2. Erling Ekerhovd
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  3. Dirk Timmerman
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  4. Tom Bourne
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© 2003 Springer-Verlag London Limited

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Granberg, S., Ekerhovd, E., Timmerman, D., Bourne, T. (2003). The Use of Ultrasound to Assess the Morphology of Ovarian Tumours. In: Ultrasound and Endoscopic Surgery in Obstetrics and Gynaecology. Springer, London. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4471-0655-5_21

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4471-0655-5_21

  • Publisher Name: Springer, London

  • Print ISBN: 978-1-4471-1170-2

  • Online ISBN: 978-1-4471-0655-5

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