Ovarian scans are a common diagnostic tool used in women’s health to visualize the ovaries and surrounding pelvic structures.
Why Ovarian Scans Are Performed
Ovarian scans investigate a range of symptoms and conditions. Pelvic pain, abnormal vaginal bleeding, or changes in menstrual cycles are common reasons for this imaging.
Ovarian scans are also used in the assessment of infertility, helping to monitor the growth of follicles and evaluate the overall health of the reproductive organs. They monitor known ovarian cysts, tracking changes in their size or appearance. Additionally, these scans are part of the diagnostic process for various gynecological conditions, including endometriosis, fibroids, and to investigate potential ovarian masses.
Imaging Techniques for Ovaries
Ultrasound is the primary imaging method for examining the ovaries. This technique uses high-frequency sound waves to create images of internal body structures. A device called a transducer emits these sound waves, and when they encounter tissues and organs, they bounce back as echoes. A computer then processes these echoes, translating them into a real-time image displayed on a screen.
There are two main types of ultrasound used for ovarian assessment: transabdominal and transvaginal. Transabdominal ultrasound involves placing the transducer on the skin of the lower abdomen. This method provides a broader view of the pelvic area, but the ovaries, being small and deep within the pelvis, can sometimes be challenging to visualize clearly.
Transvaginal ultrasound offers a more detailed and close-up view of the ovaries, uterus, and fallopian tubes. For this procedure, a smaller transducer, covered with a protective sheath and lubricating gel, is inserted into the vagina. This closer proximity allows for clearer images, making it particularly useful for detecting smaller abnormalities or evaluating the texture and internal structure of the ovaries. While ultrasound is the most common and effective method for initial ovarian assessment, other imaging techniques like Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) and Computed Tomography (CT) scans may be used in specific situations. These are typically employed to evaluate the spread of disease, assess indeterminate lesions, or gain further detail not visible with ultrasound, but they are not usually the first-line imaging choice for ovarian evaluation.
Your Scan Day: Preparation and Procedure
Preparation for an ovarian scan varies by ultrasound type. For a transabdominal ultrasound, you will typically be asked to arrive with a full bladder. This full bladder helps to push the bowel loops out of the way and provides a clear “window” for the sound waves to travel through, improving the visibility of the ovaries. In contrast, a transvaginal ultrasound usually requires an empty bladder for optimal image quality and patient comfort.
During a transabdominal ultrasound, you will lie on an examination couch, and a clear gel will be applied to your lower abdomen. A sonographer or radiologist will then move the transducer firmly across your skin, capturing images as they go. This part of the scan is generally painless, though you might feel some pressure. The transvaginal ultrasound involves inserting a thin probe into the vagina. While this may cause some discomfort or pressure, it should not be painful. The entire ultrasound procedure typically takes between 15 and 45 minutes to complete.
What Scan Results Reveal
Ovarian scans provide a detailed visual assessment of the ovaries, offering insights into their size, shape, and internal appearance. Sonographers and radiologists examine the images for any structural abnormalities, such as the presence of fluid-filled sacs called follicles, which are normal structures, or cysts. Cysts are common and often benign, but the scan can help differentiate between simple, fluid-filled cysts and more complex ones that might have solid components or irregular features.
The images can also reveal the presence of solid masses or other growths on or near the ovaries. While an ultrasound can identify these findings and suggest whether they are more likely to be benign or concerning, it cannot definitively diagnose cancer. If suspicious findings are noted, the results are typically reviewed by a radiologist who then sends a detailed report to your referring doctor. This report helps your doctor determine the next steps, which may include monitoring the finding over time, ordering further tests like blood work or additional imaging, or recommending a biopsy for a definitive diagnosis.