Ovarian Cancer Diagnosis

Diagnosing Ovarian Cancer

If you experience symptoms of ovarian cancer, your doctor may perform one or more diagnostic tests to confirm a diagnosis and determine the specific type and stage of the cancer.

Medical History Review and Physical Exam

Your gynecologist will conduct a thorough review of your personal and family medical history to identify hereditary or genetic risk factors. They will also perform a deeper inquiry into your specific symptoms. 

Your gynecologist will perform a pelvic exam to look for signs that may indicate ovarian cancer, such as an abnormal growth, an enlarged ovary or ascites (fluid in the abdomen). 

A pelvic exam is used in combination with other diagnostic tools because a pelvic exam alone is not sufficient to rule out the possibility of ovarian cancer. 

Ultrasound

If your team suspects there is an issue with your ovaries, an ultrasound is often the first test they will conduct. An ultrasound is a type of imaging test that uses sound waves to visualize organs inside the pelvis and abdomen and detect any abnormalities.  

For a better view of the ovaries, a small, lubricated probe (a transducer) may be inserted into the vagina to conduct a test called a transvaginal ultrasound (TVUS). 

Computed Tomography (CT) Scan

A computed tomography (CT) scan is a type of imaging test that uses X-rays to create detailed cross-sectional pictures inside the body. A CT scan can be used to help your doctor determine if ovarian cancer has spread to other organs. 

A CT scan may not show smaller ovarian tumors, but it can detect whether a larger tumor is growing into nearby structures or whether lymph nodes are enlarged. A CT scan can also help your doctor decide whether additional tests are needed. 

Blood Tests

If an abnormal ovarian mass is found by an ultrasound or CT scan, your doctor may order a CA-125 blood test to help determine the likelihood of cancer. This blood test checks the level of several substances in your blood, including a cancer antigen called CA-125. 

The CA-125 tests for a blood protein that increases in people with cancer, but it is not specific to ovarian or other types of cancer. It can also increase due to non-cancerous conditions such as pregnancy, endometriosis, ovarian cysts and more. 

A blood test alone will not diagnose cancer but is useful as a tumor marker to help guide treatment. Your doctor uses your blood test results to help determine the next steps. 

Biopsy

A biopsy is a type of exploratory surgery that determines whether or not a tumor is cancerous. 

For ovarian cancer, a biopsy most often includes surgically removing a tumor. Your surgeon may also remove tissue and fluid from the pelvis and abdomen so a pathologist can more closely examine it for the presence of cancer. 

Sometimes surgery to remove one or both ovaries is needed for the pathologist to test for signs of cancer cells.