If you are diagnosed with ovarian cancer, be sure to checkout our, "5 Tips if Diagnosed with a Gynecologic Cancer" section, and the Ovarian Cancer Treatment section of this website, to become empowered to advocate for yourself as a patient.

Women are often misdiagnosed several times before they find out that they have ovarian cancer. And only half of women receive an accurate diagnosis within three months of their first doctor visit. But to help doctors find abnormal growths that may be linked to ovarian cancer as quickly as possible, there are several common tests available.

What Is A Pelvic Exam?

A pelvic exam gives your doctor an opportunity to assess reproductive organs both visually and physically, checking for any irregularities. Before the exam begins, you’ll be asked to undress from the waist down, and put on a hospital gown. Then the doctor will place your feet up in stirrups on the examination table.

Early stages of ovarian cancer usually can't be found during the pelvic exam itself. However, it can help determine the overall health of the vagina, uterus, cervix, fallopian tubes, ovaries, and rectum.

What Is A Rectal Exam?

A rectal exam is usually done at the same time as a pelvic exam. This is one of the best ways to examine the ovaries for any irregularities. The doctor will feel the ovaries for any abnormal shape or mass, much like the pelvic exam^?.

Some women might find having a pelvic or rectal exam intimidating or even embarrassing. Please remember that doctors perform these tests every day, and they are used to doing them. Don’t let embarrassment prevent you from seeing your doctor. Living a healthy life is more important.

What Is A Transvaginal Ultrasound?

A doctor may order an ultrasound if the pelvic and rectal exams detect a mass or irregularity. A transvaginal ultrasound is the most accurate test used to obtain a picture of the ovaries and lower abdomen.

High-energy sound waves are emitted from a wand inside the vagina. They bounce off the tissue inside the lower abdomen. Images are then produced on the screen for the doctor to analyze. Theses images can’t determine if a mass in cancerous, but will show the doctor if there is an abnormal growth or a mass. This test causes minimal discomfort.

What Is a CA125 Assay Test?

CA125 is a protein release by certain cells into the blood stream. Often, ovarian cancer patients have a higher level of this protein in their blood compared to patients without ovarian cancer.

CA125 levels are sometimes tested if a woman may have ovarian cancer. But because some women naturally have high CA125 levels and some ovarian cancer patients do not exhibit higher levels, it may not be a very reliable method of diagnosis.

Once ovarian cancer is diagnosed, to measure treatment effectiveness, CA125 levels may be followed before and after treatment.

About Imaging Tests

Your doctor may order additional x-rays and image tests if any of the exams show ovary abnormalities or other abnormal physical findings. These tests may help determine if the mass may have spread to other parts of the abdomen.

The imaging tests typically used are:

-CT Scan - used to create in-depth images of internal organs

-MRI - provides detailed imagery of body structure

-Chest X-Ray - a common form of imaging of the lungs

Is A Biopsy Necessary?

Dr. Chi
(Diagnosis and Debulking)

The only way to determine whether or not a growth is ovarian cancer is to directly examine the cells from the tumor or fluid under the microscope. Your doctor may recommend a surgical procedure to obtain a biopsy by removing the mass. Performing a small biopsy of only a portion of the mass should not be done, as this may cause spread of a cancer.

Before a radical surgical procedure is performed, there are two smaller surgeries that may be used to remove the ovary mass. These surgeries include:

-Laparotomy - an incision is made in the lower part of the abdomen, so the gynecologic oncologist can examine the inside of the abdominal cavity and remove the abnormal ovary growth.

-Laparoscopy - the gynecologic oncologist will perform this less invasive surgery by making a few small incisions on the abdomen. A tube-like instrument with a camera and other instruments will be used to collect the ovary mass.

Understanding The Stages Of Ovarian Cancer

Dr. Chi
(Diagnosis and Staging)

Ovarian cancer is categorized into stages that determine how much the cancer has spread. Stage 1 has the least spread. Stage 4 has the most spread. A surgery with multiple biopsies is required to determine the stage of ovarian cancer. The stages are described below.

Stage 1 - The ovarian cancer is only on the ovary (or ovaries)

Stage 2 - The cancer has spread to the other areas in the pelvis, such as the uterus or fallopian tubes

Phyllis G. - Survivor Story 
(Stage 4 Diagnosis)

Stage 3 - The cancer has spread to the lining of the abdomen, to the fat pad that hangs from the stomach (called the omentum) or to the lymph nodes. (This is the stage when ovarian cancer is most commonly diagnosed.)

Stage 4 - The cancer has spread beyond to organs past the pelvis into the lungs or liver