CT Findings of Benign Ovarian Masses

Objective To make a further understanding of CT signs of benign ovarian masses.Materials and Methods CT and US findings of 80 surgically and pathologically proved benign ovarian masses in 60 patients were retrospectively analyzed. Imaging features and CT value in diagnosis were discussed.Results Twenty three of the 25 functional ovarian cysts were detected by CT scans. In 12 of 18 endometriosis, the longitudinal diameter of the mass were parallel to the pelvis wall, and the ratio of longitudinal to transversal diameter was 1.5 in 9 cases. All 15 cystadenomas showed a smooth border. The serous cystadenomas (n=9) were homogeneous and often unilocular (6/9). The mucinous cystadenomas (n=6) were often multilocular (4/6), containing fluid with different attenuation (2/6). All 14 benign cystic teratomas carried fat attenuation. The sensitivity and specificity of CT scans were higher than that of US. Two theca cell tumors presented mainly as solid masses with a little ascetics, while one cystadenofibroma presented as a cystic solid mass. Two of 5 inflammatory masses turned out to be tuberculous with omental involvement.Conclusion Benign ovarian masses, such as endometriosis, cystadenoma and cystic teratoma, have some characteristic CT signs. CT scan is superior to US in diagnosing benign ovarian masses, especially for cystic teratoma.