Diagnosis of ovarian cancer (ovarian carcinoma)
Ovarian carcinoma is a malignant tumor of the ovaries. Women are usually affected from the age of 45 with a peak between the ages of 60 and 70. Risk factors include advanced age, infertility, breast cancer, drug-induced ovulation (e.g. as part of in-vitro fertilization), hormone replacement therapy during the menopause and genetic factors (BRCA1 and BRCA2 mutation).
In the early stages of the disease, patients often have no symptoms at all. For this reason, ovarian carcinomas are often only discovered at an advanced stage. At this stage, patients often suffer from stool irregularities, urination problems, flatulence, bloating, cycle disorders, weight loss and reduced performance.
The best imaging method for detecting and diagnosing the extent of ovarian cancer is magnetic resonance imaging of the pelvis, which can provide a definitive diagnosis in approx. 90-100% of cases.
Diagnosis of cervical cancer (cervical carcinoma)
Cervical carcinoma is a malignant tumor of the cervix. The disease occurs in middle and old age. The most important risk factor is infection with certain types of human papillomavirus (HPV). The disease is more common in smokers and overweight people. Cervical cancer usually causes hardly any symptoms. Bleeding from the vagina and pain during sexual intercourse can be indications of the disease.
The diagnosis is made by taking a tissue sample. Magnetic resonance imaging is the method of choice for visualizing the extent of the tumour and is particularly important for stage-appropriate therapy.
Diagnosis of uterine cancer (uterine carcinoma)
Uterine carcinoma is a malignant tumor of the lining of the uterus. The disease tends to occur at an older age (after the menopause). Risk factors include advanced age and obesity. Uterine cancer hardly causes any symptoms in the early stages. The first signs are unusual bleeding or discharge from the vagina.
The diagnosis is confirmed by scraping out the lining of the uterus (curettage). The magnetic resonance examination is used as an imaging method to determine the therapeutic procedure. This examination can be used to determine the size of the tumor in the pelvis, its relationship to the neighboring organs and the depth of invasion.
Diagnosis of fibroids of the uterus (uterine fibroids)
In contrast to uterine carcinoma, fibroids are benign tumors of the uterus. They are also the most common tumors of the uterus. They usually do not cause any discomfort. However, they can also cause pain, disrupt monthly bleeding or fertility or cause problems during pregnancy. They are then treated with medication, interventions (e.g. embolization) or surgery.
The method of choice for imaging and monitoring the progress of fibroids during non-surgical treatment is magnetic resonance imaging.
