Uterine cancer on ultrasound: how to determine pathology, photo, norm and deviation

Cervical and uterine cancer occupy a leading position in terms of incidence among all malignant neoplasms of the female reproductive organs.

The highest incidence of cervical cancer is recorded in women aged 35 to 55 years. Stage 4 cervical pathology accounts for up to 50% of cases of cancer pathology. Cervical cancer in women after 65 years of age occurs in 20% of cases.

Endometrial cancer is more common during menopause, but pathology can be seen at any age. It is possible to see the oncological process using ultrasound or colposcopy. An ultrasound machine can visualize endometrial cancer, and cervical cancer only at stages 3 and 4.

Is it possible to see cervical cancer on an ultrasound?

Although the ultrasound machine is the most accurate, without additional tests the diagnosis cannot be established. In other words, the ultrasound method only gives an accurate description of all the changes that are present in the cervix. Modern devices can identify the smallest change, but no more. And it’s up to the doctor to decipher what kind of change this is. If alarming symptoms are detected, the doctor prescribes a full examination of the body to identify pathology or rule out cancer.

You need to prepare for the UDI procedure. To begin with, they do a cleansing enema. During the week before the ultrasound examination, a woman should avoid foods containing protein. An hour before the procedure, you need to drink water, the volume of liquid will be advised by the doctor.

Nowadays, there are 2 ways to conduct research:

transabdominal;
transvaginal.

When using the first method, the bladder must be full so that the uterus is clearly visible.

When using the second method, the bladder must be completely empty. The specialist uses a vaginal sensor. It is inserted into the vagina and examined. This method is more informative than the transabdominal one. With its help, you can more accurately diagnose an incipient disease. But in the early stages of cancer formation, ultrasound may not be an effective diagnostic method. The best way is colposcopy - examination of cells in the laboratory.

Ovarian cancer on ultrasound: can it be seen, the first signs and symptoms of oncology

Ultrasound examination plays an important role in oncology.
In particular, ovarian cancer is detected by ultrasound even before the appearance of clinical symptoms. The features of this pathology are due to the free anatomical location of the ovaries, which allows the tumor to grow for a long time without causing complaints in the patient. Is it possible to see ovarian cancer on an ultrasound before the tumor reaches an advanced, incurable stage? The answer is clear: a tumor can be detected at the very beginning of its growth by characteristic changes in the structure of the organ, which are detected by ultra-high frequency sound waves directed at it.

Types and stages of ovarian cancer

Based on their origin, ovarian cancer is divided into 3 types:

primary or glandular , growing from the endometrial epithelium, develops in young women, and is often bilateral;
secondary or papillary , formed due to the degeneration of ovarian cysts, mainly in women over 40 years of age;
metastatic , developing from cancer cells carried through the blood and lymph from other organs (breast, stomach, intestines, liver, cervix).

There are 4 clinical stages in the development of cancer:

The tumor does not extend beyond the ovary, there is no damage to the lymph nodes.
The tumor extends beyond the ovary to neighboring organs - the tube, the uterus, and there are metastases in the nearest regional lymph nodes.
The cancer process spreads to the abdominal cavity, multiple lymph nodes are affected - nearby and distant.
There are distant metastases to organs (liver, lungs) and bones, regardless of the size and extent of the cancer.

The modern international classification of cancer is based on 3 parameters:

T – the size of the formation, there are 4 stages: T1, T2, T3, and T4;
N – damage to lymph nodes, N0 – nodes are not affected, N1 – single nearby nodes are affected, N2 – multiple damage to regional nodes, N3 – both nearby and distant lymph nodes are affected;
M – metastases, the indicator has 2 options: M0 – no metastases detected, M1 – metastases detected.

Taking these data into account, stage I is abbreviated T1N0M0, stage II – T2 N1M0, stage III – T3N2M0 and stage IV – T4N3M1.

Symptoms of ovarian cancer

The following signs appear:

pain in the lower abdomen, lumbar region;
menstrual irregularities, uterine bleeding;
painful intercourse;
bloating;
frequent urination;
enlargement of the abdomen due to ascites (fluid accumulation);
General symptoms: weakness, dizziness, loss of appetite, poor sleep, weight loss.

When metastases form, pain appears in the bones of the limbs, spine, paroxysmal cough, nausea and vomiting, severe headaches and seizures, pain in the liver, yellowing of the skin - depending on where the metastatic tumor has developed.

The first clinical signs of ovarian cancer, as a rule, are not specific, in contrast to its characteristic symptoms detected on ultrasound.

Is an ovarian tumor visible on ultrasound?

The question of whether a pelvic ultrasound really shows the presence of ovarian cancer should not raise doubts. That is why there is a law requiring women to undergo an ultrasound every year.

Tumor tissue differs in structure from normal ovarian tissue; it reflects and transmits ultrasound waves directed at it differently. They enter the sensor, from there into the scanner-analyzer, and an image of a pathological focus with signs of a tumor appears on the screen.

However, the initial detection of ultrasound signs of ovarian cancer plays a huge role in its diagnosis.

A specialist explains how ovarian cancer is diagnosed in this video.

