According to an estimate of the American Cancer Society, ovarian cancer ranges among the top 5 cancers that occur in women. It is considered the most common cause of death among women. One woman in every 78 has the risk of getting this cancerous disease. In addition to this, one in every 108 women has the chance of dying due to ovarian cancer.
Aging is one of the significant contributing factors that cause ovarian cancer. However, some other factors include endometriosis, infertility, and post-menopausal surgery. Some studies have revealed that reproductive technologies can also enhance the risk of developing ovarian cancer among females. Therefore, proper screening is necessary to avoid the chances of having ovarian cancer.
You might be wondering what happens in ovarian cancer and how it is screened. Therefore, to help you out, we have shared all the necessary information below.
Table of Contents
What is Ovarian Cancer?
As the name indicates, ovarian cancer is a type of cancer that develops in women’s ovaries, fallopian tubes, and peritoneum. The ovaries are a part of the female reproductive system responsible for making eggs and storing them.
In most cases, women older than 45 years are more at risk to develop ovarian cancer. Mostly, no symptoms appear during the initial stages of the disease. However, if the symptoms appear, they are vague, including bloating, increase in the size of the abdomen, abdominal pressure, and pain. The treatment of ovarian cancer usually includes chemotherapy and surgical procedures.
Screening Tests for Ovarian Cancer
When it comes to the screening process, different tests are performed to check if you have ovarian cancer or not. The following diagnostic tests are used:
- Usually, a transvaginal ultrasound (TVUS) is used to know if there are abnormalities in your ovaries. It utilizes sound waves to examine the uterus, fallopian tubes, and ovaries and detects tumors in the ovary.
- A CA-125 blood test is another option that checks the amount of CA-125 proteins in the patient’s blood. Women suffering from ovarian cancer have high levels of CA-125 proteins, and this test acts as a tumor marker among females.
- Pelvic examination is also used to screen your general gynecological conditions. These conditions include ovarian cancer, a cyst on your ovaries, or other related factors.
Who Should Get a Screening Test for Ovarian Cancer?
You should go for the screening if:
- You don’t have any visible signs of ovarian cancer.
- There is a history of ovarian cancer in your family.
- If you have tendencies towards breast cancer gene 1 (BRCA1) or breast cancer gene 2 (BRCA2), you are at the risk of developing ovarian cancer.
- Women above 40 years of age should also take a screening test.
What Are Potential Benefits of Screening?
Keeping yourself aware of your health is really important. Screening assists in knowing if you have an issue in your body. Early detection allows you to look into the matter keenly and find an appropriate treatment. According to studies, if a health problem is detected during its early stage, it becomes easy for the doctors to treat it appropriately. The same is the case with ovarian cancer. If it is diagnosed on time, the survival chances increase, and it becomes possible to treat it.
Conclusion
Some common screening tests used to diagnose ovarian cancer are mentioned above. However, you need to consult with an expert doctor for the screening and to know about the benefits and potential risks. You should be clear regarding all questions that you have in your mind about the treatment before making any decision. For this reason, you can visit Euromed Clinic Center because our board-certified surgeons are ready to assist you with their professional services. Please fill in the consultation form below to book your appointment.
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