MEdIC - Women's Health - Ovarian Cancer Preventive Screening

	Ovarian Cancer

	While research continues, current methods for screening for ovarian cancer are not very effective. One exception is in women at an extremely high risk for developing the disease where screening is beneficial. Ovarian cancer is relatively rare, but is often fatal because symptoms are usually not experienced until the disease is advanced. Having a sister or mother with ovarian cancer increases a women's risk by 1.5% to 5%. If two or more of her sisters or mother have ovarian cancer her risk increases to 7%. In this high risk subset, screening is sometimes beneficial. If you fit this catagory, consult your doctor for more details. The two types of screening tests commonly used are a blood test for a tumor marker CA-125 and transvaginal ultrasound. The CA-125 blood test detects a protein released by ovarian tumors. Transvaginal ultrasound uses a probe to produce an image of the ovaries on a monitor screen. Unfortunately, transvaginal ultrasound can demonstrate images which look like ovarian tumors, but on surgical inspection the ovaries are normal. This leads to unnecessary surgery and risks associated with the surgery. While the transvaginal ultrasound errors on the side of being too sensitive, the CA-125 blood test misses approximately half of early tumors. For these reasons the screening tests are not recommended for low risk individuals. The best screening method in low risk women continues to be an annual pelvic examination where the doctor feels the ovaries to detect enlargement. If you are concerned you are in a high risk group, consult your doctor for more information. Last Modified: 7/27/97, Copyright © 1994, 1995 University of Texas - Houston Medical School, DPALM MEDIC All rights reserved.