There has been no definite ovarian cancer test that can detect the condition in the early stages. Ovarian cancer test is usually done when patients seek help because of the symptoms that they are feeling and when ovarian cancer is diagnosed, it is already in the later stage.
Over the years, researchers are trying to come up with ovarian cancer test that would help in early detection of ovarian cancer. This is because ovarian cancer is found to be one type of cancer that causes more deaths because of its late diagnosis. Since no ovarian cancer test can accurately detect ovarian cancer at an early stage, many women would not know they have ovarian cancer until it’s already in stage III or IV when they already felt the symptoms of cancer.
There had been a lot of researches done today in finding any ovarian cancer test to help them detect ovarian cancer at an earlier stage where cure is still possible. Although there is still no specific ovarian cancer test that is considered reliable, there had been tests available to help detect ovarian cancer as early as possible.
The first and foremost basis of doctors for diagnosing ovarian cancer is the medical history to see which symptoms you may have and check your livelihood of developing ovarian cancer. A pelvic exam and a pap test may also help in finding a lump in the ovaries. A rectovaginal exam may also be done to feel the organs if there are any abnormalities.
Another ovarian cancer test that can be done is the blood test that may include complete blood count to see if the patient has anemia, or the CA 125 may also be a test to screen ovarian cancer. The CA 125 blood test is used to measure the protein that is found in the surface that can be found in patients at elevated levels in many ovarian cancer patients. A chemistry screen can also be used just to overrule any liver and kidney problems. Other tests may include HCG to make sure that the pain is not related to pregnancy or ectopic pregnancy and a pelvic or transvaginal ultrasound may be used to see if there are presences of lumps.
There are also other tests that could be done before any surgery is performed like the CT scan or MRI of the peritoneal cavity or the abdominal cavity to see the extent of the cancer. This can be done to see if other nearby organs already has cancer. An x-ray may also be necessary to check the spread of cancer to other parts of the body.
These are just some of the tests that can be done to help detect ovarian cancer at an earlier stage. Although none of these are very reliable to see if you have cancer at an early stage but this will help in detecting cancer. It is important to note that you should see your gynecologist to have a regular check up that may include pelvic exams. This may help you find out if you have cancer or not.
Whichever ovarian cancer test that you choose, it is advisable that you should have it regularly just to make sure that you can catch ovarian cancer at a stage when cure is still possible. It is important that you speak with your gynecologist of which ovarian cancer test would suit you best.
