ovarian cancer : Ovarian cancer tests

Currently, there is no specific screening test for ovarian cancer. However, research is ongoing to develop a reliable method for early detection among asymptomatic women (see news stories, in Related Pages below). In the meantime, regular physicals, pelvic exams, and an awareness of family history and symptoms are important.

Testing of symptomatic women includes the following, which have been shown to be positive in ovarian cancer (although not all of these tests would be used in an individual patient as they detect different types of ovarian tumors):

Epithelial tumors
CA-125 (Cancer antigen 125)
BRCA-1 and BRCA-2
Carcinoembrionic antigen (CEA)
Galactosyltranferase
Tissue polypeptide antigen (TPA)
Germ cell tumors
AFP (Alpha feto protein)
hCG (human chorionic gonadotropin)
Stromal tumors
Inhibin
Other non-laboratory tests that are used to evaluate abnormalities include:

Ultrasound (pelvic and/or transvaginal): uses sound waves to create a picture of the uterus and ovaries. It can help determine whether an ovarian growth is likely to be a cancer or a fluid-filled cyst.
CT scan (computerized tomography)
X-ray of the gastrointestinal tract

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