Sezgi Güllü ERCİYESTEPE, Mert ERCİYESTEPE, Baki ERDEM
Comprehensive Medicine - 2026;18(3):326-331
Objective: The aim of this study was to compare sociodemographic characteristics, clinical findings, serum CA125 levels, and ultrasonographic- Doppler features among patients with benign, borderline, and invasive ovarian tumors, and to identify factors most strongly associated with invasive disease. Materials and Methods: This retrospective observational study included 129 patients who underwent surgical management for adnexal masses. According to final histopathological diagnosis, patients were classified as having benign tumors (n=88), borderline tumors (n=6), or invasive ovarian carcinoma (n=36). In an additional analysis, borderline and invasive tumors were combined into a malignant group (n=42) and compared with benign lesions. Demographic data, body mass index (BMI), menopausal status, preoperative serum CA125 levels, presence of ascites, and bilaterality were recorded. All patients underwent detailed transvaginal and/or transabdominal ultrasonography with color Doppler evaluation. Sonographic features and Doppler vascularity were systematically analyzed. Results: Serum CA125 levels, BMI, presence of ascites, bilateral tumor involvement, solid components, papillary projections with blood flow, increased Doppler vascularity, and larger lesion size were significantly associated with invasive ovarian carcinoma (all p<0.001). Age did not differ significantly between groups, whereas menopausal age was higher in malignant tumors. Benign lesions were generally smaller and showed absent or minimal Doppler flow, while invasive tumors frequently demonstrated moderate to marked vascularity. Conclusion: The combined assessment of clinical parameters, serum CA125 levels, and detailed ultrasonographic and Doppler findings improves preoperative differentiation between benign and malignant ovarian tumors. An integrated diagnostic approach may enhance risk stratification and support appropriate clinical management.
