Ovarian Cancer

Diagnosis

Although there is no reliable test to detect ovarian cancer, several procedures may help physicians diagnose the disease. Screening for ovarian cancer begins with a pelvic examination. The physician examines the vagina, rectum and lower abdomen for masses or growths. Women of all ages should have a yearly pelvic examination.

If the pelvic exam reveals growths on the ovaries, doctors can order tests that produce detailed images of the ovaries. These tests include PET (positron emission tomography) and CT (computed tomography) scans, MRI and ultrasound. For women who have previously had ovarian cancer, the CA125 blood test is often used. It detects a protein antigen found at abnormally high levels in the blood serum of women who have ovarian cancer.

Because of the location of the ovaries, surgery is necessary to confirm a diagnosis of ovarian cancer. A laparotomy is performed to enter the abdominal cavity to determine if cancer is present. If cancer is found, physicians identify the type of tumor and check to see if the cancer has spread. This helps them determine the stage of the disease. Stage I is the earliest stage of ovarian cancer, and Stage IV the latest. Determining the stage is crucial for developing the best treatment plan.