Comparing ascitic aspirate and tissue biopsy in the diagnosis of ovarian malignancy

Abstract

The objective of this retrospective study was to assess the role of tissue biopsy in ovarian cancer where a diagnosis had been made from cytological assessment of ascites. A total of 63 women had been coded for ovarian carcinoma during the period; 48 had undergone cytological or histological investigation, of which six had undergone tissue biopsy, despite having had a cytological diagnosis. In all six cases (100%), the tissue biopsy concurred with the original diagnosis. We conclude that, where a clinically- and radiologically-correlated cytological diagnosis is made, the benefits of an invasive procedure to obtain tissue samples do not outweigh the risks to the patient.

Keywords::

• Basic science
• general gynaecology
• gynaecological oncology
• ovarian cancer

Declaration of interest: The authors report no conflicts of interest. The authors alone are responsible for the content and writing of the paper.