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Diagnosis of ovarian cancer
Last reviewed: 12.07.2025
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Early signs of a tumor in the ovaries can only be seen after a blood test to isolate a special marker, CA 125. But even here you can’t be 100% sure, since not all types of cancer in this organ produce this type of protein. The source of infection can be detected (but not always successfully) after a transvaginal ultrasound, laparoscopy or tomography. Despite this, early diagnosis of ovarian cancer is very important, since 95% of women who had cancer detected at the first stage were able to defeat the disease after five years.
Tests
Of course, various tests that are conducted in medical laboratories help diagnose ovarian cancer, but you should not rely solely on their results. Among them, a blood test is of particular importance, as it helps to see the first signs of even asymptomatic progression of the disease. As soon as the blood test results are ready, the doctor can determine what other diagnostic methods may be needed. Usually, if ovarian cancer is suspected, a general and biochemical blood test is performed. Tumor markers and coagulability are also examined. As a rule, the following tumor markers are used: CA 125 and HE 4.
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Ovarian cancer tumor marker
The most common tumor markers for ovarian cancer are CA 125 and HE 4. If the concentration of the first in the body reaches 35 units per ml of blood, and the second - 140 pmol per ml of blood, then this is evidence that a malignant tumor is developing in the ovaries. It is also worth considering the type of cancer. With some of them, the concentration of both or only one of the tumor markers may increase. It is believed that diagnosing ovarian cancer through tumor markers is possible in 80% of cases. Moreover, they allow you to detect the disease in the early stages, when the most effective treatment can still be carried out.
In a woman's body after forty years, against the background of the development of ovarian cancer, the concentration of alpha-fetoprotein and chorionic gonadotropin may also increase. Therefore, it is recommended that all females at this age undergo tests for these tumor markers from time to time. Such tests also help monitor remission after the tumor has already been removed.
Complete blood count
By conducting a general blood test for ovarian cancer, the doctor sees that the leukocyte formula has shifted to the left. At the same time, the number of leukocytes may be normal. Also, even at an early stage of the tumor, the ESR level increases. A general blood test helps diagnose ovarian cancer and offer the right treatment.
CA 125 in ovarian cancer
CA 125 is one of the main tumor markers that manifest in ovarian cancer. It is worth understanding that CA 125 must be present in the epithelial tissue of the uterus, especially its mucinous fluid. In a normal state, it cannot be detected in the bloodstream, unless, of course, there were tissue ruptures. During menstruation, the level of CA 125 sometimes doubles. An increase also occurs in the first trimester of pregnancy. CA 125 helps diagnose ovarian cancer in 80% of cases.
HCG
HCG or human chorionic gonadotropin is a marker that also plays a very important role in diagnosing ovarian cancer. Usually, its level increases if the patient is more likely to have ovarian cancer or has an embryonic tumor. Note that HCG also increases in pregnant women, after using marijuana, if a person suffers from liver cirrhosis or intestinal inflammation.
Instrumental diagnostics
Among the main instrumental methods of ovarian cancer diagnostics, ultrasound is distinguished, which helps to quickly see the tumor in this organ. In addition, ultrasound examination makes it possible to determine how far cancer metastases have spread. Also, to see how far the process has spread, X-ray, magnetic resonance imaging, and computed tomography are sometimes used.
Ultrasound
Ultrasound examination of patients suffering from ovarian cancer helps the doctor find answers to very important questions:
- How far has the tumor grown, has it already affected both ovaries?
- Has infiltration of organs in the abdominal cavity already manifested itself?
- Does the patient have ascites?
- Have metastases spread to the liver or lymph nodes?
- Is there fluid in the pleural cavity?
MRI
MRI or magnetic resonance imaging is not a common way to diagnose ovarian cancer. However, it is used in some cases. Thanks to a fairly powerful magnet, the machine creates special radio waves that replace X-rays. The energy of these radio waves is absorbed by the tissues and then released in a variety of ways (depending on the type of tissue). The radio waves that were released by the radio waves are displayed on a computer screen as a picture.
Laparoscopy for ovarian cancer
The laparoscopy procedure is based on the insertion of a very thin tube with a light at the end, which allows for a detailed examination of both ovaries. In order to insert this tube, a small incision must be made in the lower abdomen. An image of the organ being examined at the moment is displayed on the computer monitor. Thanks to laparoscopy for ovarian cancer, the doctor can determine how far the tumor has spread. This method also allows for a more detailed operation. A small piece of tissue can also be taken through an incision in the peritoneum for a biopsy.