- CA-125 blood test. This test measures how much of the CA-125 protein is present in the blood. If the level is higher than normal, it shows possibility of having ovarian cancer. However, exceptions are always possible, as the Ovarian Cancer Research Fund Alliance (OCRFA) states, because having high levels of this protein can also be linked to pelvic inflammatory diseases.
- CT scans – computed tomography. Special type of x-rays pass through your abdomen while having a CT scan, creating a computer image that shows the doctors the abdominal cavity and pelvis section.
- Biopsy. A biopsy includes a needle (not a huge one) in your body, which draws a piece of the tissue which is believed to have cancerogenic cells. Than this piece is sent to the laboratory for check-up. These results and the tissue selected with the biopsy is very important for diagnosing ovarian cancer.
- TVUS – transvag**al ultrasound. During this test, an ultrasound is inserted into the vag**a, emitting waves that echo back and thus create an image. If solid tissue growth is detected, doctors will furthermore request a biopsy to determine the nature of the tissue – if it’s cancerogenic or not.
Conclusion
The National Cancer Institute estimated that 2.3% of all cancer deaths in the year of 2018 belong to ovarian cancer. However, if early diagnosed, a patient lives more than 5 years in 92% of all ovarian cancer diagnosis. But, because symptoms of this type of cancer are very similar to other conditions and diseases, many women overlook them.
It is also very highly unlikely for a doctor to diagnose ovarian cancer during a regular gynecologist check-up in early stages, not if you don’t explain furthermore symptoms and issues that go along with you and your body lately.
So, even for a small symptom, don’t be afraid or ashamed to ask, share and talk about it with your doctor.
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