A doctor may advise a blood test to patients having ovarian cancer. A cancer antigen-125 (CA-125) blood test is usually recommended to measure the levels of a protein called CA-125, which could be elevated in women who have ovarian cancer. This test is also used during the treatment of ovarian cancer because the level of this protein goes down as the tumor shrinks. This protein is elevated in more than 80 percent of women with advanced ovarian cancers and 50 percent of those with early-stage cancers. However, this protein is also often elevated in other health conditions, such as pelvic inflammatory disease. So, it is less useful as a true screening test for ovarian cancer. As a result, doctors generally use the CA-125 blood test in combination with other screening methods that may include
- A doctor or nurse examines the vulva and internal reproductive organs, such as the vagina, cervix, ovaries, fallopian tubes and uterus.
- This exam requires the doctor to place one or two fingers into the vagina and another over the abdomen to feel the size, shape and position of the ovaries and uterus.
- Ovarian cancer is rarely detected in a pelvic exam during the early stages.
Transvaginal ultrasound
- A transvaginal ultrasound is used to examine the reproductive organs and bladder. This can often reveal if there are masses or irregularities on the surface of the ovaries and within cysts that form within the ovaries.
- To administer the test, the doctor inserts a probe into the vagina. The probe sends off sound waves that reflect off body structures.
- The waves are then received by a computer that turns them into a picture. The ultrasound alone is not an accurate way to screen for ovarian cancer.
Computed tomography (CT) scan
- CT scans take cross-sectional images of the tissues and bones in the body.
- CT scans help define the boundaries of a cancerous tumor and show the extent of tumor spread, helping a doctor determine where to operate.
These tests could provide definitive results when used in combination. The only way to confirm the presence of ovarian cancer suspected by the tests is through a surgical biopsy of the tumor tissue.
Surgery and biopsy
- This is the only definitive way to determine if a patient has ovarian cancer.
- A laparotomy or laparoscopy is performed depending on what the CT shows, how large the tumor is or how far the cancer has progressed.
- A laparotomy is a surgical procedure involving a long incision (cut) in the wall of the abdomen to remove fluid and tissue, such as the ovaries, fallopian tubes, uterus and connecting tissue, depending on how far the cancer has spread.
- Laparoscopic surgery uses a thin tube with a camera (a laparoscope) that allows the doctor to see and remove tissue.
What are the common tumor markers that help in diagnosing ovarian cancer?
Apart from CA-125, a few other common tumor markers may help in diagnosing ovarian cancer.
Alpha-fetoprotein (AFP)
- Used in ovarian germ cell tumors
- Used to assess stage, prognosis and response to treatment
Beta-human chorionic gonadotropin (Beta-hCG)
- Used in ovarian germ cell tumors
- Used to assess stage, prognosis and response to treatment
Human epididymis protein 4 (HE4)
- HE4 can help diagnose ovarian cancer in a woman with symptoms and may be more sensitive than CA-125
- It can also be used to assess the response to treatment and monitor for recurrence as well
Inhibin A and B
- A hormone that is normally produced by ovarian tissue but may be elevated in certain types of ovarian cancer (mucinous epithelial carcinoma and granulosa cell tumors)
- Can be used to assess the response to treatment and monitor for recurrence
Carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA):
- A nonspecific substance, which is elevated in many tumors (including ovarian tumors) and may be used to evaluate response to treatment
QUESTION
Where does ovarian cancer occur? See AnswerWhat are the different types of ovarian cancer?
The four main types of ovarian cancer are
- Epithelial ovarian cancer
- This starts in the epithelium (the cells that cover the ovary)
- 9 out of 10 ovarian cancers are epithelial
- Germ cell and sex cord-stromal cell
- Germ cell and sex cord-stromal tumors are rare gynecologic malignancies, comprising less than 15 percent of ovarian cancers combined
- In general, these types of tumors affect young women and present in early-stage disease
- Sex cord-stromal cell cancers
- These start in the cells that make female hormones and can happen at any age
- Germ cell and sex cord cancers respond well to treatment
- If only one ovary has cancer, it may still be possible for younger women to have children after treatment
- Borderline tumors:
- A group of epithelial tumors that have a lower risk of spreading than other types of tumors
Ovarian cancer is known as the deadliest gynecological cancer because it is usually detected in its later stages of development. The main reason for this is the ovaries are located deep in the body cavity. Thus, the precancerous and early cancerous changes are not only difficult to medically detect but are also not obvious or apparent in all women.
References
DeNoon DJ. Symptoms Warn of Ovarian Cancer. WebMD. https://www.webmd.com/ovarian-cancer/news/20080623/symptoms-warn-of-ovarian-cancer
Complete List
Top Can a Blood Test Detect Ovarian Cancer? Related Articles
Can You See Ovarian Cancer on an Ultrasound?
An ultrasound of the pelvis is usually the first test that is ordered to see if there is any problem with the ovaries or other pelvic organs. It can detect ovarian masses and help the doctor know if they are fluid-filled ovarian cysts or ovarian tumors. If the doctor suspects ovarian cancer, they may order additional tests.
Does Ovarian Cancer Show Up on Blood Work?
A person with ovarian cancer may have high levels of a substance called the CA-125 (cancer or carcinoma antigen-125) in the blood. CA-125 antigen is known by several other names, such as ovarian cancer antigen and CA-125 tumor marker. It is a protein present on the surface of most (but not all) ovarian cells. Thus, significantly high levels of CA-125 may be seen in the blood of ovarian cancer patients.
How Long Do You Have to Live With Stage IV Ovarian Cancer?
