[Diagnosis of benign ovarian lesions using imaging techniques].

Benign ovarian focal lesions - such cystic, inflammatory, vascular and metaplastic changes - may occur at any age but they are most commonly observed in girls at puberty and in young women. The most important preliminary procedures in case of suspected adnexal pathologies are interview, physical examination and classical female bimanual pelvic examination which together with imaging techniques allow correct diagnosis. The commonly available and inexpensive method of female reproductive organs imaging is an ultrasonography (USG). Magnetic resonance (MR), computed tomography (CT) and in case of malignant lesions also positron emission tomography (PET) may also be performed. In doubtful cases, when the evaluation of lesions using USG method is difficult MR is recommended. Due to high resolution, it facilitates precise evaluation of the type and size of lesions, allows distinguishing simple and complex fluid collections while fat saturation sequences make it possible to distinguish cysts containing blood and fat. Moreover, the patient is not exposed to ionizing radiation, which is especially important in women in reproductive age and in children. Computed tomography is recommended for preoperative staging and monitoring of treatment of malignant adnexal neoplasms as well as localization of small peritoneal metastases.