Ovarian Cancer - Exams and Tests

SYMPTOMS & TREATMENTS

There are no reliable screening tests for ovarian cancer.

Some initial exams and tests are done before surgery if ovarian cancer is suspected. These tests include:

More tests may be done before surgery to determine if other areas of the body are involved. These tests include:

  • A pelvic or abdominal CT scan or MRI to check for the spread of cancer.
  • A chest X-ray to check for the spread of cancer.

Surgery, usually a laparotomy, is done to confirm that cancer is present, to provide initial treatment, and to stage the cancer.

Early Detection

For most women, the United States Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) does not recommend having a CA-125 blood test or a transvaginal ultrasound to find ovarian cancer early.10 There is no proof that having regular tests helps women live longer by finding ovarian cancer early. Still, experts recommend that women who have inherited a BRCA gene change and have not had their ovaries removed have a transvaginal ultrasound and a CA-125 blood test at least once a year, starting at age 35. Women who have inherited a BRCA1 gene change (not a BRCA2 gene change) may want to start having these regular tests as early as age 25.1

By: Healthwise StaffLast Revised: October 22, 2009
Medical Review: Joy Melnikow, MD, MPH - Family Medicine
Ross Berkowitz, MD - Obstetrics and Gynecology

© 1995-2011 Healthwise, Incorporated. Healthwise, Healthwise for every health decision, and the Healthwise logo are trademarks of Healthwise, Incorporated. This information does not replace the advice of a doctor. Healthwise, Incorporated disclaims any warranty or liability for your use of this information. Your use of this information means that you agree to the Terms of Use. How this information was developed to help you make better health decisions.

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