Transvaginal Ultrasound for Endometrial Carcinoma Screening – Current Evidence-based Data

Abstract

The value of transvaginal ultrasound in gynaecological examinations is beyond dispute. But it is of particular forensic importance that the validity of this type of imaging with regard to the reliable detection of early-stage malignancy is properly understood. Vaginal ultrasound screening in asymptomatic patients for the early detection of endometrial carcinoma is not useful from a medical point of view, nor is it cost-efficient. However, even though the validity of transvaginal ultrasound for screening has currently not been proven, the method should still be an integral part of gynaecological examinations.

Zusammenfassung

Die Wertigkeit der transvaginalen Ultraschalluntersuchung im Rahmen der gynäkologischen Untersuchung ist unbestritten. Es ist aber von besonderer auch forensischer Bedeutung, dass die Aussagekraft dieses Untersuchungsverfahrens im Hinblick auf das sichere Erkennen einer Krebserkrankung im Frühstadium sinnvoll eingeordnet wird. Unter Kosten-Nutzen-Gesichtspunkten ist ein generelles Screening bei asymptomatischen Patientinnen nicht sinnvoll. Zwar kann die transvaginale Sonografie das Ziel als Screeninginstrument zum gegenwärtigen Zeitpunkt nicht erreichen kann, sie bleibt aber integraler Bestandteil der gynäkologischen Untersuchung.

Key words

transvaginal ultrasound - endometrial cancer - screening

Schlüsselwörter

transvaginaler Ultraschall - Endometriumkarzinom - Screening

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