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There are several different tests to check for ovarian cancer
Cancer is a disease where abnormal cells in the body grow out of control. It usually starts in one part of your body and may spread to other areas if left untreated.
Ovarian cancer is cancer that affects your ovaries. Anyone with ovaries can get ovarian cancer, but it is most common over the age of fifty.
Call 0141 300 5009 or book online today to arrange a consultation to discuss private ovarian cancer testing with a consultant of your choice at Circle Health Group.
This page explains what ovarian cancer is, what tests are available, and what happens when you have a test.
Symptoms of ovarian cancer can be vague and hard to spot, especially in the early stages. Many women put their symptoms down to other things or ignore them, which may lead to a delay in diagnosis and treatment.
Symptoms may include:
Your consultant will ask you about your symptoms and perform a physical examination. They will recommend a test for ovarian cancer depending on your symptoms and the results of any previous tests. There are many tests for ovarian cancer. Some are used to diagnose the condition and others to check the stage of your cancer and whether or not it has spread. A blood test and an ultrasound scan are normally the first tests recommended.
Ovarian cancer may be suspected from the results of your tests and scans, but in many cases a biopsy (tissue sample) is needed to diagnose ovarian cancer.
Your first consultation is where we get to know you, address any concerns and you may have. We can also discuss what your test results mean and what will happen going forward.
It is very important to us that you are as well-informed and comfortable as possible during your time with us, so please ask your consultant any questions you may have.
The test uses your levels of CA-125 along with other factors such as your age to give a more accurate picture. It is typically suitable for people between 35 and 85 years of age who have a known mutation in their BRCA1 or BRCA2 genes.
The ROCA® test results are divided into three categories: normal, intermediate or elevated. A normal score means you'll be advised to have another test after a year, while an intermediate score advises that you have a second test after three months.
However, if you have an elevated score, your Consultant will recommend a transvaginal ultrasound scan of your ovaries, an assessment and screening for CA125. If you have ovarian cancer, you may have higher levels of CA125 in your bloodstream. This can be detected through a blood test.
According to ROCA® and the National Institute for Health Research, the test can improve patients' survival rates and outcomes through identifying early-stage ovarian cancer.
If you have symptoms of ovarian cancer, a blood test called a CA 125 may be a marker that you have the disease.
The CA 125 is not a 100% reliable test for ovarian cancer as higher than normal levels indicate inflammation in the pelvic area but do not show the specific cause.
A high level of CA 125 may also be due to:
A CA 125 test can also give a false negative result meaning you have ovarian cancer even though your result is negative. If you have a high level of CA 125 in your blood, your consultant will order further tests.
Your consultant may also order other blood tests to check your general health, how well your liver and kidneys are working and your levels of red and white blood cells.
Your blood will be taken by a doctor, nurse, or phlebotomist (someone specially trained to take blood). Let the person taking your blood know if you are nervous about the blood test, feel unwell, or are afraid of needles.
Blood tests are a safe and routine procedure and complications are unlikely but may include:
An ultrasound can check:
If you have a cyst on your ovaries that may be cancer, your consultant will recommend that you have it removed. The cyst can then be examined in a laboratory.
You will be given instructions on how to prepare in your appointment letter. Follow the instructions carefully and call the hospital if you have any questions.
If you are having an external ultrasound, you may need to stop eating for around six hours before your scan.
For some external ultrasounds, you need to have a full bladder so that your consultant can see the images clearly. If this is the case, drink plenty of water before your scan.
For a vaginal ultrasound, there is no special preparation. You can eat and drink normally. You will need to empty your bladder before your scan.
An ultrasound scan is a safe, minimally invasive procedure that doesn't involve any radiation. As such it doesn't pose any risks or complications.
For some CT scans, you will not be able to eat or drink for a period of time before the scan. Instructions on preparing for your CT scan will be in your appointment letter. Call the hospital if you have any questions about preparing for your CT scan.
If you are pregnant or think you may be pregnant, let the hospital know before your appointment. Pregnant women should not have CT scans except in emergencies.
A CT scan is generally very safe, but as with any medical procedure it carries a small risk of complications, including:
Your consultant will only recommend a CT scan if the benefits far outweigh the risks.
You don't need to do anything to prepare for your chest X-ray.
An X-ray is a quick and painless procedure. When your X-ray is finished, you can go home straight away.
X-rays are a routine procedure and are generally very safe. They do emit a very small amount of radiation, but this is unlikely to cause you any problems in the future. The benefits of having an X-ray far outweigh the risks.
This procedure takes place in the CT scanning or ultrasound room.
Image-guided biopsy is a generally safe procedure, but there is a small risk of moving cancer cells along the needle incision site which may cause the cancer cells to spread. This is very rare.
