Ovarian Cancer: Diagnosis Flashcards
True or false: A PAP smear can help detect ovarian cancer.
False
What is a procedure used to check the uterus, vagina, ovaries, fallopian tubes, bladder, and rectum to find abnormalities in their shape and size?
Pelvic exam
Which procedure bounces waves off of the ovaries and changes the echoes into sonograms (pictures)?
Ultrasound
Which substance, if found in increased amounts in blood, other body fluids, or tissues, may be a sign of ovarian cancer?
CA-125
What blood test measures the level of CA-125 to test ovarian cancer?
CA-125 assay
What is the only blood test for ovarian cancer?
CA-125 assay
Where is CA-125 secreted from?
Epithelial cells in the ovaries
What is the problem with using CA-125 assay to detect ovarian cancer?
The level of CA-125 in a woman’s blood changes from woman to woman and changes depending on where in a woman’s cycle she is at. So must retest, and if the levels keep increasing, this indicates likely ovarian cancer.
What is the best scan for detecting ovarian cancer?
CT scan
What is the #1 way to determine if you have an ovarian tumor?
Biopsy
A procedure used to show tumors or other abnormal areas in the pelvis. A liquid containing barium is put into the rectum by way of the anus. Barium is a silver-white metallic compound that helps to show the image of the lower gastrointestinal tract on an x-ray.
Barium enema (lower GI series)
A series of x-rays of the kidneys, ureters, and bladder to help determine if cancer has spread outside the ovaries. The x-rays are taken after a dye is injected into a blood vessel. The dye is concentrated in the urine, which outlines the kidneys, ureters, and bladder on the x-rays.
Intravenous pyelogram
What is the problem with using a CA-125 assay to diagnose ovarian cancer?
You must take multiple assays, and waiting = tumor growth.
