How is ovarian cancer diagnosed?

Written by Liu Liang

Oncology

Updated on September 10, 2024

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Ultrasound or CT scans detecting ovarian masses, in combination with biopsy or cytological examination that identify cancer cells, can diagnose ovarian cancer. A common method of biopsy includes ultrasound-guided procedures or transvaginal cul-de-sac puncture biopsy of ovarian masses, enabling clear pathological confirmation. Additionally, exploratory laparotomy or early radical surgery for ovarian cancer patients can yield a postoperative pathological diagnosis of ovarian cancer. Moreover, the presence of ascites is a common symptom in ovarian cancer patients; finding cancer cells, especially adenocarcinoma, in ascites, coupled with significantly elevated tumor marker CA125, or ultrasound or CT imagery revealing ovarian masses, can also diagnose ovarian cancer.

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Written by Yan Chun

Oncology

1min 2sec

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What are the early symptoms of ovarian cancer?

Patients with ovarian cancer often do not exhibit many symptoms in the early stages, and many do not have obvious symptoms initially. Some patients may experience pelvic pain due to tumor growth early on, primarily located in the bilateral pelvic area, with some experiencing pain that radiates to the perineal area. Some early-stage ovarian cancer patients may experience abnormalities in their menstrual cycle, primarily manifested as irregular menstruation, increased menstrual flow, and the presence of blood clots. Some patients may also experience abnormal vaginal bleeding outside of their menstrual period. In addition, some patients in the early stages may exhibit signs of abnormal hormone secretion. Aside from these, most early-stage ovarian cancer patients do not show obvious symptoms.

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Written by Liu Liang

Oncology

46sec

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Location of abdominal pain in ovarian cancer

Ovarian cancer in patients manifests as tumors in either both ovaries or one ovary. Therefore, the abdominal pain they experience is lower abdominal pain, not bloating or sudden, noticeable increase in abdominal size. Additionally, the primary pathway for the metastasis of ovarian cancer is through implantation, allowing widespread metastatic implants in the pelvic and abdominal cavities. There is also local spread of the tumor to the uterus, fallopian tubes, and surrounding pelvic tissues. Thus, the location of abdominal pain in ovarian cancer is in the lower abdomen, specifically pain and bloating in the pelvic area.

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Written by Liu Liang

Oncology

44sec

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How is ovarian cancer screened?

The most commonly used screening method for ovarian cancer is the B-ultrasound examination of the adnexa uteri. The B-ultrasound can detect ovarian masses and tumors, and when these are found, the possibility of ovarian cancer should be considered, necessitating further examinations for confirmation. Another method involves the tumor marker CA125, which is relatively sensitive and specific for epithelial ovarian cancer. Therefore, for ovarian cancer screening, we can perform a blood test for CA125 in conjunction with a B-ultrasound of the adnexa uteri.

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Written by Yan Chun

Oncology

1min 10sec

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Early symptoms of ovarian cancer

The early clinical symptoms of ovarian cancer primarily include the following aspects: 1. Discomfort and dull pain in the lower abdomen, with some patients experiencing a sensation of heaviness in the pelvis. Alongside this, patients may also experience poor appetite, nausea, belching, and a feeling of bloating in the stomach. 2. A sensation of abdominal fullness is a clinical manifestation that can appear early in ovarian cancer patients, often caused by cancerous ascites due to the disease. 3. In very few cases, early-stage ovarian cancer patients may feel a mass in the abdomen, typically in leaner patients. 4. Some early-stage patients may experience mild abdominal pain, which generally occurs intermittently and can resolve on its own without the need for medication. 5. Patients may exhibit menstrual irregularities and some endocrine symptoms, such as vaginal bleeding.

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Written by Liu Liang

Oncology

44sec

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early symptoms of ovarian cancer

The early symptoms of ovarian cancer in patients are often not very obvious, so they are not easily noticed. The more common symptom is an abdominal mass, meaning you can feel a lump in the abdomen. In its early stages, the abdominal mass is not large and is not easily detectable. Most patients only discover it during gynecological examinations. As the disease progresses, the mass grows larger and the abdomen visibly expands, leading to symptoms like abdominal pain, bloating, or lower abdominal discomfort. Another symptom is ascites, which is a more common sign in patients with advanced ovarian cancer.