What it means
O-RADS stands for Ovarian-Adnexal Reporting and Data System. The adnexa are the ovaries, the fallopian tubes and the tissue around them. The radiologist describes a finding with standard words, such as simple cyst or solid area, and gives a category from 0 to 5 that reflects the risk of cancer. Ultrasound and MRI each have their own version, with slightly different rules.
When it matters
Category 0 means the scan was incomplete. 1 is a normal ovary, including small cysts that come and go with the monthly cycle. 2 is almost certainly benign, with a risk under 1 percent. 3 is low risk, 4 intermediate and 5 high risk. Most ovarian findings, especially simple cysts, are benign. A 3 may lead to a follow-up scan or an MRI. A 4 or 5 usually means review by a gynecologist, often with a gynecologic cancer specialist.
Questions to ask your doctor
- What category is the finding, and how big is it?
- Do I need a follow-up ultrasound or an MRI, and when?
- Does my menopause status change what this score means for me?
