What are the commonly used examination methods for ovarian cancer

Ovarian cancer is one of the three major gynecological malignancies, accounting for 5% of all malignant tumors in the body and the first in mortality among gynecological malignancies. Women should not ignore symptoms similar to ovarian cancer and should go to the hospital for relevant examinations as soon as possible to avoid delaying treatment. The following are some common examination methods for ovarian cancer.

Exfoliative cytology

This examination method mainly performs diagnostic examinations by extracting cells from exfoliated tissue. The cells can be extracted by puncture and aspirating from the vagina, cervical canal, uterine cavity, and rectouterine pouch.

Fine needle aspiration test

This examination method is generally used for differential diagnosis of ovarian cancer, and it can be performed when ovarian cancer is difficult to diagnose through other examinations. Cells can be obtained through vaginal, rectal, and abdominal puncture examinations, or from superficial lymph nodes such as supraclavicular or inguinal lymph nodes. For examination of retroperitoneal lymph nodes, fluoroscopic fluoroscopy, B-ultrasound, or CT scanning can be used to guide the puncture site to improve the accuracy of the puncture site.

CT

CT examination is a very common and important examination method. It can accurately display the normal and abnormal anatomical structures of the pelvis, and is of great significance for the qualitative, localization, and tumor staging of pelvic masses. It can also be used for postoperative follow-up to improve the survival rate of patients. However, CT examinations are difficult to detect some tiny lesions, which may lead to missed diagnosis.

Alpha-fetoprotein (AFP)

AFP examination is a tumor marker test for ovarian cancer. It is mostly used to detect changes in the condition during or after treatment so that appropriate treatment can be taken in a timely manner to improve the patient's survival rate. Whether AFP increases depends on whether the tumor tissue has endodermal sinus tumor components. When the tumor recurs or metastasizes, AFP will increase again even if there are tiny tumor foci. This is more sensitive than other examination methods.

Laparotomy

Laparotomy will not have adverse effects on the patient's body and condition. It is a more reliable method for determining the diagnosis and surgical staging of ovarian cancer.