Ovarian Cancer

How is ovarian cancer diagnosed? 

Initial tests

• Pelvic examination

  Your doctor may feel the ovaries and nearby organs for any lumps or suspicious abnormality.

  

• Ultrasound scan
  

  This is a painless test used to view the structures inside your body. The ultrasound probe may be placed on your abdomen or inside your vagina to scan the ovaries.
  

• Blood test
  

  A blood test may be done to detect a protein called CA-125. The level of CA-125 can be high in women with ovarian cancer. However, other non-cancerous conditions can also cause a high level of CA-125. Thus, this blood test alone is not a conclusive gauge for the diagnosis of ovarian cancer.

Further tests

You may be advised to go for further tests depending on your symptoms and the results of your initial tests.

• Imaging tests

  • CT or MRI scans of the lower abdomen can provide details of the internal organs structure and help to determine the extent of the disease.
  • A chest X-ray may be done to check if the cancer has spread to the lungs.

• Blood test

  • To assess general health and to check if the cancer has affected liver or kidney function.

• Scans of the bowel or urinary tract

  • These tests may be needed if you have symptoms such as constipation or urinary frequency, which may indicate that the cancer has spread to these areas.

• Aspiration of fluid in abdomen

  • If your abdomen is swollen with fluid, a sample of the fluid will be taken and examined under the microscope to look for cancer cells.
    

• Surgery

  • Surgery and a biopsy may be required to determine the extent of the cancer and if it originates from the ovaries.