A risk of malignancy index
The Risk of Malignancy Index (RMI) is a scoring system used in gynecology to assess the likelihood of ovarian cancer in women with ovarian masses or tumors. It helps clinicians determine the need for further diagnostic tests or interventions, such as surgery.
The RMI takes into account three main factors:
- Menopausal Status: Whether the patient is premenopausal or postmenopausal.
- CA-125 Serum Level: CA-125 is a tumor marker that can be elevated in ovarian cancer. The RMI considers the serum level of CA-125.
- Ultrasound Findings: The characteristics of the ovarian mass or tumor as assessed by ultrasound examination, including factors such as size, presence of solid components, and presence of ascites (fluid in the abdominal cavity).
Each factor is assigned a numerical score, and the scores are then combined to calculate the RMI score. The specific scoring system and cutoff values may vary depending on the version of the RMI used.
The RMI is used as a tool to stratify patients into low, intermediate, or high-risk categories for ovarian cancer. Patients classified as high-risk may be referred for further evaluation, such as surgical exploration, to confirm the diagnosis and stage the disease.
It’s important to note that while the RMI can provide valuable information to clinicians, it is not a definitive diagnostic test for ovarian cancer. Additional diagnostic tests, such as imaging studies and tissue biopsy, may be necessary to confirm the diagnosis. Additionally, the RMI should be used in conjunction with clinical judgment and other relevant factors in the assessment of patients with ovarian masses or tumors.