Ovarian Cancer Symptoms
Early detection of ovarian cancer is difficult, because symptoms are general and usually not present until the cancer has grown and spread into the abdomen. Just like any cancer, early detection increases the chance of recovery and survival, so it's critical to become familiar with the symptoms: swelling or bloating of the abdomen, pelvic pressure, difficultly eating or feeling full quickly, pain in the lower abdomen or back, abnormal periods, frequent urination, gas, nausea, vomiting or loss of appetite. If symptoms are noticed nearly every day for several weeks, it is time to get checked for ovarian cancer.
Obtaining a Diagnosis
The first step is to make an appointment with a gynecologist for a physical exam. In addition to a complete history, she will perform a pelvic exam to determine any lumps or changes in the shape of the ovaries. If abnormalities are detected, or if your physician suspects ovarian cancer, additional tests must be performed.
Blood tests are used to measure the presence of a "tumor marker" called CA-125, which indicates the possibility of ovarian cancer. A blood test alone cannot confirm a diagnosis of cancer, but checking for CA-125 is an important step in the process.
An ultrasound uses sound waves to "see" inside the body. This is used to detect the presence of masses on the ovaries.
If a mass is detected, computer tomography (CT) or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) may be used to distinguish benign cysts from cancerous tumors. If cancer is indicated or, if for any reason, the results are unclear, a biopsy is required.
A laparoscope is a thin flexible tube. When inserted into the abdomen through a small incision near the navel, it allows doctors to examine the ovaries. Tissue samples can be removed through the laparoscope and examined under a microscope to determine if the cells are malignant.
If fluid has accumulated in the abdomen, it can be drawn out (aspirated) through a needle and tested to see if cancer cells are present.
If cancer is suspected or confirmed, physicians will remove as much of the cancer as possible while also obtaining a sample of tissue to be sent for examination. The pathologist will examine this tissue to determine the type, stage (how far it has spread) and grade (how "normal" the cells appear) of the cancer.
Accurate Detection
There is only one way for doctors to accurately diagnose ovarian cancer, and that's surgery. Many research studies are under way to determine better screening methods, but recent research indicates that the presence of symptoms combined with a CA-125 test allows doctors to identify 80.6 percent of women with early-stage ovarian cancer.
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