Before you can be treated for ovarian cancer, you need a correct diagnosis. When you come to Siteman, we will review all of the tests and exams you’ve had to make sure your diagnosis is right. We will also order additional tests so we can understand your tumor. We study its molecules, cells, and behavior. That way, we’ll be able to design the most effective treatment plan possible.
What are the symptoms of ovarian cancer?
The symptoms of ovarian cancer can be difficult to recognize. Some patients know something is “off” but decide to ignore it. They could have:
- Pain in the pelvis or abdomen
- Feeling bloated
- Going to the bathroom a lot
- Feeling full quickly when eating
- Not feeling hungry
- Losing or gaining weight
- Feeling very tired
- Vaginal bleeding that occurs after menopause
- Bleeding that does not seem related to a period
When to see a doctor
If you have any bleeding after menopause, it is not normal. Be sure to see your ob-gyn as soon as possible if this happens to you. Vaginal bleeding doesn’t necessarily mean that you have cancer. There are non-cancerous conditions that also cause bleeding after menopause. But it’s important to find out what is going on.
Diagnosing Ovarian Cancer
If your doctor believes you could have ovarian cancer, they will ask you to have certain exams and tests.
At Siteman, we know that medical tests can make people anxious and uncomfortable. We want you to feel safe with us and will do everything we can to earn your trust. If there’s anything you need for your comfort, please let us know.
Exams and tests to diagnose ovarian cancer:
- Pelvic exam: Your doctor or ob-gyn will gently press on your lower belly. They are seeing if they can feel anything abnormal.
- Ultrasound: A technician will use a small, hand-held probe to look at your ovaries and other organs.
- Blood tests: A doctor will check samples of your blood for substances released by cancer cells.
- Imaging scans: These scans take pictures of the inside of the body. They might show if a tumor is present or if cancer has begun to spread. You might have a CT scan, an MRI, or a PET scan.
What are the types of ovarian tumors?
There are three main types of ovarian tumors. They are: epithelial, germ cell, and ovarian stromal tumors.
Most ovarian tumors are not cancerous.
Epithelial tumors
Most ovarian tumors are epithelial tumors. They develop in epithelial cells, which form the outermost layer of the ovaries. There are three different types of ovarian epithelial tumors:
- Not cancerous, or “benign”
- Cancerous, or “malignant”
- “Low malignant potential,” which means there is a possibility the tumor could become cancerous
It’s important to know that most epithelial tumors are benign.
Germ cell tumors
Germ cell tumors develop in the cells that become eggs within the ovary, or “germ cells.” They can be either cancerous or non-cancerous. Cancerous germ cell tumors are rare, making up only 2 percent of ovarian cancers.
Ovarian stromal tumors
Ovarian stromal tumors can be cancerous (malignant) or non-cancerous (benign). Malignant ovarian stromal tumors are the rarest cause of ovarian cancer and make up only 1 percent of cases. They develop in cells in the ovaries that produce hormones, like estrogen and progesterone.
Staging Ovarian Cancer
Once cancer has been found, it’s important to determine how advanced it is and how far it has spread in the body. This is called staging the cancer.
Ovarian cancers are assigned Stages from 1(I) to 4 (IV). Stage 4 is the most advanced.
- Stage 1 (I): Cancer cells are only in the ovaries or fallopian tubes.
- Stage 2 (II): Cancer cells have moved beyond the ovaries and are in the lower belly, or pelvis.
- Stage 3 (III): The ovarian cancer has spread outside of the pelvis to other parts of the belly or to lymph nodes.
- Stage 4 (IV): Cancer is more widespread in the body. It has spread to organs such as the liver, spleen, or lungs, for example.