Looking for Ovarian Cancer

Posted: March 1, 2005

Currently, there is not a routine screening test for ovarian cancer. Screening options are under study and there are screening clinical trials taking place in many parts of the country.

These are the tests that are being researched to study their effectiveness:

Pelvic exam
A pelvic exam is an exam of the vagina, cervix, uterus, fallopian tubes, ovaries and rectum. The doctor or nurse inserts one or two lubricated, gloved fingers of one hand into the vagina and the other hand is placed over the lower abdomen to feel the size, shape, and position of the uterus and ovaries. A speculum is also inserted into the vagina and the doctor or nurse looks at the vagina and cervix for signs of disease. Ovarian cancer is usually advanced when detected by a pelvic exam.

Transvaginal ultrasound
Transvaginal ultrasound is a procedure used to examine the vagina, uterus, fallopian tubes, and bladder. An ultrasound transducer (probe) is inserted into the vagina and used to bounce high-energy sound waves (ultrasound) off internal tissues or organs and make echoes. The echoes form a picture of body tissues called a sonogram.

CA-125 assay
A CA-125 assay is a test that measures the level of CA-125 in the blood. CA-125 is a substance released by cells into the bloodstream. An increased CA-125 level is sometimes a sign of certain types of cancer, including ovarian cancer, or other conditions.
Scientists at the National Cancer Institute are studying the combination of ultrasound and CA-125 levels as a way to get more accurate results from the screening tests.

Source: National Cancer Institute

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