Diagnosis of Ovarian Cancer
The following tests and procedures are used to diagnose ovarian cancer:
- Pelvic exam: When performing a pelvic exam, your doctor will insert gloved fingers into your vagina and press one hand on your belly to palpate your pelvic organs. The doctor also does a visual inspection of your external genitalia, vagina, and cervix.
- Imaging tests: Ultrasound and computed tomography studies of the abdomen and pelvis can provide useful information on the ovary’s size, shape, and structure.
- Blood tests: In order to get a full picture of your health, a blood test may also check organ function. Your healthcare provider may also check your blood for tumor markers in order to diagnose ovarian cancer. Ovarian cancer cells typically display a protein called cancer antigen (CA) 125, which can be detected by a cancer antigen (CA) 125 test [4]. Although these exams cannot definitively confirm a cancer diagnosis, they can help narrow down the possible causes and outcomes.
- Surgery: If your doctor isn’t sure what’s wrong, he or she may need to remove your ovaries and test for cancer.
- Genetic testing: A blood test can check for alterations in genes that put you at a higher risk of developing ovarian cancer, which your doctor may order if you have symptoms. Your doctor can better care for you if they know about the genetic mutation you inherited. If you have siblings or children who might be at risk for the same genetic mutations, it might be helpful to let them know about the study.
After concluding a diagnosis of ovarian cancer, your doctor will utilize the results of your examinations and procedures to categorize the disease into one of several stages. Ovarian cancer stages are typically denoted by the Roman numbers I through IV, which range from stage 1 to stage 4. The cancer is only in the ovaries, which is the best prognosis. By stage 4, the malignancy has reached distant organs.