How to Check for Ovarian Cancer: Screenings and Tests
In Singapore, ovarian cancer ranks as the sixth most common cancer in women and the second most prevalent cancer of the female genital tract. Post-menopausal women over 50 typically catch this disease, but it can also occur in younger women.
More so, this type of cancer involves the ovaries–the reproductive organs responsible for producing eggs that travel through fallopian tubes and then into the uterus. Ovarian cancer happens when cells abnormally grow out of control in the ovaries or the fallopian tubes, forming tumours.
However, unlike cervical or breast cancer, ovarian cancer is often difficult to detect early, with only 20% of cases being diagnosed in the initial stages. So, these questions stand: how to check for ovarian cancer? what are the signs to watch out for, and what are the tests or screenings to be done?
Why Early Detection of Ovarian Cancer Is Important
The stages of ovarian cancer are categorised into stages I through IV, describing how much cancer is in the body–the higher the number, the higher the chance it has spread more.
What makes ovarian cancer a “tricky and silent” disease is that its symptoms are vague and may present no signs at its early stages. Often, it can go undiagnosed until it’s more likely to have spread during the later stages. When this happens, proper treatment can get delayed and could be limited.
In the later stages, ovarian cancer is harder to treat, and patients often have lower survival rates.
That’s why providing immediate attention to its symptoms and attending regular health check-ups or gynaecological cancer screening is essential; it raises the probability of timely diagnosis and effective treatment.
Common Signs and Symptoms of Ovarian Cancer
Recognising Symptoms
- Persistent bloating is the uncomfortable sensation of tightness or swelling in the abdominal area. If it becomes persistent or severe without a clear reason as to why it occurred, it could be a sign of ovarian cancer.
- Abdominal pain or pressure that indicates ovarian cancer can feel like a dull ache or consistent fullness in the tummy or on one side only. The discomfort can also feel like heartburn or indigestion.
- Changes in appetite or difficulty eating: Fluid buildup can happen around the stomach when a woman has ovarian cancer. Because of this buildup, there can be a loss of appetite since the pressure in your stomach tells your body you’re already full.
- Frequent urination: A tumour growing in the pelvis pushes the bladder, causing a sudden feeling of urinating.
When to Seek Help from a Gynaecologist
Should any of the symptoms mentioned above for ovarian cancer persist for over two weeks or become more severe, it’s recommended to seek advice from your trusted gynaecologist or gynaecologic oncologist.
Additionally, it is also essential to note that the symptoms of ovarian cancer are often similar to those of endometriosis. Checking with an endometriosis specialist for related symptoms can also be a good option.
Furthermore, these doctors can assess your symptoms. If results show you might have ovarian cancer, they can walk you through possible ovarian cancer treatments such as surgery, chemotherapy, targeted therapy, immunotherapy, hormone therapy, or palliative care.
Key Screenings and Tests for Ovarian Cancer
Imaging
Ultrasounds, computed tomography (CT), or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) are some of the imaging tests for the abdomen and pelvis that help detect ovarian cancer. Although these tests alone do not offer sufficient information to diagnose ovarian cancer definitively, they still provide valuable insights into the location and/or spread of a potential cancer.
For example, a transvaginal ultrasound or TVUS provides visual access to the uterus, fallopian tubes, and ovaries. It can look for a tumour in the ovary; however, it doesn’t tell if the mass found is cancerous or not.
Blood Tests
The Cancer Antigen or CA-125 blood test looks out for tumour markers that may indicate the presence of ovarian cancer. It measures the amount of the CA-125 protein in the blood, typically found on the surface of ovarian cancer cells. Women (although not all) who have ovarian cancer can have high levels of this protein.
However, a limitation of this test for ovarian cancer is that high levels of CA-125 can also be raised in the absence of ovarian cancer.
Pelvic Exam
A doctor will also ask about your symptoms and perform a pelvic exam where they can look for enlarged organs or any abnormal growths.
However, a limitation of this exam is that most early ovarian tumours are challenging to feel. A pelvic exam, however, can still be useful for identifying other types of cancer or female conditions.
Ovarian Cyst Treatment and Removal
An ovarian cyst is a mass—tiny, fluid-filled sacs that form on or within an ovary. It is common for women who have menstrual cycles to have these cysts, which could come and go with their cycle.
However, understandably, hearing the word “ovarian cyst” from your doctor sounds like something to be worried about for ovarian cancer.
But, while both somehow share similar symptoms, ovarian cysts are not typically cancerous and in most cases, they do not increase your risk of developing ovarian cancer either.
When Ovarian Cysts Could Be a Concern
Certain types of ovarian cysts can be more likely to be malignant or cancerous. Specifically, they are called “complex ovarian cysts” and are characterised by multiple fluid-filled areas, a bump on the surface and solid areas.
Meanwhile, a doctor may recommend surgery or ovarian cyst removal if it already causes severe pain and pressure, it is large and suspected to be cancerous, and there is a link with endometriosis, so you’d like it removed to prevent it from interfering with your fertility.
Treatment Options
They may also suggest having an ultrasound every few months to keep track of the cyst.
Endometriosis and Its Link to Ovarian Cancer
What Is Endometriosis?
In answering the question, “how to check for ovarian cancer,” you might find endometriosis during your search.
For every menstrual cycle, the body grows an endometrium, an endometrial tissue lining in preparation for a fertilised egg. Endometriosis happens when the tissue grows outside the uterus. This condition often occurs around the fallopian tubes, ovaries, and the lining of the pelvic activity, among others.
Role of Endometriosis Specialists
An endometriosis specialist can help manage risks and improve health.
They can provide an endometriosis treatment option, from managing symptoms to improving quality of life. This specialist can prescribe medications, advise surgery, or hormone therapy.
Regular check-ups at a trusted gynae clinic allow early ovarian cancer detection and treatment
Ovarian cancer is difficult to detect, but with a proactive approach to watching for your health through regular screening initiatives, you can help identify potential issues early before they progress.
Eden Women’s Health is an OB-GYNAE clinic in Singapore led by board-certified obstetrician and gynaecologist, Dr. Sheri Lim. Our commitment is to provide compassionate healthcare for ovarian cyst and endometriosis treatment, as well as cancer screenings, among others.
We’re here to support you at every stage and need. Contact us to learn more.