What Tests Help Evaluate the Presence of Ovarian Cancer and if it has Spread?

Chest X-ray – a type of x-ray that looks at changes in the chest including the lungs, heart and other tissues in the chest.

CT (CAT) scan - a type of x-ray that gives a fairly complete and detailed picture of the internal organs of the chest, abdomen and pelvis.

Ultrasound – this is an x-ray test that uses sound waves to create pictures of the ovaries and other organs/tissues in the pelvis.

Colonoscopy – a specialist uses a special scope to look through the large intestines to evaluate the extent of cancer spread to the colon.

CA-125 level - a blood test that evaluates the presence of a specific protein which lies on the surface of the ovaries. A high level of this substance may be associated with a stronger likelihood of ovarian cancer than if the value is normal. Most doctors use this test to evaluate and monitor a woman’s response to treatments and to evaluate if the cancer has returned.

Biopsy – a procedure where tissue is removed to look for the presence of cancer cells.