Characteristic signs of ovarian cancer on ultrasound

Ultrasound examination of the ovaries determines their size and tissue structure. Normally, in women of childbearing age, their length is 30 mm, width - 25 mm, thickness up to 15 mm, mass volume from 3 to 8 cm3. The echostructure of the tissue is homogeneous, the contours are even and clear.

By the middle of the menstrual cycle, the picture changes: the contours become bumpy, up to 5 maturing follicles in the form of vesicles are visible, one of them is dominant, reaching 24 mm in diameter at the time of ovulation. After the follicle ruptures, reverse changes occur: the contours are aligned, the tissue becomes homogeneous.

These cyclic changes are very important to consider when diagnosing tumors because follicles reduce the quality of imaging. Therefore, echography is prescribed in the first days after the end of menstruation. Against this background, when the echostructure of the ovaries is homogeneous, cancer on ultrasound looks like a focal formation that has certain characteristics. They depend on the type of tumor structure; there are 3 options:

solid cancer ( from the Latin solidum - dense) has an oval or irregular shape, unclear contours, reduced echogenicity, heterogeneous structure with anechoic (black) inclusions;
cystic cancer - a shadow of a round shape, with clear contours, anechoic with hyperechoic inclusions-septa in the center and along the periphery;
solid-cystic cancer - mixed, contains elements of varying echo density - from anechoic round shapes with clear boundaries to hyperechoic irregular shapes.

Is it possible to detect ovarian cancer in its early stages?

Ultrasonography of the pelvic organs makes it possible to detect any structural changes in the ovarian tissue of the smallest size - up to 1 mm; such parameters of the tumor are characteristic of the early stage of development.

Since ovarian cancer has many faces, these formations can be of different shapes and echogenicity, contain more dense inclusions, and a large number of blood vessels.

Fluid in the retrouterine space can also be detected as an indirect sign of a tumor.

All this is detected with the help of modern scanners at the earliest stages of structural changes. However, it is possible to judge whether ovarian cancer is visible on an ultrasound scan only with a high degree of probability.

According to statistics, it is quite high and amounts to more than 80%, that is, it is confirmed by the results of additional diagnostic procedures.

Among them, the determination of specific tumor markers (CA125, HE4) and pathohistological examination with the detection of cancer cells are crucial.

Source: https://uzi.guru/mal-taz/womns/metr/f/rak-yaichnika-na-uzi.html

How to detect cervical cancer on ultrasound

Can cervical cancer be seen on an ultrasound? Every woman should understand that a malignant tumor on the cervix often develops over several years before it appears in sight, and the appearance of the first pain indicates that the cancer has already spread throughout the body. Women take the first steps in the fight against cancer only when the tumor begins to bother them. But it is already too late.

It is not difficult to detect cancer on an ultrasound. By conducting an examination, the following neoplasms can be identified:

changes in lymph nodes;
uneven contours;
vascular disorder;
degree of cancer of the cervical wall;
cancer damage to other organs;
the appearance of metastases;
tumor definition;
dysplasia.

The tumor can only be detected with modern equipment. Such equipment will be able to detect and detect the presence of a tumor from 3 mm.

Thanks to modern equipment, a doctor can detect uterine cancer at the earliest stages, and this gives a chance to start treatment on time. An ultrasound examination is carried out comprehensively; all pelvic organs are simultaneously examined.

The only thing that an ultrasound machine cannot detect is cervical erosion. It is known that it is precisely this disease that, in its advanced form, leads to the appearance of malignant tumors. Experts strongly recommend not to avoid a traditional examination by a gynecologist. This manipulation will help eliminate all risks to your own health.

Cervical and uterine cancer

Cervical cancer is a malignant tumor that affects the cervix. Uterine cancer, or endometrial cancer, is a malignant growth of the lining of the uterus.

Causes

Among the risk factors that can provoke the development of malignant neoplasms of the cervix are:

early sexual activity before the age of 16;
frequent change of sexual partners, on average 2 or more per year;
early pregnancy and childbirth before the age of 16;
abortions;
chronic inflammatory diseases of the genitals;
uncontrolled use of COCs;
smoking;
changes in the immune status of the female body;
exposure to chemical or radiation carcinogens;
erosion;
dysplasia;
presence of HPV, or human papillomavirus.

Scientists have proven the connection between HPV and cervical cancer. It has been proven that in patients with a tumor, HPV is detected in 100% of cases. Moreover, in 70% of cases, infection with human papillomavirus types 16 and 18 is determined.

Endometrial cancer is based on a mutation that leads to the appearance of atypically dividing cells.

Among the main risk factors for endometrial cancer are:

heredity;
hormonal imbalance in the form of hyperestrogenemia;
early menarche before 12 years of age;
late onset of menopause after the age of 52 - 55 years;
absence of childbirth;
excess weight;
infertility;
NMCs, which are accompanied by anovulation;
PCOS;
hormonal therapy for gynecological or related diseases;
estrogen-dependent neoplasms;
hormonal therapy for breast cancer;
chronic inflammatory diseases of the reproductive organs;
weakened immune system;
smoking;
diabetes;
history of endometrial hyperplasia;
Lynch syndrome, or hereditary colon cancer without polyposis.

