Detection and characterization of adnexal masses

Ultrasound is usually the first imaging study performed in women with pelvic symptoms and in women with suspected adnexal mass by physical examination. MR imaging also has proved beneficial, particularly to determine the site of origin, for adnexal masses and to, characterize those masses that, are indeterminate by sonographic criteria. Computed tomography (CT) is the primary modality for ovarian tumor staging and diagnosis of recurrence. This article focuses on: rationale for imaging in ovarian cancer detection; key imaging features of specific malignant adnexal masses; ultrasound detection of adnexal masses; characterization of adnexal masses by morphology; and Doppler MR imaging for lesion characterization.