There is no simple and reliable way to screen for ovarian cancer in women who do not have any signs or symptoms. However, early detection can lead to effective treatment.
Diagnostic tests are used once you begin experiencing symptoms or if you are a high-risk patient who has not yet demonstrated symptoms. Diagnostic tests are used to determine the cause of your symptoms.
The following tests and procedures may be performed to diagnose ovarian cancer:
- Pelvic exam: An exam of the vagina, cervix, uterus, fallopian tubes, ovaries, and rectum. Your doctor or nurse inserts one or two lubricated, gloved fingers into your vagina while placing the other hand over your lower abdomen to feel the size, shape, and position of your uterus and ovaries. Using a speculum to hold open the vagina, your doctor examines the vagina and cervix for signs of disease. A Pap test (Pap smear) is usually performed in conjunction with the pelvic exam, as is a digital rectal exam, in which your doctor or nurse inserts a lubricated, gloved finger into your rectum to feel for lumps or other abnormalities.
- Ultrasound: A procedure in which high-energy sound waves (ultrasound) are bounced off internal tissues or organs to create echoes. The echoes form a picture of your body tissues (sonogram). An abdominal ultrasound or a transvaginal ultrasound may be done.
- CA 125 assay: A test that measures the level of CA 125 in the blood. An increased CA 125 level is sometimes a sign of cancer or another condition.
- Barium enema: A series of X-rays of the lower gastrointestinal tract. A liquid that contains barium (a silver-white metallic compound) is put into the rectum. The barium coats the lower gastrointestinal tract and x-rays are taken. This procedure is also called a lower GI series.
- Intravenous pyelogram (IVP): A series of X-rays of the kidneys, ureters, and bladder to find out if your cancer has spread to these organs. A contrast dye is injected into a vein. As the contrast dye moves through the kidneys, ureters, and bladder, X-rays are taken to see if there are any blockages.
- CT scan (CAT scan): A procedure that creates a series of detailed pictures of areas inside the body, taken from different angles. The pictures are made by a computer linked to an X-ray machine. A dye may be injected into a vein or given orally to help the organs or tissues show up more clearly. This procedure is also called computed tomography, computerized tomography, or computerized axial tomography.
- Biopsy: The removal of cells or tissues so they can be viewed under a microscope by a pathologist to check for signs of cancer. The tissue is removed in a procedure called a laparotomy (a surgical incision made in the wall of the abdomen).
The Pap test does not check for ovarian cancer. The only cancer the Pap test screens for is cervical cancer. Since there is no simple and reliable way to screen for any gynecologic cancers except for cervical cancer, it is especially important to recognize warning signs and see your doctor.
How is ovarian cancer diagnosed? - American Cancer Society
