Ovarian cancer

Diagnosis of Ovarian Cancer

Unfortunately, unlike the smear test for cervical cancer there is no reliable screening tool available for ovarian cancer. It can be a very difficult condition to diagnose, mainly because there are often no symptoms, especially in the early stages. For the small number of women who are fortunate enough to have their cancer diagnosed before it has spread beyond the ovary, the chance for cure is 85-90 per cent.

If you do have any worrying symptoms, see your doctor. He or she will probably perform some simple tests and may refer you to a specialist at a hospital for further investigations.

Investigations for Suspected Ovarian Cancer

Investigations are varied and may include:

• Pelvic examination, possibly with a cervical smear test. Although the smear doesn't detect ovarian cancer, it may detect cancer cells that have migrated to the cervix from the ovaries or abnormal cells in the cervix itself.
• Blood tests to check your general health.
• Ultrasound tests, which may be 'abdominal' or 'transvaginal'. An abdominal ultrasound is similar to that done in pregnancy, with the 'probe' being passed over the abdominal wall. Transvaginal ultrasound is carried out by placing a small probe actually into the vagina so that the ovaries, which lie nearby, can be studied.
• CAT scan, which produces X-ray images of cross-sections of body tissues. This takes longer than a normal X-ray but it is painless.
• Barium enema, which shows up in the bowel on X-ray to detect abnormal areas that may be caused by ovarian cancer or bowel problems.
• Intravenous pyelogram (IVP), which produces X-rays of the kidneys, bladder and ureters. Ovarian cysts or tumours can often cause pressure on these organs. Before the X-ray is taken, a fluid (a contrast agent) is injected into your veins, and this will highlight your urinary tract so that it can be studied.
• Laparoscopy, a type of minor surgery where a small telescope is passed into the abdomen to look at the ovaries and take a sample of tissue. Microscopic examination of abnormal fluid or tissue is the only sure way to diagnose ovarian cancer and to help determine how much it has spread.