|
|
|
Ovarian Cancer Symptoms and Diagnosis |
|
Symptoms
Ovarian cancer used to be called "the silent killer" because it was believed that the early stages of ovarian cancer rarely caused obvious symptoms. However, recent studies have shown that identifiable symptoms often do occur. Because early detection of ovarian cancer is vital for successful treatment, it's imperative to know the symptoms and let your doctor know if they persist.
Common symptoms can include:
- Feeling the need to urinate often
- Pressure or pain in the abdomen, pelvis, back, or legs
- A swollen or bloated abdomen
- Nausea, indigestion, gas, constipation, or diarrhea
- Feeling very tired all the time
Less common symptoms include:
- Shortness of breath
- Unusual vaginal bleeding (heavy periods, or bleeding after menopause)
Diagnosis
If you have a symptom that suggests ovarian cancer, your doctor needs to determine whether it is due to cancer or some other cause. For example, you may have an ovarian cyst, a borderline tumor (also known as a tumor of low malignant potential), an adnexal mass, or endometriosis.
You may have one or more of the following tests and examinations:
- A physical exam, including a pelvic exam to feel the ovaries and nearby organs for lumps or other changes in their shape or size, and an abdominal exam to check the area for tumors or an abnormal buildup of fluid (ascites).
- A detailed family and medical history. If you have a history of ovarian or breast cancer in your family, you may want to consider genetic counseling to determine if you are carrying mutations of the BRCA1 or BRCA2 gene, both of which are associated with inherited ovarian and breast cancer.
- Blood tests. These may include a test for CA-125 (cancer antigen-125), which is a protein found at elevated levels in most ovarian cancer cells compared to normal cells. High levels of CA-125 can indicate cancer or other conditions, but the CA-125 test is not used alone to diagnose ovarian cancer. Ideally, it should be used as a series of tests over time and combined with other diagnostic tests.
- Ultrasound, which uses high-frequency sound waves to create images of the internal organs. A device known as a transducer is used to produce and receive the sound waves, which are then translated via computer into images. These images provide a view of the ovaries and any abnormalities that may exist. The transducer is generally inserted into the vagina (transvaginal ultrasound).
- Surgery. Based on the results of the blood tests and ultrasound, your doctor may suggest surgery (a laparotomy) to remove tissue and fluid from the pelvis and abdomen. Surgery is usually needed to diagnose ovarian cancer.
- Although most women have a laparotomy for diagnosis, some women have a less-invasive procedure known as laparoscopy. The doctor inserts a thin, lighted tube (a laparoscope) through a small incision in the abdomen to examine the ovary. However, most physicians agree that a laparotomy provides a superior means of diagnosis. A laparoscopy may be used to remove a small, benign cyst, but maligant tumors are commonly removed via laparotomy.
Learn More About Ovarian Cancer
 Request a Consultation with a UCSD Gynecologic Oncology Specialist Using our Online Form
 Call our New Patient Office at (858) 822-6100, or toll-free (866) 773-2703
Gynecologic Cancer Unit
Moores UCSD Cancer Center
3855 Health Sciences Drive
La Jolla, CA 92093
(866) 773-2703 |