Ovarian Cancer

Medical Tests & Diagnosis

Anamnesis: (a personal medical history) The first step in establishing a diagnosis is a detailed and complex medical review of past health problems, general health state, symptoms displayed and family medical history in order to identify any risk factors that can facilitate the development of cancer.

Imaging techniques: To obtain a better and complete image of the abnormalities that occurred within the pelvic area, a series of imaging techniques may be used.

- Ultrasound is a medical technique that uses high-frequency sound waves to create an internal image of the body on a special computer screen. This image is formed from the echoes of the sound waves on the surface of the organs. Abnormal tissue masses and organs reflect sound waves differently. A pelvic ultrasound is a safe and noninvasive technique that can detect tumors or determine the nature of the abnormal tissue mass (fluid cyst or solid mass).

- Barium enema x-ray: This is a technique used to determine if the cancer spread to the colon or rectum. This type of x-ray is taken when the colon is empty and after the radiology technician inserts a chalky substance, barium sulfate, into the rectum and colon. Barium sulfate is an impermeable substance to x-rays and will make the rectum and colon visible on an x-ray film.

- Computed Tomography (CT) is an x-ray technique that creates a detailed cross-sectional image of the body. This technique is useful in providing information regarding the size and the exact location of the tumor and can show if the cancer spread to other organs or areas of the body. Computed tomography involves two steps: in the first step a set of pictures are taken and in the second step, an intravenous contrast agent will be administrated and a new set of pictures will be taken and compared with the first set of pictures.

- Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) is an advanced technique that uses radio waves and strong magnets to reveal a complete image of certain parts of the body. The cancer cells absorb a high amount of the contrast substance and display the shape and pattern of the abnormal tissue mass on a special video monitor.

- Positron Emission Tomography (PET): This technique uses radioactive glucose to locate the cancer. Cancer cells absorb a higher amount of this radioactive glucose than normal tissues.

Surgical Procedures

- Laparoscopy: This is a medical procedure performed by a gynecologic oncologist and involves a small incision in the abdomen through which a thin tube, connected to a computer screen, is inserted inside the pelvic cavity. The advantages offered by this procedure are (1) a closer look into the abdominal area to determine whether or not the cancer is present, (2) to determine what organs are affected, (3) to establish the cancer stage and (4) to collect a tissue sample or remove an ovary for a more complex examination if needed.

- Colonoscopy: This procedure is performed after all the body's fecal matter is removed from the large intestine. The doctor inserts a fiberoptic tube that is connected to a monitor in the patient's colon. Because this procedure produces high discomfort, the patient is sedated.

- Biopsy: This is a medical procedure that helps determine if the abnormal tissue mass is cancerous or benign. A tissue sample is removed from the abnormal tissue mass and examined under a microscope.

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Article by Alina Morrow, MS
Medical Writer
OmniMedicalSearch.com

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