If neither you nor your doctor knows why you are continually having symptoms that may point to ovarian cancer, ask about these important tests to help you rule out ovarian cancer.

A gynecologic oncologist ( a specialist in reproductive cancers) is best able to diagnose or rule out ovarian cancer. Although there is no reliable screening test for the early detection of ovarian cancer, it does not pay to ignore the above symptoms. And do not rely on the Pap smear for detection, as it only checks for cervical cancer.

Bimanual pelvic exam

A complete pelvic exam consists of a recto-vaginal exam feeling the uterus, vagina, ovaries, fallopian tubes, bladder, and rectum to find any abnormality in shape or size.

Ca125 blood test

CA-125 assay is a blood test used to measure the level of CA-125, a tumor marker that is often found in higher-than-normal amounts in the blood of women with ovarian cancer. (If it comes back elevated, ask your doctor to repeat this test monthly for several months. If it comes back progressively more elevated each time, even if the values are low, this is an indication that the condition could very likely be serious.)

Transvaginal ultrasound

Ultrasound refers to the use of high-frequency sound waves. These waves, which cannot be heard by humans, are aimed at the ovaries. The pattern of the echoes they produce creates a picture called a sonogram. Healthy tissues, fluid-filled cysts, and tumors look different on this picture.

Lower GI series, or barium enema

This is a series of x-rays of the colon and rectum. The pictures are taken after the patient is given an enema with a white, chalky solution containing barium. The barium outlines the colon and rectum on the x-ray, making tumors or other abnormal areas easier to see.

CT (or CAT) scan

This test is a series of detailed pictures of areas inside the body created by a computer linked to an x-ray machine.

HE4Protein Test FDA Approved for Monitoring Recurrence or Progressive Disease.

Click here to read more about this novel tumor marker used in combination with CA125 testing.

Click here for the PubMed link for another related HE4 article.