Ovarian Cancer

Despite years of research, experts haven’t yet developed a successful ovarian cancer screening test. For this reason, the condition is often difficult to diagnose in the early stages.

If your healthcare provider suspects ovarian cancer, they’ll ask about your symptoms and perform a pelvic exam. During the exam, they’ll check for any abnormal growths or enlarged organs.

They may recommend additional tests, including:

Imaging tests

Providers may use several imaging tests, including:

• Pelvic ultrasound.
• MRI (magnetic resonance imaging).
• CT scan (computed tomography).
• PET scan (positron emission tomography).

Blood tests

Blood tests look for a substance called CA-125. High levels of CA-125 in your blood can be a sign of cancer. However, CA-125 levels can be normal, even when cancer is present, and higher in many conditions that aren’t cancer. Because of this, providers use blood tests in combination with other tests to diagnose ovarian cancer.

Surgical evaluation

Providers can diagnose ovarian cancer during surgery. Typically, if they find abnormal growths, they’ll remove them during the same procedure.

Laparoscopy

During laparoscopic surgery, a surgeon places a thin camera (laparoscope) through a small cut (incision) made in your abdomen. Using the scope as a guide, along with additional ports to hold instruments, the surgeon can assess the cancer, perform staging biopsies and, in some circumstances, remove ovarian tumors.

What are the stages of ovarian cancer?

There are four stages of ovarian cancer. In this cancer staging system, the least severe is the lowest number. The more serious the condition, the higher the number.

• Stage I: This stage is divided into three sub-stages (Stage IA, Stage IB and Stage IC). In the first sub-stage, cancer is only in one ovary or one fallopian tube. Stage IB has cancer in both ovaries or fallopian tubes. In Stage IC, cancer is in both ovaries or fallopian tubes and is found outside of your ovary (on the outside of the organ itself or in the space around the ovary, called the peritoneal cavity).
• Stage II: Stage II is also divided into a few additional stages. In Stage IIA, the cancer is no longer only in your ovary, but has also spread to your uterus. In Stage IIB, the cancer has spread to other nearby structures in your pelvis.
• Stage III: This stage includes three sub-stages. In Stage IIIA, the cancer has spread beyond your pelvis to your abdomen (microscopically) or within lymph nodes. The second sub-stage (Stage IIIB), the tumor is up to 2 centimeters in size and has spread beyond your pelvis or within your lymph nodes. In Stage IIIC, the cancer has moved outside of your pelvis area and is larger in size (more than 2 centimeters) or may be within your lymph nodes. At this point, it could impact other organs, like your liver and spleen.
• Stage IV: Stage IV cancer is the most severe. In this stage, the cancer has spread to the inside of organs such as your liver or spleen. In Stage IVA, it’s found near your lungs, and in Stage IVB, the cancer has spread to the lymph nodes of your groin or into your chest.

Staging is important because it helps your healthcare provider design a tailored treatment plan for you. Your healthcare provider will talk with you about your treatment options.