Does Ovarian Cancer Show Up on Blood Work?

The CA-125 blood test is a simple test during which a health care professional collects a blood sample from a vein in the arm by using a small needle. The collection hardly takes five minutes, and no special preparation for the test is needed. There may be slight stinging when the needle goes in and out of the skin. There could also be a little pain or bruising at the needle site, but it goes away on its own without generally causing any significant discomfort. The test results will be assessed by the doctor, who may take a gynecologist’s help if needed.

Ovarian cancer may or may not present with any significant symptoms. Ovarian cancer is rarely diagnosed in its early stages due to the lack of any typical signs and symptoms. When present, the symptoms may include

Abnormal vaginal bleeding or discharge (vaginal bleeding in postmenopausal women should not be ignored)

• Abdominal pain or discomfort
• Reduced appetite
• Swollen or distended abdomen
• Heaviness or pain in the pelvic area
• A change in bowel habits, typically constipation
• A frequent urge to urinate

The presence of these symptoms does not necessarily mean ovarian cancer. Nonetheless, consult a doctor at the earliest so that a timely diagnosis may be made.

Doctors may diagnose ovarian cancer by

• Taking detailed medical history, including the symptoms, any underlying health conditions and any significant personal or family history of ovarian, breast or colorectal cancer.
• Performing thorough physical examination particularly pelvic exam to look for a bulky ovary or signs of fluid in the abdomen (called ascites).
• Ordering imaging tests, such as ultrasound, computed tomography (CT), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and positron emission tomography (PET) scans and barium enema X-ray (to see whether cancer has spread to the large bowel). A chest X-ray may also be done to check whether cancer has spread to the lungs.
• Getting a biopsy done. A small tissue sample from the tumor is collected and examined under a microscope. The biopsy sample may also help in staging and grading cancer and determine the presence of special proteins (such as hormone receptors) that help in planning a proper treatment regimen.
• Performing a laparoscopy to examine the pelvic organs including the ovaries by using a thin, flexible tube with a light source and camera (laparoscope) inserted into the abdomen via a small cut (incision).
• Ordering certain blood tests, such as blood counts, bleeding and clotting time and tests, to check the levels of certain important substances, such as human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), alpha fetoprotein (AFP) and CA-125, which are linked with ovarian cancer.