Sonographic Morphology Scores (SMS) for differentiation between benign and malignant adnexal masses

Abstract

Objective To determine the sensitivity and specificity of scoring system in distinguishing between benign and malignant adnexal mass. To detect threshold score for prediction of malignant adnexal tumor.

Study design Cross-sectional diagnostic test.

Settings Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Faculty of Medicine, Chiang Mai University.

Subjects A total 158 patients scheduled for elective surgery due to ovarian tumor at Maharaj Nakorn Chiang Mai Hospital between Junel 6,2002 and August 8, 2003 were recruited into the study.

Methods All patients were sonographically examed within 72 hours of surgery by the same sonographer to evaluate the morphology including wall structure, shadowing, septum, echogenicity and score the tumors. The final diagnosis was based on either pathological or operative findings.

Main outcome measure Sensitivity and specificity of the best cut-off score.

Results               The score of 5 from receiver operating characteristic curve was the best cut-off score,

giving the sensitivity and specificity of 85% and 70% respectively.

Conclusion The sonographic morphology scores are probably useful in distinguishing adnexal malignancy from benign adnexal masses in some selected cases. The cut-off point score was 5, giving the sensitivity and specificity of 85% and 70%.