Expert evaluation of gray-scale and color Doppler ultrasound findings (i.e., pattern recognition) is superior to serum CA-125 for discriminating between benign and malignant adnexal masses.
Expert evaluation of gray-scale and color Doppler ultrasound findings (i.e., pattern recognition) is superior to serum CA-125 for discriminating between benign and malignant adnexal masses, according to the findings of a prospective, multicenter study involving 1,066 women with a persistent adnexal mass.
The International Ovarian Tumor Analysis found that subjective evaluation of gray-scale and Doppler findings by an experienced examiner within 120 days of surgery correctly classified 93% (95% CI, 90.9%–94.6%) of the tumors, while serum levels of CA-125 correctly classified only 83% at best (95% CI, 80.3%–85.6%). The diagnoses most often misclassified by serum CA-125 were fibroma, endometrioma, and abscess (false-positive results) and borderline tumor (false-negative results). Pattern recognition diagnosed these four conditions correctly 86% of the time (95% CI, 81.1%–90.4%), while serum CA-125 at a cutoff of 30 U/mL diagnosed them correctly less than half (41%) of the time (95% CI, 34.4%–47.5%).
Van Calster B, Timmerman D, Bourne T, et al. Discrimination between benign and malignant adnexal masses by specialist ultrasound examination versus serum CA-125. J Natl Cancer Inst. 2007;99:1706-1714.
Get the latest clinical updates, case studies, and expert commentary in obstetric and gynecologic care. Sign up now to stay informed.
ADHD linked to higher risk of premenstrual dysphoric disorder
June 26th 2025Women with attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder are over 3 times more likely to experience premenstrual dysphoric disorder, especially when co-occurring with anxiety or depression, according to new research.
Read More