If there is a history of hyperplastic processes, there are 4 main types of hyperplasia.

Simple without atypia.
Complex or adenomatous, without atypia.
Simple atypical.
Complex or adenomatous, atypical.

Simple and complex atypical forms are precancerous diseases and require constant medical monitoring.

With a complex atypical form of hyperplasia, the risk of malignancy is 80%.

Risk due to erosion

Cervical erosion provokes malignancy in the presence of favorable conditions:

early onset of sexual activity;
promiscuous sex life;
lack of a barrier method of contraception;
hormonal imbalance;
weakened immune response;
smoking;
heredity;
presence of HPV.

Against the background of erosion, a chronic inflammatory process is observed. Lack of treatment and a long period of time without therapy can provoke malignant erosion.

You can see the erosive process visually. For better detail, a comprehensive examination in the form of colposcopy and ultrasound is recommended annually.

Classification

The international classification of malignant neoplasms TNM allows you to see the degree of oncology:

T represents the spread of cancer cells and the size of the tumor;
N indicates the degree of lymph node involvement;
M stands for metastatic organ disease.

Damage to the lymphatic vessels occurs:

Nx – unknown lymph node involvement;
N1 – the tumor was not found in nearby lymph nodes;
N2 – tumor cells are present in nearby lymph nodes.

Cancer metastases are:

M0 – no metastases;
M1 – there are distant metastases.

Cervical cancer is classified according to the size and distribution of atypia.

Tis - atypical cells are detected on the surface of the organ, without penetrating deeper.
T1 – cancer cells are located within the cervix: T1a – size no more than 7 mm; T1b – size more than 7 mm.
T2 – tumor cells are found outside the cervix and uterus, without invasion of the walls of the pelvis and the lower third of the vagina: T2a – there are no tumor cells in the tissues of the periuterine space; T2b – tissues of the periuterine space are affected.
T3 – germination of tumor cells into the lower third of the vagina, pelvic walls or ureters: T3a – pelvic walls are not affected; T3b – there is a violation of the patency of the ureters.
T4 – cancer extends beyond the pelvis and may involve the bladder and rectum.

Cancer of the uterine body is classified as follows.

Tis is a pre-invasive cancer.

T1 – cancer is located within the organ: T1a – tumor infiltration is less than ½ of the thickness of the endometrium; T1b – infiltration to ½ the thickness of the endometrium; T1c – infiltration of more than ½ the thickness of the endometrium.
T2 – the tumor is located within the organ and extends to the neck: T2a – the endocervix is involved in the tumor process; T2b – stromal invasion is noted.
T3 – local or regional germination of cancer is noted: T3a – metastases to the ovaries, serous membrane; T3b – metastases are noted in the vagina.
T4 – cancer metastases to the rectum or bladder.

Symptoms

The initial stage of cervical cancer is asymptomatic. Often, pathology becomes a finding based on the results of cytological or colposcopic studies.

Symptoms characteristic of the pathology include:

Bloody discharge from the genital tract not associated with menstruation. May occur during sexual intercourse. Associated with the destruction of capillaries.
Beli.
Watery discharge. An unpleasant odor appears during the disintegration of the tumor.
Pain. It occurs when the nerve plexuses in the sacral region are compressed when the lymph nodes and pelvic tissue are involved in the process.

With a cervical tumor, it is possible to see the pathological process visually.

Uterine cancer is asymptomatic for a long time. Symptoms that should raise suspicion are divided into:

menstrual irregularities;
infertility;
uterine bleeding;
bloody discharge from the genital tract during menopause;
intermenstrual bleeding;
leukorrhea or watery discharge;
purulent discharge;
pain in the lower abdomen and lumbar region.

Nonspecific symptoms include:

cachexia;
weakness;
general deterioration of condition;
anemia.

Lifespan

Life expectancy for cervical cancer depends on the stage at which treatment was started and the presence of metastatic lesions. In the initial stages, the survival rate of women for 5 years is more than 80%. In the second stage, survival rate is within 60% for 5 years. The third stage of cancer is characterized by a decrease in survival rate to 35% over 5 years. At the fourth stage, the prognosis is minimal and amounts to 10% over 5 years.

The average survival rate with the tumor is within 55%.

Comprehensive definition of cervical cancer

At the moment, there are several effective ways to detect uterine cancer. The quality of the ultrasound machine influences the correct examination, since it is quite difficult to detect the development of pathology with outdated models. The fact that the specialist performing the ultrasound has experience is also important, since the result of the examination and the diagnosis often depend on him. If there is a suspicion of a cancerous process, then it is worth undergoing additional examinations.

There are several types of cervical cancer, one of them is uterine carcinoma, an insidious disease. The problem is that women sometimes seek help very late, and practically nothing can be done.

Uterine carcinoma is one of the types of malignant tumors, which is distinguished by its strong aggression and rapid course.

Carcinoma can quickly spread metastases throughout the pelvic organs. And when pain appears, precious time is lost. An ultrasound will not determine the origin of the cancer, but will help determine whether a tumor exists. Therefore, it is very important to undergo regular examination.

