Ovarian cancer is an internal malignancy, developing inside the body without external visual signs. Consequently, direct observation of the cancer by an individual is not possible. Instead, medical professionals rely on a range of sophisticated diagnostic tools and procedures to generate internal “pictures” and gather information about the disease. These methods allow healthcare providers to understand the presence, extent, and characteristics of ovarian cancer within the body.
Understanding Ovarian Cancer Symptoms
Recognizing the potential indicators of ovarian cancer often presents a challenge because its symptoms are frequently subtle and can easily be attributed to more common, less serious conditions. These non-specific symptoms commonly include persistent abdominal bloating. Individuals might also experience pelvic or abdominal pain, which can be a dull ache or a more persistent discomfort in the lower abdomen.
Another frequently reported symptom is difficulty eating or feeling full quickly. Changes in urinary habits can also occur. Some individuals may notice changes in their bowel habits. These symptoms are often vague and can be mistaken for digestive issues, irritable bowel syndrome, or even normal age-related changes, making early detection particularly difficult.
Diagnostic Imaging for Ovarian Cancer
Medical imaging techniques play a significant role in visualizing internal structures and identifying potential signs of ovarian cancer. Transvaginal ultrasound is a common initial imaging method, where a small transducer is inserted into the vagina, emitting sound waves to create detailed images of the ovaries and uterus. An abdominal ultrasound, performed by moving a transducer over the abdomen, also uses sound waves to generate images of the pelvic and abdominal regions, offering a broader view.
Computed Tomography (CT) scans utilize X-rays taken from multiple angles to produce cross-sectional images of the body. These images are then combined by a computer to create detailed pictures of organs, bones, and soft tissues, allowing for visualization of the ovaries and surrounding areas. Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) employs powerful magnetic fields and radio waves to generate highly detailed images of organs and soft tissues. MRI scans can provide even greater soft tissue contrast than CT scans.
What Diagnostic Images Can Show
The “pictures” generated by diagnostic imaging techniques provide medical professionals with information about potential ovarian cancer. These images can reveal the presence of a mass or tumor on or near the ovary, allowing radiologists to assess its size, shape, and internal characteristics. For instance, an image might show whether a mass is predominantly solid, cystic (fluid-filled), or a combination of both, which helps in determining its likelihood of being malignant.
Imaging can also identify other signs associated with ovarian cancer, such as ascites, or fluid accumulation in the abdominal cavity, which can indicate cancer spread within the abdomen. Scans can also show signs of cancer dissemination to other organs or lymph nodes within the abdomen or pelvis. This information about the size, location, and potential spread of the disease aids in staging the cancer and planning appropriate treatment strategies.
Surgical Findings and Pathology
During surgical procedures, surgeons gain a direct “picture” of the ovaries and the surrounding abdominal and pelvic organs. This direct visualization allows them to observe the extent of any tumor growth, assess whether the cancer has spread to nearby tissues or organs, and identify any visible cancerous implants on the surface of organs. The surgeon can also identify and remove any suspicious masses or tissue, as well as perform biopsies of other areas.
Tissue samples removed during surgery are then sent to a pathology laboratory for microscopic examination. A pathologist, a medical doctor specializing in disease diagnosis through tissue analysis, examines these samples under a microscope. This histological examination confirms the presence of cancer cells, determines the specific type of ovarian cancer, and assesses its grade, which reflects how abnormal the cancer cells look and how quickly they are likely to grow. This microscopic analysis provides the most definitive diagnosis and detailed “picture” of the disease at a cellular level.