Transvaginal Ultrasound and Photoacoustic Imaging of Ovary

Transvaginal Ultrasound and Photoacoustic Imaging of the Ovary

This study is being conducted to validate if photoacoustic imaging potentially reduces benign surgeries without compromising cancer detection sensitivity. The study will also explore whether using the photoacoustic imaging/ultrasound technique has any potential with early ovarian cancer detection in a group of high risk patients.

In primary and secondary objectives, the investigators will consent patients who are at risk for ovarian cancer, or who have an ovarian mass possibly suggestive of a malignancy and are counseled to undergo oophorectomy. Patients will be identified by the GYN physicians and consented by the study coordinator prior to the date of the scheduled surgical procedure.

In exploratory objectives, the investigators will consent patients who are at risk for ovarian cancer and wish to be followed before making decision to undergo prophylactic oophorectomy. Patients will be identified based on the eligibility criteria by the physicians and consented by the study coordinator prior to the follow up studies.

Inclusion Criteria for Primary and Secondary Outcome Measures

• All patients, 18 years or older, referred to the Washington University School of Medicine for conditions necessitating surgery to include at least a unilateral oophorectomy.
• Willingness to participate in the study and able to provide informed consent.

Inclusion Criteria for Exploratory Outcome Measures

• At least 18 years of age
• Referred to the Washington University School of Medicine for conditions necessitating surgery to include at least a unilateral oophorectomy, an ovarian cystectomy, or a unilateral or bilateral salpingectomy .
• Willing to be followed for one to 4.5 years prior to making the decision to undergo prophylactic oophorectomy.
• Documented deleterious mutation in one of the following ovarian cancer genes: BRCA1, BRCA2, BRIP1, PALB2, RAD51C, RAD51D, BARD1, MSH2, MSH6, MLH1, PMS2, or EPCAM.

Exclusion Criteria:

• Male
• Younger than 18 years of age