Endometrial cancer on ultrasound: signs of the development of a malignant process

A tumor of the inner layer of the uterus of a malignant type has unexpressed symptoms, so a comprehensive diagnosis is carried out to determine the diagnosis.

Modern ultrasound examination makes it possible to obtain data on the characteristics of the development of a neoplasm in order to select the most effective treatment regimen.

Signs of endometrial cancer on ultrasound have characteristic features that, unfortunately, not every specialist can notice. To determine the correct diagnosis, a lengthy examination by an experienced diagnostician is necessary.

Diagnosing uterine tumors can be difficult

How is the procedure performed?

Endometrial cancer is detected by ultrasound by two methods of gynecological examination: transabdominal or transvaginal. It is possible to combine both diagnostic methods.

The procedure is performed according to the standard method:

with transvaginal ultrasound: a hardware sensor with a medical condom and lubricated with a special gel is inserted into the vagina;
with transabdominal ultrasound: the lower abdomen is lubricated with gel and a sensor is moved over the skin.

At the moment the sensor contacts the surface of the tissue, an image of the genital organs being examined appears on the computer screen. The duration of the entire procedure is on average about 15 minutes. In complex cases, diagnosis may take a little longer.

In private clinics you can undergo 3D ultrasound of the uterine cavity. This method is the most accurate and allows you to obtain the most accurate information about all the characteristics of the tumor.

Small pathological formations are difficult to detect during ultrasound, but a large tumor in the body of the uterus is clearly displayed on the screen. If endometrial cancer is suspected, a comprehensive diagnosis is recommended, thus increasing the chances of identifying even small tumors.

One of the main diagnostic methods is ultrasound

When should you get tested?

Ultrasound diagnostics is prescribed by a gynecologist when a patient detects signs of a cancerous tumor of the endometrial layers in the uterus. The procedure can be carried out both in municipal and private medical institutions according to indications.

Ultrasound of the uterus and nearby organs is recommended for patients with signs of cancer:

uterine bleeding;
severe sharp pain in the genital area;
significant disturbances during the menstrual cycle;
purulent or mucous vaginal discharge;
sharp pain in the lumbar region;
pain during sexual intercourse.

The likelihood of diagnosing uterine cancer on ultrasound at the first and second stages is low.

The difficulty in making a diagnosis lies in the fact that, despite the detection of small tumors, it is difficult to determine exactly the nature of the formation, since no special signs appear on ultrasound in the first and second stages of cancer.

Examination is necessary for abdominal pain

Who is at risk

Regular ultrasound examinations are necessary for women with chronic pathologies of the reproductive system and for patients undergoing treatment for gynecological diseases.

The risk group mainly includes women of childbearing age:

diagnosed with infertility;
have had one or more abortions;
those who have not given birth (over 25 years of age);
having hormonally active neoplasms on the ovaries;
those suffering from thyroid dysfunction;
people with diabetes;
have undergone hormonal therapy;
having cystic formations of the genital organs.

Diabetes requires stricter control

Risk factors also include difficult childbirth, prolonged absence of intimacy, early or, conversely, late onset of menopause.

According to statistics, endometrial cancers develop in postmenopausal women in the age group of 50–60 years. But diseases at a younger age also occur.

What are the first signs of cancer

An ultrasound scan is necessary to obtain information about the depth of penetration of cancer cells, the site of formation and size of the tumor, and the possible presence of metastases in the lymph nodes and neighboring organs.

The very first sign of uterine endometrial cancer on ultrasound is a change in the structure and thickness of the surface layer in the organ cavity. Normally, in women after menopause, the thickness of the endometrium is up to 6 mm, and before - from 16 mm. The thinner the endometrial layer in young women, the higher the likelihood of cancer.

A doctor can accurately diagnose cancer using ultrasound data.

Another symptom is tissue hyperplasia. Endometrial hyperplasia on ultrasound is characterized by the display of a layer of uniform thickness with a pronounced clear contour, as well as ruggedness of the displayed contours and heterogeneity of echogenicity.

What does an ultrasound show?

Only an experienced doctor can accurately determine an oncological tumor affecting the endometrium during an ultrasound examination. Symptoms are often so imprecise that differential diagnosis is required to confirm the diagnosis.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d1ZZQQc9cfE

In case of uterine cancer, the following picture will be displayed on the monitor screen when using an ultrasound machine for examination:

presence of a tumor;
changes in the structure of endometrial tissue;
location of the tumor;
characteristic features of the tumor.

If a cancerous process in the endometrium is suspected, other internal genital organs, as well as lymph nodes, must be examined.

Often, ultrasound reveals cervical cancer, multiple papillomas, cysts and other formations that provoke cancer.

What you should pay attention to in order not to miss uterine cancer, you will learn about this from this video:

Recommendations from experts

Do not panic when receiving preliminary results of an ultrasound. Ultrasound does not always correctly determine the nature of the developing tumor.

For this reason, even if the doctor makes a preliminary diagnosis of endometrial cancer, the patient is prescribed a number of additional tests, the main of which is a biopsy. Only by confirming the activity of cancer cells in all examination results can a correct diagnosis be determined.

