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How is Ovarian Cancer Diagnosed?
Due to the lack of symptoms in its early stages, Ovarian Cancer is not easy to diagnose. However, if your doctor suspects the presence of a tumour(G), there are several tests that may be performed. He/she will probably begin by taking a history and doing an internal (pelvic(G)) examination. During this examination, the doctor will be feeling for the shape, size and position of the pelvic organs (cervix(G), uterus(G) and ovaries(G)) to see if they are normal. Blood tests(G) may be ordered, as well as an ultrasound(G) of the pelvis. In some cases a CT scan(G) may be performed - this is a special kind of computerised x-ray.
Once the tumour has been found, a laparotomy(G) will be performed. The cancer is then staged(G).
Stages of Cancer of the Ovary
The following stages are used for ovarian cancer:
Stage I
Cancer is limited to one or both ovaries
Stage II
Cancer is found in one or both ovaries and/or has spread to other organs in the pelvis such as the uterus, fallopian tubes(G), bladder(G) and bowel(G)
Stage III
Cancer is found in one or both ovaries and has spread outside the pelvis to other organs in the abdomen(G) (such as the intestines) or to lymph nodes(G) in the abdomen.
Stage IV(G)
Cancer is found in one or both ovaries and has spread outside the abdomen or has spread to inside the liver(G).
Recurrent
Recurrent cancer is cancer that has come back (recurred) after it was treated. Recurrent cancer is never re-staged, and need not recur only in the ovaries.
