Tissue characterization by transvaginal colour Doppler for the evaluation of gynaecological tumours. 1. Review of the literature.

This is the first review published in Hungary about the usefulness of transvaginal colour Doppler (TVCD) in gynaecology. The history of "ultrasound tissue characterization", the conventional and colour Doppler methods are discussed as well as the pathomorphological basis of abnormal Doppler signals. The summary of tumourangiogenesis, of neovascularization and its manifestation in Doppler spectrum are given. The differences between normal and pathological Doppler signals in female small pelvis are shown. It is concluded that the routine application of TVCD will reduce the rate of false positive results and "luxury" operations from screening procedures.