Evaluation of serial grey scale ultrasound scans in a gynecologic oncology clinic

Fifty women with primary malignant neoplasms of the ovary, fallopian tube, or uterus were examined and followed with serial grey scale ultrasound scans of the abdomen and pelvis during the course of their oncologic management. Assessment of the usefulness of this technique to the clinican indicates that in 66% of the cases, serial ultrasound studies were considered contributory, confirming the clinical impression or adding new information. Twenty percent of the ultrasound examinations were misleading, but did not adversely effect clinical management. These cases have been analyzed in detail; technical problems and pitfalls are discussed. It is concluded that ultrasonography can make a contribution in the follow-up of patients with gynecologic malignancies when carefully correlated with the clinical assessment, but certain patients may be unsuitable for scanning.