Health Topics A-Z

How Do I Know If I Have It?

Annual pelvic examinations help detect ovarian cancer early. Recent studies of women at an average risk of ovarian cancer show that ultrasounds and blood tests did not lower the number of deaths caused by ovarian cancer. If an ovarian growth is suspected, an ultrasound of the ovaries is done; any visible abnormality justifies further testing in a hospital. Blood studies and other imaging tests may be done. CT scans, barium enema xrays, colonoscopy,MRI, and chest x-rays can help evaluate spread. Ultimately a surgery either open laparotomy) or throught small scopes into the abdomen (laparoscopy) is necessary to confirm or rule out the diagnosis.

Genetic testing may be useful for women who have a family history of ovarian cancer. This testing can reveal if you have inherited a defective gene that is associated with increased risk of ovarian cancer. However, the presence (or lack) of a defective gene does not necessarily predict whether you will go on to develop ovarian cancer. Furthermore, if you carry a mutation and want to take steps to help prevent ovarian cancer, the options are very drastic — that is, you may have your ovaries removed — and researchers are still studying the effectiveness.

What Are the Treatments?

Surgery is standard treatment for ovarian cancer. Ordinarily, the two ovaries and the other reproductive organs are removed. Young women who have only a small tumor in one ovary and who still want to have children may have just the cancerous ovary removed; the second can be removed later to prevent cancer recurrence. In most women, some cancer remains after surgery. A woman's prognosis depends on how much cancer remains and how well it responds to follow-up treatment. Most women receive chemotherapy, which can prolong survival and may result in a cure. Radiation therapy may be used after surgery to prevent recurrence or to help treat advanced or recurrent cases. Once remission occurs, follow-up examinations are essential; women who have had the disease may be at greater risk for breast and colorectal cancer.

New chemotherapeutic agents, new biological agents designed to stimulate the immune system, and new methods of delivering treatment with fewer side effects are being studied.