How is epithelial ovarian cancer diagnosed?

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How is epithelial ovarian cancer diagnosed?

There aren’t any screening tests to detect ovarian cancer early. You might have tests only if you have symptoms or are high risk. Your healthcare provider may start by performing a pelvic exam to check for unusual growths or enlarged organs.

You might have a CA-125 blood test to check for elevated levels of a protein called cancer antigen 125 (CA-125). High levels may mean you need more testing.

These imaging tests help detect ovarian cancer:

  • Transvaginal ultrasound.
  • CT scan.
  • MRI.
  • Positron emission tomography (PET) scan.
  • Chest X-rays (to look for metastatic cancer to the lungs).

You may also undergo a laparoscopy. This less invasive procedure lets your surgeon view your reproductive organs. Your healthcare provider may take tissue samples of a tumor to biopsy for cancer cells. A biopsy is the only way to definitively diagnose ovarian cancer.

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