A laparoscopy, otherwise known as keyhole surgery, is a procedure where a small camera is inserted through an incision in your abdomen. It can be used to see whether your cancer has spread, to take biopsies, or even to remove your ovaries in a procedure called a laparoscopic oophorectomy.
Before your laparoscopy, you will have a physical examination to check that you are fit enough for surgery. This may include:
Tell your consultant about any medical conditions, allergies, or medicines you are taking before your surgery. If you are taking blood thinners like aspirin or warfarin, your consultant may tell you to stop taking them for a few days before your surgery. This is to reduce the risk of bleeding during the operation.
You will not be able to eat anything for six hours before your operation. You can normally drink water up to two hours before.
Your consultant will give you instructions on how to prepare for your laparoscopy. Follow their instructions carefully and let them know if you have any questions.
Laparoscopy is normally performed under general anaesthetic which means you'll be asleep for the procedure.
Like any surgical procedure, a laparoscopy carries a small risk of complications. These may include:
Before your laparotomy, you will need to have a physical examination to check that you are fit enough for surgery. This may include:
Tell your consultant about any medical conditions, allergies, or medicines you are taking before your surgery. If you are taking blood thinners like aspirin or warfarin, your consultant may tell you to stop taking them for a few days before your surgery. This is to reduce the risk of bleeding during the operation.
You will not be able to eat anything for six hours before your operation. You can normally drink water up to two hours before.
Your consultant will give you instructions on how to prepare for your laparotomy. Follow their instructions carefully and let them know if you have any questions.
A laparotomy is normally performed under general anaesthetic. This means you will be asleep during your surgery.
Like any surgery, a laparotomy carries a small risk of complications including:
Your consultant will explain all the possible risks and complications to you before your procedure. Please ask any questions and discuss any concerns you may have before your surgery. This will help put your mind at rest and allow you to make an informed decision.
One of the symptoms of ovarian cancer is a build-up of fluid in your abdomen. This is called ascites. Ascites can be a sign that your cancer has spread, or it may be a symptom of another condition. Your consultant may take a sample of fluid from your abdomen to check the cause of your ascites.
Fluid aspiration is normally done as a day case meaning you'll go home the same day.
Fluid aspiration is a normally safe procedure, but as with all medical procedures there is a small risk of complications including:
The RMI combines the results of your CA 125 blood test, ultrasound, and whether or not you are past the menopause to give you a score. If you have a high RMI score you may be referred for further tests or surgery.
Sometimes a CT scan may be performed so that your consultant can examine your ovaries, but in most cases, you need surgery to diagnose ovarian cancer.
If your RMI index is low, but you have symptoms of ovarian cancer, your consultant may ask you to come back for repeat tests in three months.
Getting the results of your tests can be an anxious time and it may help to bring someone with you to your appointment. It may also help to write down any questions you have about your results beforehand.
When you get your results, your consultant will explain what they mean and answer any questions you may have. It's important that you understand the results of your tests and that you are well-informed about what will happen next. Please ask your consultant any questions you may have and discuss any concerns about your test results and what they mean for you going forward.
Being diagnosed with ovarian cancer is an understandably difficult and frightening time. Being well-informed and clear about your diagnosis and what happens next can help reduce anxiety and make you feel more in control.
If you are diagnosed with ovarian cancer, you will be referred to a team of specialists that includes nurses, doctors, and surgeons specialising in different aspects of cancer care. The team will be on hand to support you throughout your diagnosis, and through any further tests and treatment.
The CA 125 blood test may be a marker for ovarian cancer, but it is not reliable enough to diagnose ovarian cancer on its own. If you have abnormally high levels of CA 125, your consultant may request further tests like an ultrasound or CT scan.
No. A smear test is used to detect abnormal cells on the cervix, or cervical cancer. It cannot detect ovarian cancer.
You will normally receive the results of your CA 125 blood test within a couple of weeks. Check with the hospital when you can expect the results when you have your test.
There's currently no urine test available to detect ovarian cancer. Recent research has suggested that certain biomarkers for ovarian cancer may be detectable in urine samples, but the research is still in its early stages.
The blood test that may be an indicator of ovarian cancer is called the CA 125.
The blood test for ovarian cancer (CA 125) on its own is not an accurate means of diagnosing ovarian cancer. High levels of CA 125 indicate inflammation of the pelvic region but are not specific as to the cause. A high CA 125 can be due to other conditions like endometriosis or fibroids. It is also possible to have a negative CA 125 result and have ovarian cancer. If you have symptoms of ovarian cancer, a high CA 125 and an abnormal ultrasound result, your consultant may refer you for further tests.
If you would like to see a consultant or learn more about tests for ovarian cancer book your appointment online today or call a member of our team directly on 0141 300 5009.
Content reviewed by Circle in-house team in December 2022. Next review due December 2025.