Ovarian cysts are a common gynecological disease, usually formed by follicles that miss an egg during ovulation. Some cysts will resolve on their own, while others may require treatment. Ultrasound scanning is a non-invasive, safe, and accurate examination method widely used for the diagnosis of ovarian cysts. This article will introduce the characteristics of ultrasound scanning in diagnosing ovarian cysts.

1、 Ultrasound characteristics of ovarian cysts

A healthy ovary is usually composed of many small follicles, called follicles. When a follicle is abnormally filled with fluid and does not release the egg as expected, an ovarian cyst can form. In the ultrasonic scanning, the ovarian cyst shows limited, no specific internal structure, smooth translucent structure, and usually has the characteristics of acoustic image tracking, which is significantly different from the characteristics of normal ovarian tissue. From its acoustic tracking characteristics, it is often possible to determine whether a cyst is solid or liquid, and to determine its size by measuring its maximum diameter.

Cysts typically have the following characteristics:

1. The cyst wall is clear and distinct, presenting a clear and smooth round or oval shape.

2. The cyst wall is thin and transparent, with a spherical liquid occupying the majority and no obvious internal separation.

3. A given cyst may also have different signal characteristics, such as anechoic and echogenic, depending on its content (pure liquid or intramural mixture).

2、 Ultrasound characteristics of different types of ovarian cysts

1. Functional cyst

This type of ovarian cyst is usually formed before a woman's menstrual period, also known as a follicular cyst. The characteristic of this type of ovarian cyst is that the ultrasound tracking shows a liquid circular structure with uniform density, usually less than 3 centimeters in diameter.

2. Fibromatous cyst

This type of specimen is usually bilateral, possibly unilateral, with a cyst presenting as a high echogenic circular structure, surrounded by low echogenic areas, and lacking significant echogenic influence. When the diameter of the cyst is greater than 6 centimeters, there is a possibility of elevated malignancy.

3. Infectious cysts

Infectious ovarian cysts present as congested and irregular cystic walls, with thick and hard walls, and a large amount of solid or liquid inside. When the lesion is large, the echo will increase and worsen with the formation of local abscesses within the cyst.

4. Luteinoma ovarian cyst

This type of ovarian cyst is usually associated with fertility. Its characteristic is a rough capsule wall, filled with blood flow and tissue components, presenting a mixed echo high and low mixed characteristics. In addition, when its diameter is large and the interface is blurry, there is a possibility of malignant transformation.

3、 Advantages and limitations of ultrasonic scanning

Ultrasound scanning has many characteristics and can provide accurate diagnosis of ovarian cysts without the need for traumatic examination. In addition, this examination method is less time-consuming, cost-effective, and provides excellent real-time imaging capabilities, helping doctors make more accurate diagnoses and treatments. However, it also has certain limitations. It is difficult to accurately diagnose ovarian cysts when they are small in size or superimposed on the ovaries. In addition, benign ovarian cysts may be misdiagnosed as malignant tumors in some cases, so although ultrasound scanning is an effective examination method, some patients may still need further examination to determine the type of ovarian cyst.

In summary, ultrasound scanning is a non-invasive, safe, and accurate method widely used for the diagnosis of ovarian cysts. Different types of ovarian cysts have different ultrasound tracking characteristics, and paying attention to these characteristics is an important way to make accurate and rapid diagnosis.