Contact your GP if you have symptoms of ovarian cancer. They may do some tests and refer you for more tests in hospital.
What happens at your GP visit
Your GP may:
- ask about your symptoms and general health
- gently feel your tummy to check for any swelling or lumps
- do an internal examination - they insert gloved fingers into your vagina to check for lumps or changes
- ask if there's a history of ovarian or breast cancer in your family
- take a blood sample - this will be checked for a substance called CA125 which can be a sign of cancer
Your GP may refer you to a hospital specialist called a gynaecologist. They may do further tests to check for cancer.
Blood test (CA125 test)
CA125 is produced by some ovarian cancer cells. CA125 is a type of tumour marker. High levels of tumour markers can be a sign of cancer.
But a high level of CA125 does not mean you definitely have cancer.
It can also be caused by other conditions, such as:
- endometriosis
- fibroids
- pregnancy
If the test shows a high level of CA125, you may need a scan to check for possible causes.
Sometimes your CA125 level can be normal in the early stages of ovarian cancer. If you had a normal blood test result but your symptoms do not improve, you may need to be tested again.
Ultrasound scan
The GP will arrange an ultrasound scan if a blood test shows signs of ovarian cancer.
An ultrasound scan uses high-frequency sound waves to create an image of inside your body.
There are 2 ways to have a scan.
Abdominal ultrasound
A sonographer (healthcare professional who specialises in ultrasounds) moves a small device called an ultrasound probe over your tummy to create an image of your ovaries. This test is similar to a pregnancy ultrasound scan.
Transvaginal ultrasound
A sonographer passes an ultrasound probe into your vagina to create a clearer image of your ovaries. You will feel some pressure in your vagina but it should not be painful.
The scan can show changes in your ovaries. These changes may be caused by cancer or other problems such as endometriosis or a build-up of fluid.
If the scan shows any abnormalities, you may need to have more tests.
Other tests
Your gynaecologist may order more tests to look at your ovaries or take a sample of tissue for testing.
These can include:
- a CT scan - to create a detailed image of your ovaries
- a needle biopsy - using a needle through your tummy to remove a sample
- a laparoscopy - passing a thin tube with a camera through a small cut in your tummy
These tests can also show how far any cancer has spread.
Stages and grades of ovarian cancer
If you're diagnosed with ovarian cancer, it will be given a 'stage'.
This describes the size of the cancer and if it has spread. It can help your doctors plan the best treatment for you.
The 4 main stages of ovarian cancer are:
- stage 1 - the cancer is in 1 or both ovaries and has not spread
- stage 2 - the cancer has spread from the ovary into the pelvis or womb
- stage 3 - the cancer has spread outside of your pelvis and into the abdomen, or to your lymph nodes
- stage 4 - the cancer has spread to other parts of your body, such as your liver or lungs
Your cancer will also be given a 'grade'. This is a way of describing how quickly the cancer is likely to grow or spread.
The grades range from grade 1 (more likely to grow slowly) to grade 3 (more likely to grow quickly).
Outlook for ovarian cancer
Around 1 in 3 people with ovarian cancer lives for at least 10 years after diagnosis.
There is a better chance of a cure for ovarian cancer if it is diagnosed and treated early.
But often it's not recognised until it has spread and a cure may not be possible.
Even when treatment is successful, the cancer may come back within a few years.
If it does come back, it usually cannot be cured. Chemotherapy may help reduce the symptoms. It can keep the cancer under control for months or years.