Ovarian Cancer Screening
Description
Ovarian cancer screening is a series of tests and procedures used to detect ovarian cancer in women who do not show any symptoms. The primary goal of this screening is to identify ovarian cancer in its early stages when it is easier to treat and cure. The screening typically includes medical imaging, blood tests, and, in some cases, exploratory surgery. Several types of tests may be used, including a transvaginal ultrasound, which uses sound waves to create images of the ovaries, and a CA-125 blood test, which measures the level of a specific protein that may increase in the presence of ovarian cancer. Firstly, for the transvaginal ultrasound, the doctor inserts a thin, wand-like device into the vagina to view the reproductive organs and bladder to detect any abnormalities. It creates an image by bouncing safe, painless sound waves off organs to create an image of their structure. Secondly, a blood test that measures the level of CA-125, a protein that often increases in women with ovarian cancer, is conducted. Although elevated levels of CA-125 can also indicate conditions other than ovarian cancer, this test combined with ultrasound imaging helps determine the likelihood of ovarian cancer. In certain cases involving high-risk women, an exploratory surgery, often through minimally invasive procedures, might be recommended for a diagnosis by examining the inside of the abdomen, usually with a scope. These procedures, depending on the test results, may need to be repeated at regular intervals.
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