Medical Evaluation
A woman who has concerning symptoms should have a pelvic exam. That exam should include a rectovaginal exam. She should also have a general physical exam. If the exam is abnormal, the woman should undergo transvaginal or pelvic ultrasound to evaluate the ovaries.
If the exam is normal, it is reasonable to wait 2-3 weeks to see if the symptoms resolve. If they do not, then a transvaginal or pelvic ultrasound should be performed. If an abnormality of the ovaries is found, additional studies may be performed. They include studies such as a CT scan or MRI and a blood test for the protein CA 125. CA 125 is elevated in approximately 80 percent of women with advanced stage epithelial ovarian cancer. But elevations can occur for reasons other than ovarian cancer.
If you suspect or have been diagnosed with ovarian cancer, it is important to see a gynecologic oncologist. That is a physician with special training in the care of women’s reproductive cancers.
