Ovarian Cancer - Prevention

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Once a growth is detected, the additional tests described below may help the doctor evaluate the risk for it being cancerous.

Transvaginal Ultrasound and Other Imaging Tests

Ultrasound. Ultrasound is a noninvasive diagnostic tool that can evaluate tumors and masses discovered during the rectovaginal exam:

• Typically, a probe that emits sound waves (ultrasound). is placed in the vagina. The sound waves bounce off tissues, organs, and masses in the pelvic cavity. These echoes are collected and converted into a picture of the area called a sonogram. Healthy tissue, fluid-filled cysts, and solid tumors produce different sound waves.

Click the icon to see an image of transvaginal ultrasound.

• The ultrasound probe may also be placed on abdominal walls above the ovaries (transabdominal ultrasound), but it does not provide as clear a picture of the ovaries. This technique may be needed to evaluate larger masses or cancer that has spread into the abdomen.

Other Imaging Techniques. Other imaging techniques are less common for the diagnosis or evaluation of suspected ovarian cancer but may help determine if cancer has spread to other parts of the body:

• Computed tomography (CT). Computed tomography records x-ray absorption rates of tissue and bone. These data are converted into clear images on a screen. CT scans help determine if cancer has spread to the lymph nodes, abdominal organs, abdominal fluid, and the liver.

Click the icon to see an image of a CT scan.

• Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). MRI creates multiple cross-sectional images of the pelvis and abdominal organs, which are assembled into three-dimensional images. An MRI is not usually used to diagnose ovarian cancer, but may help determine if cancer has spread to the brain or spinal cord.

Click the icon to see an image of a MRI scan.

• Chest x-rays. Find cancer that has spread to the lungs.

Click the icon to see an image of an x-ray machine.

CA-125 and Other Blood Tests

CA-125 Blood Test. CA-125 is a protein that is secreted by ovarian cancer cells and is elevated in over 80% of patients with ovarian cancer. Oncologists will usually only obtain a blood test for this protein if ovarian cancer is strongly suspected or has been diagnosed. In general, a CA-125 level is considered to be normal if it is less than 35 U/mL (microns per milliliter). The test may also be useful for evaluating tumor growth and predicting survival in patients with recurrent cancer who have been treated with topotecan or paclitaxel-carboplatin chemotherapy regimens.

The test is not useful for diagnosis or early screening, however. In about half of women with very early ovarian cancer, CA-125 levels are not elevated above the normal standard. Furthermore, an elevated level can be caused by a number of other conditions including: