What is the common diagnostic tool used for evaluating pelvic masses?

Ultrasound is the primary diagnostic tool used for evaluating pelvic masses, particularly in women's health contexts. This is primarily due to its ability to provide real-time imaging of soft tissues, assess the characteristics of the mass, and differentiate between solid and cystic masses.

Ultrasound is non-invasive, does not involve ionizing radiation, and can be performed quickly with minimal patient preparation. It is particularly useful in evaluating conditions such as ovarian cysts, fibroids, and ectopic pregnancies. The use of Doppler ultrasound can also help assess blood flow, which is essential in determining the nature of the mass.

While CT scans and MRI can provide valuable information about pelvic masses and are often used for further evaluation in complex cases, ultrasound remains the first-line imaging modality. X-rays, on the other hand, are not suitable for evaluating soft tissue structures, which makes them less useful in this context.