Germ Cell Ovarian Cancer - Diagnosis
Contents:
Due to the lack of symptoms in its early stages, ovarian germ cell
cancer is not easy to diagnose. However, if your doctor suspects the
presence of a tumour, there are several tests that may be performed.
He/she will probably begin by taking a history and doing an internal
(pelvic) examination. During this examination, the doctor will be feeling
for the shape, size and position of the pelvic organs (cervix, uterus and
ovaries) to see if they are normal. Blood tests may be ordered, as well as
an ultrasound
of the pelvis. In some cases a CT
scan may be performed - this is a special kind of computerised x-ray.
Once the tumour has been found, a laparotomy
will be performed. The cancer is then staged.
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, bladder and
bowel.
| Stage III |
Cancer is found in one or both ovaries and has spread outside the pelvis
to other organs in the abdomen (such as the intestines) or to
lymph nodes in the abdomen.
| Stage IV |
Cancer is found in one or both ovaries and has spread outside the abdomen
or has spread to inside the liver.
| 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.
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