Ovarian Cancer

To plan the best treatment, your doctor needs to know the grade of the tumor (see Diagnosis) and the extent (stage) of the disease. The stage is based on whether the tumor has invaded nearby tissues, whether the cancer has spread, and if so, to what parts of the body.

Usually, surgery is needed before staging can be complete. The surgeon takes many samples of tissue from the pelvis and abdomen to look for cancer.

If you have a symptom that suggests ovarian cancer, your doctor must find out whether it is due to cancer or to some other cause. Your doctor may ask about your personal and family medical history.

You may have one or more of the following tests. Your doctor can explain more about each test:

• Physical exam: Your doctor checks general signs of health. Your doctor may press on your abdomen to check for tumors or an abnormal buildup of fluid (ascites). A sample of fluid can be taken to look for ovarian cancer cells.

A medical history is always needed for a diagnosis. It should include questions about your symptoms and any serious illnesses you have had, surgeries, pregnancies, and births. You can expect to have a vaginal exam, PAP Test, and blood and urine tests.

According to the Mayo Clinic, if you're at average risk of ovarian cancer, the routine use of available diagnostic tests is much more likely to identify false-positive than true-positive results, leading to needless worry, expense and the possibility of unnecessary surgery.