Diagnostic Tests for Ovarian Cancer

Imaging technologies, such as CT scans or radiographic scans, may be used to define the size, location of and changes to any abnormal growths that may be found on the ovaries. However, surgery is the only sure way to determine whether a cancer is present.

Laparoscopy vs. Laparotomy

Sometimes this initial surgical examination may be done using an instrument called a laparoscope. A laparoscope is a telescope with a tiny camera mounted on the end. This instrument can be inserted through a small incision just below your belly button, to look inside your abdomen. If necessary, it can also be used to remove tissue. The use of a laparoscope is not appropriate for everyone, and not all surgeons are comfortable with this type of surgery.

Your physician may recommend a more extensive surgery called a laparotomy. During a laparotomy, the abdominal wall is opened through a large incision and the surgeon can do a more extensive resection of other abdominal organs. If an initial laparoscopic exam does reveal cancer tissue, a subsequent laparotomy may be necessary.

During either of these exploratory procedures, the doctor will examine the ovaries and other abdominal organs for abnormal growths. This will allow the surgeon to determine the stage of the cancer. The surgeon will also remove tissue to examine later under a microscope. If one of the ovaries appears abnormal, the surgeon will remove the entire affected ovary and possibly both ovaries. Removing only a portion of the ovary might risk leaving cancerous cells in the ovary.

Surgical Treatment

If you are having a laparotomy, your doctor will discuss with you before the surgery what will happen if cancer is found. The first step in cancer treatment is to remove the affected organs. This may be done during the initial surgery to reduce the need for further surgery. Use our Treatment pages to learn more.

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