Early detection of ovarian cancer improves the chances for successful treatment. This may be achieved through a review of medical history, regular pelvic examinations, consultation with physicians, and screening tests.
Unfortunately, most of the time patients presented with no obvious symptoms. Most symptoms related to early stage ovarian cancers are usually vague and non-specific. These symptoms include unusual vaginal bleeding, back pain, leg pain, pelvic pressure (the feeling of having to urinate or defecate), digestive problems, and prolonged abdominal swelling.
Because these symptoms may be caused by conditions other than ovarian cancer, it is quite possible that the cancer may spread well before the attending physician considers the possibility of ovarian cancer. Nevertheless, consultation with a physician increases the chances of early detection and successful treatment than if such symptoms are simply dismissed as caused by a less serious disease. Any possibility of the occurrence of ovarian cancer should be reported to a physician as soon as possible.
A woman who has reached 18 years of age or who has become sexually active, whichever comes earlier, should have annual pelvic examinations and pap smears.
During a pelvic examination, the doctor physically examines the uterus and ovaries for shape, size and consistency. This kind of physical examination may detect some cancers of the reproductive system while they are still at an early stage. Most ovarian tumors, however, are hard to detect this way, even for skilled and experienced practitioners.
A pap smear is effective in detecting cervical cancer. It could also have limited use in ovarian cancer detection. However, when it does detect an ovarian cancer, the disease is usually already at an advanced stage.
Should the occurrence of ovarian cancer be considered a possibility, a gynecological oncologist, a doctor trained and experienced in the treatment of female reproductive organ cancers, should be consulted.
There are also screening tests that may be carried out for women at high risk of developing ovarian cancer.
Transvaginal sonography is an ultrasound test where an instrument is placed in the vagina to detect a mass in the ovary. The test, however, cannot determine whether the mass is malignant or benign.
Blood tests may also be undertaken to measure CA-125, a protein that is higher in the blood of women afflicted with ovarian cancer. The level of CA-125 is often elevated in women who have ovarian cancer. It also drops during remission or after surgical removal of the cancerous tumor.
Increase in CA-125, however, could also be caused by non-cancerous conditions. Moreover, some ovarian cancers may not result in increases of CA-125. Should results show an increase in CA-125, more x-ray studies or even examination of fluids taken from ovarian tissues or the abdomen may be needed to determine whether there is cancer present.
It should be noted that both transvaginal sonography and blood tests to measure the amount of C-125 have not reduced the number of deaths caused by ovarian cancer. As such, they are not recommended as screening methods for those who are at strong risk of the disease.
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Reviewed by:
Jiade J. Lu, M.D.
Diplomate, American Board of Radiology (Radiation Oncology)
Medical Director
The Cancer Information Network
Date Modified: 06/14/04
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