Women over the age of 20, even if there are no complaints about the functionality of the genital system, should undergo an ultrasound examination at least twice a year. Preventive examinations will help not only to identify the disease at an early stage, but also to promptly detect pathologies that provoke endometrial cancer of the uterus.

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Prevention measures

People feel helpless in the face of cancer. This disease does not spare either adults or children. A person, having learned about the diagnosis, believes that he is doomed. But, although uterine cancer has become the second most common cancer in the world, there is a chance for successful treatment. The only condition: the disease must be diagnosed at an early stage. And this can only happen if the woman is regularly examined by a gynecologist. Every specialist strongly recommends performing an ultrasound once every six months. Such measures will protect the woman from possible problems. This diagnostic method will help protect against possible risks: even if a tumor is detected, it will be an initial stage that can be successfully treated.

In conclusion, it is worth adding that no one is immune from the serious occurrence of a serious illness. Today, there are medications that help protect the body from possible risks. But time and reviews will tell how effective vaccination is. It is necessary to take time for regular examination. This is the only way to protect yourself from terrible consequences or recover from a dangerous illness.

What will the examination show?

How uterine cancer will look on an ultrasound directly depends on the form of the disease. The tumor can be round in shape and resemble a fungus or wart. There are two forms of cancer - diffuse and nodular. In the nodular form, the tumor formation has clear boundaries and a fixed diameter. It occupies mainly the bottom of the uterine cavity. In the diffuse form, cancer occupies all tissues of the organ. It is these forms of uterine cancer that can be seen on ultrasound.

The nodular form of cancer has the following symptoms:

neoplasm with irregular shape;
the tumor structure has a high acoustic density, that is, a high speed of sound in this environment;
the formation spreads beyond the uterine cavity;
there are no clear boundaries or contours.

Sometimes endometrial cancer of the uterus is visible on ultrasound, sometimes it is not. In some cases, the tumor cannot be clearly visualized. It can be determined by the accumulation of blood in the organ cavity.

The diffuse form of cancer manifests itself as follows:

altered structure of the walls of the uterus;
discontinuity of organ contours;
the presence of fluid in the uterine cavity;
clearly visible areas of compaction.

Indications for examination

The appearance of the first signs (or symptoms) of cancer is indicated by:

irregular bleeding outside the menstrual cycle;
bleeding from the uterus during menopause;
pain in the lower abdomen caused by the accumulation of blood in the organ cavity;
copious watery or mucous discharge;
weakness, decreased performance;
nausea, poor appetite;
weight loss.

If you have symptoms, you should undergo an ultrasound diagnostic examination.

How to prepare for research

Preliminary preparation for ultrasound depends on the method of examining internal organs.

During the transabdominal ultrasound method, women are advised to exclude cabbage, legumes, carbonated drinks and fermented milk products from their diet 2-3 days before the procedure. This is necessary to reduce the amount of free gas in the intestines.
With the transvaginal ultrasound method, you should additionally empty your bladder.
With the transrectal ultrasound method, first of all, you need to clean the rectum of feces. This can be done with a standard enema, rectal glycerin suppositories, or by using laxatives (Duphalac, Lactulose and many others).

How is the procedure performed?

Ultrasound examination of the uterus is a technique that is one of the safest, painless, easy to perform and requires little time.

With the transabdominal examination method, which is the most familiar to us, you need to lie on your back on the couch, freeing your lower abdomen from clothing. The skin of the abdomen and the sensor are covered with a special gel. After this, the doctor moves the sensor over the skin, assessing the parameters of the organ: size, wall thickness, condition of the endometrium and much more. At the end of the study, the sensor is removed, the gel can be removed with a napkin or examination diaper.

The transvaginal method of examining the uterus is indispensable in diagnosing the pathology of its cervix. To detect cancer, the thickness, consistency, structural features of the cervical canal and its mucous membrane, as well as the presence of various pathologies, are checked. To perform such an examination, you need to spread your legs apart, bending them at the knees. This can be done on a couch or on a gynecological chair. The sensor is placed in a special condom for ultrasound, and a small amount of gel is applied to it.

With the transrectal method, a thinner sensor is inserted into the rectum. An individual condom is also used along with the gel. The woman takes a lying position on her left side. This method is mainly used to examine young girls who do not have sexual intercourse.

Video image of uterine cancer:

Interpretation of ultrasound results

Data decoding is performed immediately after receiving it and is handed over after the examination. Ultrasound can reveal suspicious areas, the exact location and size of the tumor, its depth and the presence of metastases. At the same time, all parameters of the uterus are also shown: shape, size, wall thickness, tissue structure. After this, the results are compared with standard indicators, taking into account the age of the subject.

The dimensions of a healthy organ are as follows:

length – up to 70 mm;
width – up to 60 mm;
wall thickness – up to 42 mm.

In the normal state, the uterus is cylindrical in shape and oval in cross section. Its contours are smooth, without tubercles or breaks. The length of the body of the organ in relation to the length of the neck is 3:1. A healthy organ has a homogeneous muscle layer structure.

The possible development of cancer is indicated by deformation of the contour of the cervix, an increase in its size and a transition to a barrel-shaped shape.

