Exams and Tests
There are no reliable screening tests for ovarian cancer.
Some initial exams and tests are done before surgery if ovarian cancer is suspected. These tests include:
Recurrent or Persistent Ovarian Epithelial Cancer Treatment
Note: Some citations in the text of this section are followed by a level of evidence. The PDQ editorial boards use a formal ranking system to help the reader judge the strength of evidence linked to the reported results of a therapeutic strategy. (Refer to the PDQ summary on Levels of Evidence for more information.) Overall, approximately 80% of patients diagnosed with ovarian epithelial cancer will relapse after first-line platinum-based and taxane-based chemotherapy and may benefit from subsequent...
Read the Recurrent or Persistent Ovarian Epithelial Cancer Treatment article > >
- Your medical history, to check what symptoms you have and what your chance of developing ovarian cancer is.
- A physical exam, including a pelvic exam and Pap test. An ovarian lump may be felt during a pelvic exam. A rectovaginal exam may also be done to feel the pelvic organs.
- A complete blood count (CBC), to check for anemia and other abnormal blood values.
- A chemistry screen, to check for liver and kidney problems.
- A human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) level, which may be done to rule out pregnancy or an ectopic pregnancy.
- A cancer antigen 125 (CA-125) level, to measure a protein found on the surface of many ovarian cancer cells.
- A pelvic and transvaginal ultrasound, to look for an ovarian lump.
More tests may be done before surgery to determine if other areas of the body are involved. These tests include:
- A pelvic or abdominal CT scan or MRI to check for the spread of cancer.
- A chest X-ray to check for the spread of cancer.
Surgery, usually a laparotomy, is done to confirm that cancer is present, to provide initial treatment, and to stage the cancer.
Early Detection
For most women, the United States Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) does not recommend having a CA-125 blood test or a transvaginal ultrasound to find ovarian cancer early.10 There is no proof that having regular tests helps women live longer by finding ovarian cancer early. Still, experts recommend that women who have inherited a BRCA gene change and have not had their ovaries removed have a transvaginal ultrasound and a CA-125 blood test at least once a year, starting at age 35. Women who have inherited a BRCA1 gene change (not a BRCA2 gene change) may want to start having these regular tests as early as age 25.1
WebMD Medical Reference from Healthwise
Ovarian Cancer GuideToday in Ovarian Cancer
Health Solutions From Our Sponsors
©2005-2012 WebMD, LLC. All rights reserved.
WebMD does not provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. See additional information.