Ovarian Cancer

Tests
Currently there is no ideal screening test for ovarian cancer. However, research there into the development of a reliable method for early detection amongst women without apparent symptoms. In the meantime, it is important that women are awareness of the symptoms of ovarian cancer.

Testing of symptomatic women includes:

• CA 125 (Cancer antigen 125) measures a protein in the blood which is high in about 80% of those ovarian cancers which are derived from the surface cells. It may be used in with pelvic examination and a transvaginal and/or pelvic ultrasound to help diagnose ovarian cancer. CA 125 however, it is not specific enough to be used as a general screening test: increases in CA 125 levels are seen in other cancers, in hepatitis, pelvic inflammatory disease, and endometriosis as well as in early pregnancy and menstruation. It is mainly used as a tumour marker to monitor ovarian cancer treatment and to help detect early recurrence of cancer.
• AFP (Alpha fetoprotein) and hCG (human chorionic gonadotrophin) levels are increased in some ovarian cancers derived from the germ cells, but they are also elevated during pregnancy. If AFP or hCG are increased in a case of ovarian cancer, the tests can be used to monitor treatment and to detect recurrence of cancer.
• BRCA-1 and BRCA-2 are tests for two genetic mutations which have been associated with an increased risk of ovarian and breast cancer. These tests are usually done to screen and/or help diagnose a patient who has a strong family history of breast or ovarian cancer.

Other non-laboratory tests that are used to look for other abnormalities include:

• Ultrasound (pelvic and/or transvaginal) uses sound waves to create a picture of the uterus and ovaries. It can help determine whether an ovarian growth is likely to be a cancer or a fluid-filled cyst.
• CT scan (computerized tomography)
• X-ray of the gastrointestinal tract