Stage IV cancer means the disease has already spread to distant organs. In most patients diagnosed with stage IV ovarian cancer, the 5-year survival rate is approximately 17%.
What Are the Stages of Ovarian Cancer?
Ovarian cancer is a disease where abnormal cells in the ovary begin to grow and divide uncontrollably, forming a mass of undifferentiated tumor cells. These cells tend to invade nearby and distant sites in the body, deteriorating their function. The ovaries are pair of internal reproductive glands found only in females.Is There a Blood Test for Ovarian Cancer?
The CA-125 blood test is one of clinical assessments used to diagnose ovarian cancer. However, CA-125 or other tumor markers alone are insufficient to diagnose ovarian cancer.
lycopene
Lycopene is a powerful antioxidant that scavenges the free radicals. Used as a supplement, lycopene may prevent the growth of cancer cells. Lycopene may slow down blood clotting. Exercise caution with lycopene supplements if you are taking blood thinners. The side effects of lycopene include skin rashes (rare). Lycopene is considered nontoxic and is unlikely to cause any serious adverse effects. Small amounts of lycopene in food is likely safe during pregnancy and breastfeeding.
Ovarian Cancer
There are many types of ovarian cancer, epithelial carcinoma is the most common. Women with a family history of ovarian cancer have an increased risk of developing the disease. Some ovarian cancer symptoms include abdominal pain, nausea, diarrhea, constipation, and abnormal vaginal bleeding, however, they usually do not present until the disease has progressed. Early diagnosis is important for successful treatment.
Ovarian Cancer Slides
Ovarian cancer symptoms and signs include abdominal pain, bloating, frequent urination, and a feeling of fullness. Ovarian cancer treatment depends on the stage and may include surgery, chemotherapy, radiation, and targeted therapy.
Ovarian Cancer Quiz
How common is ovarian cancer and who is at risk? Take our Ovarian Cancer Quiz to learn the causes, symptoms, and treatment for this disease.paclitaxel
Paclitaxel is a chemotherapy drug used to treat various types of cancers including ovarian cancer, breast cancer, non-small cell lung cancer, and AIDS-related Kaposi sarcoma. Common side effects of paclitaxel include blood disorders, bleeding, infections, injection site reaction, leakage of drug out of the vein (extravasation), skin rash, hair loss (alopecia), hypersensitivity reactions, severe allergic reaction (anaphylaxis), severe skin reactions, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, sore mouth (stomatitis), and others. Do not use if pregnant or breastfeeding.platelets
Platelets, also known as thrombocytes, are one of the components of blood, along with red blood cells, white blood cells, and plasma, the fluid component. Platelets collected from donors are administered as intravenous transfusions to treat thrombocytopenia, a condition with an abnormally low count of platelets. Common side effects of platelets include transfusion-transmitted infections and septic reactions, production of antibodies against donor platelets (alloimmunization), hemolytic transfusion reactions that destroy red blood cells, feverish (febrile) non-hemolytic reactions, transfusion related acute lung injury (TRALI), transfusion-associated graft-versus-host disease (TA-GVHD), transfusion-associated circulatory overload (TACO), and allergic reactions. Consult your doctor if pregnant or breastfeeding.red blood cells
Red blood cells (RBCs), also known as erythrocytes, are cellular components of blood that give blood its characteristic red color. Red blood cells are used for transfusion in patients who have insufficient tissue oxygen because of active bleeding or symptomatic anemia, to increase the red blood cell count, hemoglobin level, and consequently, blood’s oxygen carrying capacity. Common side effects of red blood cells include hemolytic transfusion reactions that destroy red blood cells, feverish (febrile) non-hemolytic reactions, transfusion related acute lung injury (TRALI), transfusion-associated circulatory overload (TACO), allergic reactions, transfusion-associated graft-versus-host disease (TA-GVHD), transfusion-transmitted infections and septic reactions, and post-transfusion bruising (purpura). Consult your doctor if pregnant or breastfeeding.
What Are the Main Causes of Ovarian Cancer?
Each cell in the body survives, grows, and dies under regulated conditions. The term cancer means an uncontrolled growth of cells.
What Are the Symptoms of Stage 1 Ovarian Cancer?
At stage 1 of ovarian cancer, the cancer is present only in the ovaries i.e. it has not spread in any other organs. Signs and symptoms at this stage may include a mass felt in the abdomen, distension or swelling of abdomen, abnormal vaginal bleeding (between menstrual periods or after menopause) and other signs. Stage 1 ovarian cancer has no symptoms in many women, however; often they may not experience symptoms until the cancer has spread significantly.What Is The Main Cause of Ovarian Cysts?
Ovarian cysts are fluid-filled growths that grow on the ovary. Learn the signs of an ovarian cyst, what causes ovarian cysts, how doctors diagnose ovarian cysts, and what you can do to treat an ovarian cyst. Ovarian cancer is cancer of the ovaries that produce eggs. Signs and symptoms of ovarian cancer may include abnormal vaginal bleeding or discharge, abdominal pain, reduced appetite, bloating, pelvic pain, constipation and an increased urge to urinate.
What Was Your First Sign of Ovarian Cancer?
Like all types of cancer, ovarian cancer is often asymptomatic. The first signs of ovarian cancer may vary from patient to patient. Typically, ovarian cancer symptoms might appear as common stomach and digestive problems that are often mistaken for minor ailments.Who Is at High Risk for Ovarian Cancer?
The risk of ovarian cancer increases with age. Almost half of the ovarian cancer cases are seen in women older than 63 years of age. Ovarian cancer is the leading cause of gynecological cancer-related deaths among women between the ages of 35 and 74 years.