Ovarian Cancer

How is the disease diagnosed?

The discovery of a lump or mass during a pelvic exam does not mean that the woman has cancer. Tests such as special X-rays or ultrasounds may be done to better define the type of mass that is present. A small sample of blood will be drawn to test for a tumor marker that some ovarian cancers produce. Not every ovarian cancer makes it, and some normal cells make it. After those tests are done, a piece of the tumor is removed to test for cancer.

If the woman has ovarian cancer, other surgery and testing will be done to determine the stage or extent of the cancer.