We are independent & ad-supported. We may earn a commission for purchases made through our links.
Advertiser Disclosure
Our website is an independent, advertising-supported platform. We provide our content free of charge to our readers, and to keep it that way, we rely on revenue generated through advertisements and affiliate partnerships. This means that when you click on certain links on our site and make a purchase, we may earn a commission. Learn more.
How We Make Money
We sustain our operations through affiliate commissions and advertising. If you click on an affiliate link and make a purchase, we may receive a commission from the merchant at no additional cost to you. We also display advertisements on our website, which help generate revenue to support our work and keep our content free for readers. Our editorial team operates independently of our advertising and affiliate partnerships to ensure that our content remains unbiased and focused on providing you with the best information and recommendations based on thorough research and honest evaluations. To remain transparent, we’ve provided a list of our current affiliate partners here.
Health

Our Promise to you

Founded in 2002, our company has been a trusted resource for readers seeking informative and engaging content. Our dedication to quality remains unwavering—and will never change. We follow a strict editorial policy, ensuring that our content is authored by highly qualified professionals and edited by subject matter experts. This guarantees that everything we publish is objective, accurate, and trustworthy.

Over the years, we've refined our approach to cover a wide range of topics, providing readers with reliable and practical advice to enhance their knowledge and skills. That's why millions of readers turn to us each year. Join us in celebrating the joy of learning, guided by standards you can trust.

What Is an Ovarian Cancer Ultrasound?

By Marlene de Wilde
Updated: May 17, 2024
Views: 2,869
Share

Ovarian cancer is known as the silent killer because it is usually symptomless until it is in an advanced stage. Doctors can find evidence of the cancer, however, by using an ovarian cancer ultrasound, which detects tumors by the use of sound waves and the echoes they create as they bounce off the ovaries. Normal ovarian tissue reflects a different sound wave than an ovarian tumor.

The possible symptoms of ovarian cancer can often be found in perfectly healthy women, which means they are not reliable indicators. Menstrual changes, pelvic or abdominal pain, the need to urinate often and constipation are common to many women and may be symptoms of many conditions. When these symptoms are caused by ovarian cancer, however, they are persistent and a divergence from normal bodily functions and habits. Any woman who suddenly develops these symptoms and finds that they continue for more than a few weeks should consult a gynecologist, who may decide to do an ovarian cancer ultrasound.

An ovarian cancer ultrasound may be conducted over the abdomen area or by a probe inserted into the vagina. Both methods are able to detect whether the ovaries are of normal size and surface texture, as well as whether there are any cysts within the ovaries. They are also able to detect whether there are any solid areas, which may be an indication of cancer. There are many conditions, however, that can appear on the ultrasound and be mistaken for cancer, such as benign ovarian cysts.

Two large studies have been conducted in the United States and the United Kingdom with the idea of finding ovarian cancer through a blood test, called the Ca-125, and a transvaginal or ovarian cancer ultrasound. The tests have been successful in finding cancer in the early stages, but the use of these methods as standard screening procedures has been rejected so far. The incidence of ovarian cancer is quite low, and the likelihood of a positive result on both tests could be ascribed to many other conditions.

For every 100 positive blood tests, only one will be because there is cancer. Furthermore, negative tests are wrong half of the time in women who do have ovarian cancer. The predictive values of the Ca-125 and the ovarian cancer ultrasound technique are too low to be of value to the general population.

Share
WiseGeek is dedicated to providing accurate and trustworthy information. We carefully select reputable sources and employ a rigorous fact-checking process to maintain the highest standards. To learn more about our commitment to accuracy, read our editorial process.

Editors' Picks

Discussion Comments
Share
https://www.wisegeek.net/what-is-an-ovarian-cancer-ultrasound.htm
Copy this link
WiseGeek, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.

WiseGeek, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.