Ovarian Cancer Screening Methods

Written by Liu Liang
Oncology
Updated on September 10, 2024
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The methods for diagnosing ovarian cancer include imaging studies, such as ultrasonography of the adnexa of the uterus, abdominal CT, or MRI, which can detect ovarian tumors. The next step is to perform a blood test for the tumor marker CA125, which is a relatively specific and sensitive marker for epithelial ovarian cancer; in clinical practice, CA125 levels are generally significantly elevated in patients with ovarian cancer. Additionally, many patients with ovarian cancer, especially those in advanced stages, often develop significant ascites. We can perform abdominal paracentesis to drain the fluid and test the ascites for cancer cells. If cancer cells are found in the ascites and imaging studies reveal an ovarian mass, ovarian cancer can be diagnosed. Furthermore, chest CT and other tests are included to comprehensively assess the staging of the patient.

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Written by Liu Liang
Oncology
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How many years can one live with ovarian cancer?

The survival period of ovarian cancer patients is influenced by various factors including the specific stage of the cancer, whether there is residual tumor after surgery, the size of any residual tumor, the pathological type of the cancer, the presence of high-risk factors for recurrence such as vascular tumor thrombus, neural invasion, lymph node metastasis, etc., as well as the patient's age, overall condition, the presence of severe comorbidities, and the patient's response and sensitivity to treatments like radiotherapy and chemotherapy. Survival periods vary due to differences in stages and treatment sensitivities, meaning it cannot be generalized; there is significant individual variation in survival outcomes.

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Written by Liu Liang
Oncology
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ovarian cancer specific drug

Ovarian cancer does not have any specific cure-all treatment. Most ovarian cancers are epithelial ovarian cancers, and there is also ovarian cancer resulting from malignant germ cells, which is a rarer pathology type. For epithelial ovarian cancer, treatment methods include surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, and some targeted therapies, mainly using Bevacizumab, which is a monoclonal antibody that inhibits angiogenesis, and is usually used in combination with chemotherapy drugs. For patients with advanced ovarian cancer, those who are resistant to chemotherapy, or those in poor general health unable to endure chemotherapy, palliative treatments like hormone treatment using progestogens are an option, along with immune therapy being available nowadays. Surgery is primarily for early-stage ovarian cancer patients, where curative surgical resection is possible, or for debulking surgery in patients with advanced ovarian cancer. Chemotherapy is frequently used as it is relatively effective for epithelial ovarian cancer, a type of cancer that is somewhat sensitive to such treatments. The drugs used mainly include taxane combined with platinum-based chemotherapy. For intravenous administration or intraperitoneal delivery—for the latter, mainly for ovarian cancers complicated by extensive ascites—, positioning an abdominal drainage tube and then infusing platinum-based chemotherapy drugs into the abdominal cavity are utilized.

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Written by Liu Liang
Oncology
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Symptoms of ovarian cancer brain metastasis

Patients with ovarian cancer experiencing brain metastases are relatively uncommon in clinical settings. The primary symptom of brain metastasis is intracranial hypertension, which includes severe headaches, dizziness, nausea, and vomiting, including projectile vomiting during meals — all symptoms of increased intracranial pressure. Additionally, if there is significant brain swelling, the patient may experience weakness in the limbs on the opposite side of the body, similar to symptoms of paralysis seen in stroke patients. Furthermore, if the brain metastasis leads to the formation of a brain herniation, the patient may experience symptoms such as coma.

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Written by Yan Chun
Oncology
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What should be noted about having intercourse after ovarian cancer surgery?

Patients with ovarian cancer can have sexual intercourse after radical surgery or palliative surgery, but there are several precautions to consider: Firstly, it is not advisable to have sexual intercourse too soon after surgery, as early intercourse may lead to poor healing of the surgical site, or cause infections, which are detrimental to the patient's recovery. It is generally recommended to schedule sexual intercourse one or two months after ovarian cancer surgery, and some patients are advised to wait three months. After three months, most patients' physical conditions improve and the incisions heal. In such cases, the likelihood of infection from intercourse is low. Moreover, the frequency of sexual intercourse should not be too frequent or excessive, as it may impact the patient's physical strength or lead to concurrent infections. Furthermore, patients should practice contraception during intercourse after surgery, as pregnancy is not advisable for patients who have undergone radical or palliative surgery for ovarian cancer, since pregnancy can exacerbate the development of the disease.

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Written by Zhou Chen
Oncology
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How is ovarian cancer diagnosed?

Early screening for ovarian cancer allows for about 20% of cases to be diagnosed in their early stages. Detection generally follows these procedures: 1. Routine gynecological health check-ups. 2. Visiting a hospital due to certain symptoms. 3. Ovarian cancer screening. Common methods include transvaginal ultrasound and serum CA125 testing. Additional tests include tumor marker CA125 and checks for AFP, CA19-9, and CEA. Ultrasonography (B-ultrasound) can preliminarily determine the tumor size, shape, solidity, location, and its relation to surrounding organs. CT scans and MRI can further clarify the tumor's nature and the extent of invasion into the abdominal and pelvic organs. If necessary, gastroscopy can be performed to rule out primary gastrointestinal tumors, and if economic conditions allow, a PADCT scan can also be conducted.