What are the examination methods for ovarian cysts?

Many female friends often feel lower abdominal pain, sometimes bloating, and irregular menstruation. This is most likely caused by ovarian cysts. It is best to go to the hospital as soon as possible for examination through some gynecological examination methods. Let us learn about some common examination methods that female friends usually use to check ovarian cysts.

Pregnancy test, gastroscopy, fiber colonoscopy, color Doppler ultrasound, MRI, serum tumor markers, etc., and in some special cases, abdominal puncture, laparoscopy, laparotomy, etc.

1. Laparoscopy

The general condition of the tumor can be directly seen, the entire pelvic and abdominal cavity can be observed, multiple biopsies can be taken at suspicious sites, and peritoneal fluid can be absorbed for cytological examination to confirm the diagnosis and provide postoperative monitoring. However, it is contraindicated for patients with huge or adhesive masses, and the retroperitoneal lymph nodes cannot be observed.

2. Radiological diagnosis

MRI, CT, etc. are helpful in diagnosing tumor metastasis to the liver, lungs, and retroperitoneal lymph nodes. A plain abdominal radiograph can aid in the diagnosis of intestinal obstruction.

3. Secondly

If the cyst is a malignant ovarian tumor, like other tumors, it can produce and release a variety of products such as antigens, hormones and enzymes. These substances can be detected in the patient's serum through immunological, biochemical and other methods. They are called tumor markers and indicate the presence of a certain tumor in the body.

(1) The antigen marker CA125 is a relatively sensitive tumor marker for ovarian tumors. AFP is the best tumor marker for endodermal sinus tumor. The AFP value may also be elevated in immature teratomas. The increase in AFP often precedes clinical signs, and it is of great significance in diagnosis and monitoring.

(2) The hormone marker human chorionic gonadotropin β-subunit (β-hCG) is a highly specific marker for gestational trophoblastic disease, and its serum concentration is often elevated in patients with ovarian choriocarcinoma. Estrogen levels are elevated in patients with granulosa cell tumors and theca cell tumors. 30% of patients with testicular blastoma have increased urinary 17-ketosteroid excretion.

(3) The excretion of enzyme marker/lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) is increased in patients with ovarian malignant tumors.

If ovarian cysts are found through the above methods, they should be treated promptly under the guidance of a professional doctor. If ovarian cysts are delayed for a long time, they may cause female infertility, and may also often cause dysmenorrhea, irregular menstruation, and induce some other gynecological diseases. It is best to pay enough attention to it.