How to Test, Diagnose and Detect Ovarian Cancer

By
Mary Salazar
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8Blood Tests

Some blood tests may identify tumor markers, which are proteins produced by both cancerous and normal cells in the ovaries. Higher levels may suggest the presence of ovarian cancer. While this is not an effective option to screen for this disease, it may help with diagnosis and treatment. Common tumor markers to look for in blood tests include:

– CA-125: this is the most commonly measured tumor marker for diagnosing ovarian cancer. People with epithelial ovarian growths tend to have higher levels. However, it may also suggest the presence of other conditions, such as lupus, cirrhosis, pancreatitis, pelvic inflammatory disease, polycystic ovarian syndrome, or pregnancy.

– HE4: This type tends to be found in premenopausal women. It can be combined with CA-125 to diagnose ovarian cancer.

– HCG and AFP: Both types are commonly tested in pregnant women

– CEA: This is a non-specific marker that might be increased in certain gastrointestinal issues and cancers

– CA-19-9: It is more prevalent in mucinous epithelial ovarian cancer

– Inhibin and estradiol: Both tend to be higher in women who have germ cell or sex cord-stromal growths [8]

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