Ovarian cancer on ultrasound - interpretation of the results and features of the development of the disease

Ovarian cancer, like every cancer disease, manifests itself asymptomatically and suddenly. It is the most common disease of the female reproductive system. A woman usually finds out that she has such an illness, usually when it is too late to do anything.

Ovarian ultrasound procedure and interpretation for cancer

Ultrasound is an effective method for diagnosing ovarian cancer

Most often, this disease is diagnosed using ultrasound of the pelvic and abdominal cavity. This examination uses special sound waves to produce images of organs inside the body. This method actually determines where the ovaries, uterus, and fallopian tubes are located and shows their shape and size.

The most informative are transvaginal and transabdominal types of ultrasound. During a transabdominal ultrasound examination, a specialist passes a sensor over the area located between the pelvic bones and along the abdominal area. The gel is rubbed into the skin to make the image of the affected organ clearer.

Transvaginal ultrasound differs in that the sensor is inserted into the vagina of the patient who comes to the appointment. Usually such an examination is quite painless, but sometimes a woman may feel slight discomfort. On average, the duration of an ultrasound is from 20 to 30 minutes. It all depends on which part of the body will be examined.

During such a study, the specialist determines the structure of the ovaries, their size, and how they are located relative to the uterus.

Normally, they should be on the sides of the uterus. As for the size of the ovaries, they must meet the following parameters (this only applies to patients of reproductive age):

volume from 5 to 8 cm;
thickness from 0.1 to 0.2 cm;
length from 0.25 to 0.4 cm;
width from 0.15 to 0.3 cm.

Signs of ovarian cancer on ultrasound are varied. The development of cancer can be suspected using special ultrasound markers:

The ovaries are abnormal in size with pronounced asymmetry. In this case, their outline is significantly enlarged and can only be partially determined.
Postmenopausal patients have a formation on the damaged organ, which resembles a cyst or follicle in shape.
The affected area has an increased blood supply.
The retrouterine space has a lot of free fluid, the presence of which has nothing to do with ovulation.

If a specialist identifies at least some of the above signs during an ultrasound examination, he will prescribe special medical observation. It consists in the fact that the doctor will monitor how the ovaries change over the course of 4-8 weeks.

If more than two such signs are detected, the patient is immediately referred for consultation with an oncologist-gynecologist. After this, the specialist will prescribe the woman an examination of the thyroid gland, mammary glands, lymph nodes and organs located in the abdominal cavity. All these procedures are necessary in order to determine whether there are metastases in the listed organs.

Causes of ovarian cancer

There are still no exact causes of ovarian cancer, but there are assumptions

The exact causes of this disease are still unknown. But experts name some types of circumstances that can provoke ovarian cancer in women.

These include:

Hormonal factor. Reliable information has long been discovered that this disease is associated with changes in hormonal levels and the number of births a woman has had. It is generally accepted that during each ovulation (that is, the release of an egg), ovarian tissue is damaged. After all this, healing begins. During this process, cells actively divide. And the more often they do this, the greater the risk that the process will get out of control.
Since there is no ovulation during pregnancy, while taking contraceptives and breastfeeding, these factors help to significantly reduce the risk that a woman will develop ovarian cancer. But as for the first menstruation, which began very early, the presence of one rather than several births, and late onset of menopause, they are risk factors during such diseases.
This is due to the presence of frequently recurring ovulations. This list also includes infertility in women and long-term stimulation of ovulation. It makes sense to prescribe hormone replacement therapy during early menopause. After the age of 55, women are not prescribed such treatment.
Hereditary predisposition. A very small percentage of tumor formations are associated with genetic disorders (approximately 2% of all cases of ovarian cancer).
There are 3 types of syndromes during which the risk of developing cancer significantly increases: Lynch syndrome 2, familial ovarian cancer and familial breast and ovarian cancer. Each of these syndromes is manifested by cases of cancer of the uterus, breast, ovaries and intestines in women who are close relatives (sisters, grandmothers or mothers). If the family history is unfavorable, then specialists conduct a study of genes that provoke the appearance of tumor formations for mutations.
Food cravings. Very often, women who live in developed industrial countries suffer from malignant tumors in the ovaries. The United States of America and Europe are the leaders in mortality and morbidity from such an unpleasant disease. At the same time, in some Asian countries and Japan, the number of women who are affected by such diseases is much lower. This is due to the fact that patients with ovarian cancer at one time ate a large amount of fat. Although most scientists do not believe that such gastronomic addictions are the cause of the onset of this cancer, some still attribute a passion for animal fats to a factor that provokes ovarian cancer.
Harmful impurities (including asbestos). This risk factor, although it has existed for a long time, is still poorly understood. We are talking about the use of talc for hygienic purposes. Studies have shown that some of the women examined were found to contain particles of talc, which is used in deodorants and powders. This substance is very similar to asbestos, which is considered a trigger for this disease. But the exact results of such studies have not yet been obtained.
Irradiation of organs located in the pelvis. In this case, ovarian cancer occurs in women if other tumors have been treated with radiation.

