[Differential diagnosis of cystic ovarian tumors by determination of estradiol in cystic aspirate].

Since ultrasound is routinely used in gynecologic practice, cystic ovarian tumours are detected and, as a result, more unnecessary operations are performed. The aim of our study was, to determine the value of measurement of intracystic oestradiol (E2) in the differential diagnosis of simple cystic ovarian tumours. 30 patients, who underwent a laparotomy for cystic ovarian tumour, had prior measurements of E2 content of the cystic fluid. In 7 functional cysts, E2 was higher than 3,700 pmol/l and in the 23 neoplastic cysts, E2 level was lower than 1,200 pmol/l. Our results and the review of the literature suggest, that E2 content of the intracystic fluid may help to differ between functional and neoplastic cystic ovarian tumours.