How Is Ovarian Cancer Diagnosed?

This content has been reviewed and approved by

Maurie Markman, MD
Vice President, Clinical Research
MD Anderson Cancer Center
University of Texas

To diagnose ovarian cancer, your physician may order diagnostic tests, including:

• Computed tomography (CT or CAT scan) - a noninvasive procedure that takes cross-sectional images of the internal organs to detect any abnormalities that may not show up on an ordinary x-ray. The CT scan may find enlarged lymph nodes—a possible sign of a spreading cancer or of an infection.
• Lower gastrointestinal (GI) series - x-rays of the colon and rectum using a contrast medium called barium.
• Intravenous pyelogram (IVP) - x-ray of the kidneys and ureters taken after the injection of a dye.
• Biopsy - a procedure in which tissue samples are removed from the body for examination under a microscope to determine if cancer or other abnormal cells are present. The diagnosis of cancer can only be confirmed by a biopsy.

Accurate surgical evaluation is necessary for nearly all patients with ovarian cancer. This can be accomplished during either a laparotomy (a procedure in which an incision is made in the abdomen to expose the abdominal contents for diagnosis or surgery) or a laparoscopy (a less invasive procedure in which a viewing device is inserted into the abdominal cavity and biopsies are taken) to determine the stage of the cancer.