Diagnosis

If your doctor suspects that you might have ovarian cancer, you should see a gynecologic oncologist (a doctor who specializes in treating cancer of the reproductive system). Doctors use many tests to diagnose cancer and determine if it has metastasized (spread). Some tests may also determine which treatments may be the most effective. For most types of cancer, a biopsy is the only way to make a definitive diagnosis of cancer. If a biopsy is not possible, the doctor may suggest other tests that will help make a diagnosis. Imaging tests may be used to find out whether the cancer has metastasized. Your doctor may consider these factors when choosing a diagnostic test:

• Age and medical condition
  
  
• The type of cancer suspected
  
  
• Severity of symptoms
  
  
• Previous test results

As with all cancers, early detection and treatment is important. However, early detection of ovarian cancer is difficult. Often, women don’t have any symptoms until the later stages of the disease. In fact, 70% of ovarian cancers are not found until the disease is in an advanced stage and has spread to other parts of the body, most commonly the abdomen.

In addition to a physical exam, the following tests may be used to diagnose ovarian cancer:

Pelvic examination. The doctor feels the uterus, vagina, ovaries, fallopian tubes, bladder, and rectum to check for any unusual changes. A Pap test, usually done with a pelvic examination, cannot find or diagnose ovarian cancer.

Transvaginal ultrasound. An ultrasound wand is inserted in the vagina and aimed at the ovaries. An ultrasound uses sound waves to create a picture of the ovaries, including healthy tissues, cysts, and tumors. Researchers are currently evaluating whether this test can help with early detection of ovarian cancer.

CA-125 assay. This blood test measures a substance called CA-125, a tumor marker, which is found in higher levels in women with ovarian cancer and other conditions, including endometriosis and pelvic inflammatory disease. This test is more accurate in postmenopausal women.

Biopsy. A biopsy is the removal of a small amount of tissue for examination under a microscope. A biopsy for ovarian cancer is rarely done as a separate procedure. If the doctor suspects ovarian cancer, the patient will most likely receive surgery (see Treatment) to remove as much of the tumor as possible, and a tumor sample will be analyzed afterwards. Other tests can suggest that cancer is present, but only an analysis of the tumor can make a definite diagnosis. The sample removed during surgery or biopsy is analyzed by a pathologist (a doctor who specializes in interpreting laboratory tests and evaluating cells, tissues, and organs to diagnose disease). The doctor may recommend additional tests to see if the cancer has spread beyond the ovaries.

Lower gastrointestinal (GI) series. This is a series of x-rays of the colon and rectum taken after the patient has a barium enema. The barium highlights the colon and rectum on the x-ray, making it easier to identify a tumor or abnormal area in those organs.

Computed tomography (CT or CAT) scan. A CT scan creates a three-dimensional picture of the inside of the body with an x-ray machine. A computer then combines these images into a detailed, cross-sectional view that shows any abnormalities or tumors. Sometimes, a contrast medium (a special dye) is injected into a patient’s vein to provide better detail.

Positron emission tomography (PET) scan. A PET scan is a way to create pictures of organs and tissues inside the body. A small amount of a radioactive substance is injected into a patient’s body and absorbed by the organs or tissues being studied. This substance gives off energy that is detected by a scanner, which produces the images.

X-ray. An x-ray is a picture of the inside of the body. For instance, a chest x-ray can show if the cancer has spread to the lungs.

To learn more about what to expect during common diagnostic tests, read Cancer.Net: Tests and Procedures.

To learn about the terms used in this section, read the Cancer.Net Feature: Cancer Terms to Know: Newly Diagnosed.