Diagnosis and Staging

Diagnosis. If you or your doctor suspect ovarian cancer, there are several initial tests can be performed, such as a pelvic exam, CA 125 blood test or the ultrasound. Other diagnostic tests, which offer a more detailed cross-sectional image of the body may also be utilized. These technologies include computerized tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Despite the detailed information given by these diagnostic tools, a definitive cancer diagnosis cannot be made without a biopsy (tissue sample). Since the treatment of ovarian cancer involves the surgical removal of the abnormal ovarian tissue, a pre-surgical biopsy is rarely done.

Staging. If the presence of ovarian cancer is suspected during diagnostic testing, a gynecologic oncologist will perform exploratory surgery to stage the cancer by determining its size and spread throughout the body. It is highly recommended that this type of surgery be performed by a surgeon with specialty training in gynecologic cancers, such as those found here at The Lacks Cancer Center.

To schedule advanced diagnostic services such as the CT or MRI, or to consult with one of our oncologists, simply ask your primary care physician for a referral or make a self-referral by calling 1-877-LACKS-MI or 616-752-LACK(S).