What Are the Essential Tests for Diagnosing Ovarian Cancer?
Ovarian cancer is a critical health condition that many individuals encounter. As a leading centre specializing in ovarian cancer diagnosis and treatment, we often receive numerous questions about the various tests involved in diagnosing this condition.
So we thought, why not create a blog that answers all these questions at once? And that’s why we came up with this detailed blog. So let’s get started.

What Tests Are Involved in Diagnosing Ovarian Cancer?
Diagnosing ovarian cancer involves a series of tests that help identify the type and extent of the disease. The tests may vary depending on the stage of the ovarian cancer. Here, we will discuss the standard diagnostic tests for advanced stages (Stage III and Stage IV) and the tests for early stages (Stage I and Stage II).
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Diagnostic Tests for Advanced Ovarian Cancer (Stage III and Stage IV)
1.CT Scan
For patients in Stage III and Stage IV, a CT scan of the chest and abdomen is essential. This scan provides detailed images that help determine the extent of the disease. A whole-body PET scan is also used to get a comprehensive view of how far the cancer has spread.
2.Biopsy
A biopsy is crucial to identify the type of cancer present. If there is fluid accumulation in the abdomen, this fluid is extracted and tested. This helps confirm the presence of ovarian cancer and determine its type.
If the fluid test results are inconclusive, a CT-guided or ultrasound-guided core biopsy is performed. This procedure involves using a large-bore needle to take a tissue sample, which is then analyzed to identify the cancer type.
3.Tumor Markers
Tumor markers are substances found in the blood that can indicate the presence of cancer. For ovarian cancer, the CA-125 marker is significant. Elevated levels of CA-125 suggest a higher tumour burden and help in monitoring the treatment response. Additionally, the Carcinoembryonic Antigen (CEA) test is necessary to rule out cancers originating from the digestive system, which can sometimes spread to the ovaries.
4.Routine Blood Tests
Routine blood tests, including haemoglobin levels and kidney and liver function tests, are essential. These tests provide an overview of the patient’s overall health, which is critical for determining the appropriate treatment plan. In some cases, heart scanning may be necessary to ensure the patient is fit for treatment.
5.Staging Laparoscopy
In certain patients, staging laparoscopy is performed. This surgical procedure involves inserting a laparoscope into the abdomen to examine the internal organs and determine the extent of the disease. This procedure helps decide whether direct surgery is feasible or if chemotherapy is required first.
6.MRI
Although not routinely used, MRI is occasionally employed for selected patients with ovarian cancer. MRI provides detailed images of the organs and tissues, which can be helpful in specific cases.
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Diagnostic Tests for Early Ovarian Cancer (Stage I and Stage II)
1.CT and PET Scans
CT scans and PET scans play a crucial role in diagnosing early-stage ovarian cancer. These imaging tests provide detailed pictures of the body’s internal structures. A CT scan uses X-rays to create cross-sectional images, allowing doctors to see the size and location of tumours.
PET scans, on the other hand, use a small amount of radioactive material to highlight areas of high metabolic activity, which often correspond to cancer cells. By combining the results from both scans, doctors can accurately detect the presence of tumours and determine their exact location. This precise imaging is essential for planning the next steps in treatment.
2.Avoiding Biopsy
In early-stage ovarian cancer, doctors generally avoid performing biopsies. Biopsies involve taking a tissue sample from the tumour for analysis. However, in early-stage cases, this procedure can increase the risk of spilling cancer cells. This in turn upstages the disease and increases the chances of recurrence.
To minimize this risk, ovarian cancer doctor rely on imaging tests and tumour markers to make a diagnosis. Imaging tests like CT and PET scans provide detailed information about the tumours without the need for invasive procedures. This approach helps ensure the cancer remains contained while allowing for accurate diagnosis and treatment planning.
3.Tumor Markers
Tumor markers are substances found in the blood that can indicate the presence of cancer. In early-stage ovarian cancer, the CA-125 marker is significant. Elevated levels of CA-125 suggest the presence of ovarian cancer. Doctors use this marker to confirm the diagnosis and gather additional information about the tumour.
Although CA-125 alone cannot diagnose ovarian cancer, it provides valuable information when combined with imaging tests. Monitoring CA-125 levels over time also helps assess the effectiveness of the treatment and detect any recurrence.
4.Surgery
Surgery is often recommended for early-stage ovarian cancer. The primary goal of surgery is to remove the tumour. A thorough assessment of the entire abdomen, along with sampling of several areas is also performed at the same time.This is called surgical staging.. During the procedure, surgeons carefully excise the tumour to prevent the spread of cancer cells. After surgery, a pathology report provides a detailed analysis of the removed tissue.
This report includes the final diagnosis and identifies the subtype of the tumour. The information from the pathology report is crucial for developing a targeted treatment plan. Surgery not only removes the visible tumour but also provides critical insights into the cancer’s characteristics, guiding further treatment decisions.
Importance of Accurate Diagnosis
Accurate diagnosis is critical for determining the appropriate treatment plan. For advanced stages, the combination of CT scans, PET scans, biopsies, and tumour markers helps provide a comprehensive understanding of cancer’s spread and type. For early stages, imaging tests and tumour markers guide the initial diagnosis, followed by surgery for a definitive diagnosis.
Monitoring and Follow-Up
After the initial diagnosis, regular monitoring is essential to assess the treatment response and detect any recurrence. CA-125 levels are monitored periodically to evaluate the effectiveness of the treatment and identify any signs of recurrence early.
Parting Thoughts
Diagnosing ovarian cancer involves a series of detailed tests to determine the type and extent of the disease. From imaging tests like CT and PET scans to biopsies and tumour markers, each test plays a crucial role in providing a comprehensive diagnosis. Understanding these tests and their importance can help patients and their families navigate the diagnostic process more effectively.
Take charge of your health today! Consult Dr. Praveen Kammar, the best ovarian cancer doctor in Mumbai, for expert guidance on diagnostic tests and personalized treatment options. Schedule your appointment now!
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About Author
Dr. Praveen Kammar
Surgical Oncologist
12+
Years Of Experience
Dr. Praveen Kammar is a Best Surgical Oncologist in Mumbai. His main area of expertise aslso includes GI oncology, Gynecological cancers, minimal access surgeries, Robotics surgery, Laparoscopic Surgery, HIPEC.
Dr. Praveen has done more than 6000+ surgeries in his expertise.
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