Ovarian Cancer Diagnosis
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Diagnosis of Ovarian Cancer
If you or a loved one has been recently diagnosed with ovarian cancer, or have been battling ovarian cancer for some time and are exploring your treatment options, you are not alone. This can be a confusing and overwhelming time. However, you can find innovative options, hope and compassionate care at Cancer Treatment Centers of America (CTCA).
At CTCA, your multidisciplinary care team will provide you with information, listen to your concerns, and provide you with advanced options to fight ovarian cancer. When you arrive at a CTCA cancer hospital, your care team will work with you to develop an individualized ovarian cancer treatment plan tailored to your needs.
- Transvaginal color flow doppler is a type of ultrasound test in which doctors measure blood flow to the ovaries. As a tumor grows within the ovaries, it requires new blood vessels to grow in order to achieve proper circulation. This test may help doctors better assess your condition.
Pelvic examination – Your doctor at home may examine the abdomen and pelvic regions. The doctor will feel for any knots or bumps which may indicate cancerous growths or masses. Nodules on the floor of the pelvis may also indicate ovarian cancer.
Pap smear – This test can sometimes detect the presence of cancerous cells. During this procedure, your doctor will use a small tool to gather cells from the cervix. In general, it is always a good idea to get your yearly pap smear in order to detect the presence of a potentially threatening medical condition early on.
Ultrasound – This imaging technology uses sound waves to provide echoes of your internal organs, including the ovaries. The echoes that tumors produce are different than those of healthy tissues.
MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging) – This imaging technique uses radiofrequency waves to create detailed cross-sectional images of the ovaries. MRI systems are able to distinguish between normal and diseased tissue.
CA 125 blood test – The presence of ovarian cancer often increases levels of CA 125 protein in the blood. However, this test is not definitive. Other conditions may also increase CA 125 protein.
Laparotomy – If you are referred to a gynecologic oncologist, he or she may recommend this procedure. An incision is made in the abdomen to explore the abdominal cavity. The doctor will collect fluid samples and look for abnormalities.
Laparoscopy - Sometimes this procedure is used instead of a laparotomy because it is less invasive and requires only a few small incisions. Based on results from the laparoscopy, your doctor may need to conduct a laparotomy.
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