Ovarian cancer is cancer that begins in the ovaries. Many tumors can start growing in the ovaries, both benign and malignant ones. Malignant tumors can spread to other parts of the body. The symptoms of ovarian cancer are mild and often go undetected till it is too late. It is for this reason that ovarian cancer is called the silent killer. Some early symptoms include: discomfort in the pelvic region, indigestion that does not go away despite medication, abnormal bleeding, pain during intercourse and swelling and pain in the abdomen.
Presently, ovarian cancer cannot be detevted directly through any test. However new methods are constantly being developed. This includes ultrasounds in conjunction with a blood test. Symptom less ovarian cancer can be detected during a routine pelvic examination. The ovaries will be palpitated to check for fibroid tumors or ovarian cysts. Ultrasounds or x-rays may be advised or even a laparoscopy if required. The presiding doctor would need to know the medical history of the family and all its members at the time of diagnosis.
Various types of tests would be required to to dect the different types of overian cancer. These tests include:
- CA-125 (Cancer antigen 125): This test measures the amount of CA-125 in the blood. CA-125 is a protein present on most of the ovarian cancer cells. The blood will also show significantly higher concentrations of CA-125 if the woman has ovarian cancer. This test is also used to monitor the disease during treatment. Women who are at a higher risk due to a family history of ovarian cancer should take this test too. This test is not used to screen for ovarian cancer as it is non-specific. This blood test can return positive results even when there is no cancer. This is due to other conditions like fibroid tumors, pregnancy, endometriosis, non-gynecological problems or a pelvic infection.
- BRCA-1 and BRCA-2: This may be ordered for women who have a family history of breast or ovarian cancer.
- Carcinoembrionic antigen (CEA): This may be used to determine whether cancer is present in the body. CEA is also used as a marker for different cancers, ovarian cancer being one of them.
- Other tests include Galactosyltranferase and Tissue polypeptide antigen (TPA).
- AFP (Alpha feto protein): This test is done on suspected ovarian cancer cases. AFP levels may increase due to tumors in the ovaries.
- hCG: This may be ordered to diagnose these kinds of tumors in the ovaries.
Regular pelvic examinations are the best way to detect ovarian cancer.
Submitted by M H on May 13, 2010 at 08:37