Signs and stages

Symptoms of ovarian cancer

Symptoms of the appearance of malignant tumors in the ovaries are quite nonspecific. Basically, they are very similar to the clinical picture of diseases of the gastrointestinal tract or bladder. Often, it is for this reason that the wrong diagnosis is made, and therefore the wrong treatment is carried out.

Ovarian cancer is characterized by the following symptoms:

Persistent weakness in the patient.
Discomfort and pain that are localized in the pelvic area.
The stomach is often bloated and distended.
Even after very small portions of food eaten by a woman, she feels as if she has overeaten.
Constant urge to urinate.
The patient's appetite decreases or is lost.
Frequent indigestion (in the later stages of such cancer it becomes chronic).
I feel very dizzy.
The woman often feels sick.
The patient begins to quickly gain weight, or, conversely, loses weight sharply. At the same time, the level of physical activity and eating behavior do not change.
Pain in the lower abdomen and lower back.
Pain is felt during sexual intercourse.
The waist increases significantly in volume.
Anemia begins to develop in the later stages of ovarian cancer.
Plus tissue syndrome appears. It is determined only during an examination or special examinations.

Pathological discharge syndrome. In this case, there are traces in the feces or urine. This symptom cannot be called permanent. It depends only on where the metastases are localized and how widespread they are.

More information about ovarian cancer can be found in the video.

Read: Carcinoembryonic antigen: meaning and norm of the indicator

The development of ovarian cancer differs in four stages:

The first is characterized by the fact that the pathological process can be limited to two or one ovary.
In the second stage, the tumor spreads to the fallopian tubes and, in fact, to the uterus itself. In addition, other organs located in the pelvis are susceptible to it.
The third stage is characterized by the development of intra-abdominal metastases. They begin to extend beyond the pelvic area, while penetrating the liver and lymph nodes.
The fourth stage of ovarian cancer is characterized by the presence of distant metastases, which are located in the lungs, liver and other organs of the affected woman.

Possible diagnostic errors

Ultrasound cannot always accurately determine the presence of uterine cancer. Factors influencing incorrect diagnosis are:

initial stage of disease development;
use of low-quality equipment;
insufficiently experienced doctor;
improper preparation for the examination.

Uterine cancer can be defined as fibroids, endometrial polyps and other diseases caused by the development of tumors. To obtain an accurate diagnosis, other diagnostic methods are used:

taking anamnesis;
taking smears for cytology studies;
CT or MRI.

Ultrasound is an essential part of the diagnostic process. If you consult a doctor in time and detect the disease at an early stage, it will most likely be cured.

Be more attentive to your health. Share the article on social networks, leave comments and do not forget that a preventive examination can save your life.

Ovarian ultrasound procedure and interpretation for cancer

Ultrasound is an effective method for diagnosing ovarian cancer

During such a study, the specialist determines the structure of the ovaries, their size, and how they are located relative to the uterus.

Normally, they should be on the sides of the uterus. As for the size of the ovaries, they must meet the following parameters (this only applies to patients of reproductive age):

volume from 5 to 8 cm;
thickness from 0.1 to 0.2 cm;
length from 0.25 to 0.4 cm;
width from 0.15 to 0.3 cm.

Signs of ovarian cancer on ultrasound are varied. The development of cancer can be suspected using special ultrasound markers:

The ovaries are abnormal in size with pronounced asymmetry. In this case, their outline is significantly enlarged and can only be partially determined.
Postmenopausal patients have a formation on the damaged organ, which resembles a cyst or follicle in shape.
The affected area has an increased blood supply.
The retrouterine space has a lot of free fluid, the presence of which has nothing to do with ovulation.

When is it time to go to the doctor?

Oncology of the female genitourinary system is dangerous due to the absence of symptoms in the early stages of the disease. During examination, the cancer may not be visible. The latent period can last from 2 months to several years, without causing negative reactions. In addition to routine examinations, ultrasound examinations are prescribed for other indications. These include non-menstrual bleeding and frequent pain in the lower abdomen after vaginal procedures. Symptoms may appear after the installation or removal of intrauterine contraceptives, with prolonged delay of menstruation, infertility, hydroturbation.

Alarming symptoms

In the first stages of uterine cancer, a mild pain syndrome is noticed, so it can be confused with other diseases of the genitourinary system, cystitis, and PMS pain. After the pathological process spreads, pain occurs in the lower abdomen, discomfort during and after sexual intercourse, and copious discharge mixed with pus. The menstrual cycle is disrupted.

Preparation for the procedure

The best time to conduct the study is the beginning of the menstrual cycle, 7-10 days, when after menstruation the endometrial mucosa is thin and ultrasound can accurately determine the presence of pathology. There are different types of ultrasound examination, but there are general rules for preparing for the procedure. In this case, you need to exclude from the diet:

legumes;
yeast bread;
dairy products;
alcohol.

Doctors use the following types of ultrasound examination:

Transvaginal. A sensor is used in which signs of oncology are visible as the device is close to the organ. Before the procedure, you need to empty your bladder so that the organ does not block the uterus.
Transabdominal. Allows you to see the pelvic organs and the size of the tumor. It is recommended to fill your bladder. Before the procedure, drink the required amount of water.
Transperineal. Diagnostics of the abdominal cavity through the perineum. Used in women with vaginal infections and virgins.
Rectal. The examination is carried out through the rectum.

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What does uterine cancer look like on ultrasound?

The doctor should pay attention to the thickness of the endometrium in postmenopausal women, if the observed area exceeded 4 mm, and in premenopausal patients - 16 mm. Endometrial cancer can be seen on ultrasound by external signs. Girls with readings above 12 millimeters undergo an endometrial biopsy. A smear is also taken from the walls of the uterus for cytological examination.

Danger signals for a doctor:

angular shape of a circle or oval on mucosal tissues;
uneven and bumpy surfaces of the tumor;
intermittent contours of the affected area of the endometrium.

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Cervix on ultrasound

This type of oncology ranks second after endometrial malignancies. Cervical cancer on ultrasound can show the size and location at later stages, so errors in diagnosis are possible. To detect cancer at an early stage, cytological examination, colposcopy, and biopsy are used. Modern ultrasound equipment can see cancer from 3 mm in diameter.

Research shows that 90% of cervical cancer is caused by the human papillomavirus.

Cancer can be caused by an inflammatory process due to erosion, which turns into dysplasia - a precancerous condition. With dysplasia, the presence of atypical cells in the cervical canal is noticed. Factors that increase the risk of developing the disease:

One of the pathogenic factors that predispose to the development of cancer is the papilloma virus.

onset of sexual activity at an early age;
frequent change of partners;
human papillomavirus - HPV;
hormonal imbalance.

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Ultrasound with Doppler

Common oncological diseases of the female reproductive system, including cervical cancer, develop gradually. Papillomas, condylomas and a number of benign formations can provoke the formation of a malignant tumor.

If the patient has pathologies and diseases with a high risk of cancer, a diagnosis of “precancerous condition” is made. In this case, it is necessary to carry out regular diagnostics so as not to miss the moment of transition of a benign process into a malignant tumor.

In case of precancerous conditions, an ultrasound is performed simultaneously with a study of blood circulation in the uterine cavity - transvaginal ultrasound with Doppler.

To identify the process of formation of a malignant tumor, the following parameters are taken into account:

the number of blood vessels in the uterine cavity;
blood circulation speed in the venous and arterial beds;
the presence of foci of low echogenicity, the diameter of which is up to 6 mm.

The presence of foci of low echogenicity may be a sign of the initial stage of cervical canal cancer. But there are a number of other diseases of the female reproductive system in which low echogenicity of the uterine cavity is detected, so this parameter is not an indication for making an accurate diagnosis.

When benign processes degenerate into cervical cancer, blood flow in the uterine cavity increases. This is explained by the fact that the tumor needs more blood in order to develop further. The presence of such a sign is an indication for additional diagnostics to determine cancer. Considering the ability of Doppler ultrasound to detect uterine cancer in the early stages, all women should undergo this examination at least once a year for preventive purposes.

Oncology diagnostic errors

In the early stages of uterine cancer, ultrasound examination may cause errors. The disease can be confused with fibroids, endometrial polyps, or hyperplastic processes of the uterus. False results can be caused by the patient’s inadequate preparedness for the procedure, the doctor’s incompetence or inexperience, or a poor ultrasound machine. Errors in cervical cancer research occur due to incorrect diagnosis and untimely detection of oncology. A doctor may confuse cancer with pseudoerosion, leukoplakia, or flat condylomas. The patient undergoes a colposcopy procedure and cytological analysis. If the human papillomavirus is detected against the background of erosive processes, the doctor may prescribe cryodestruction.

Sources:

https://oncologypro.ru/rak-matki/mozhno-li-na-uzi-uvidet-rak-shejki-matki.html https://uziman.ru/mochepolovaya/rak-matki-na-uzi https:// infoonkolog.ru/lokalizatsia/moch-sistema/rak-matki-na-uzi.html

Treatment

Treatment of cervical and uterine cancer depends on the degree of the pathological process and can be:

surgical;
radial;
chemotherapy;
hormonal.

More often the therapy is combined.

If a woman is diagnosed with pre-invasive cervical cancer, the cervix is removed while preserving reproductive function. At the first stage of the pathology, the uterus is removed along with the cervix. In the second and third stages, complex chemotherapy and radiation therapy are performed. At the fourth stage of the tumor process, palliative chemotherapy is prescribed. Additionally, symptomatic therapy is provided in the form of pain relief.

For uterine cancer, the main treatment method is hysterectomy. Additionally, chemotherapy and radiation therapy are performed.

Operation

Surgery for cervical or uterine cancer depends on the stage of the pathology, the presence of damage to the lymphatic vessels and metastases to other organs. For cervical cancer, surgery is performed for the first degree of pathology, less often for the second. In this case, extirpation of the uterus and appendages is performed.

For uterine cancer, surgical treatment is the main treatment. During the operation, a hysterectomy of the uterus with appendages, a biopsy of the omentum and lymph nodes are performed.

The scope of the operation may include:

extirpation of the uterus with appendages;
radical extirpation of the uterus with appendages and lymphadenectomy or removal of lymphatic vessels of the pelvic and inguinal areas;
radical surgery with removal of the greater omentum.