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There is no Sensitive and Specific
test for most reproductive cancers.
Ovarian cancer is
rarely detected by the PAP test.
The PAP test detects
cervical cancer.
All women want a test to detect ovarian
and other cancers of the reproductive system. Sadly, there is no
test that is sensitive and specific for ovarian cancer.
What screening tests are currently
available?
The best screening available consists of
a series of actions:
1. Awareness of the symptoms
2. An annual well woman exam with a vaginal-rectal pelvic
exam, preferably with an OB/GYN.
Only through a series of tests can a
non-surgical pre-diagnosis be made. If there are symptoms or
questions, ask your doctor for:
1. Vaginal-rectal pelvic exam
2. Imaging tests, such as a transvaginal sonogram or CAT scan
3. CA-125 blood test
If questions persist, your doctor may
suggest a surgical procedure called a laparopscopy. This surgery
allows the doctor to insert a small imaging device through the belly
button. Then your doctor can check visually the reproductive organs
in the abdomen.
If you are scheduled for laparoscopic
surgery, we encourage you to work with your doctor to add a gyn/onc on
your medical team. (See Newly
Diagnosed) Why? If there is something suspicious, the
doctor will perform abdominal surgery right away. Having a gyn/onc
on call or in the operating room, "just in case" is very
important. Research has shown that women survive longer when a
gyn/onc does the surgery.
Turn page to:
What
screening tests are currently available?
Why
is a vaginal-rectal pelvic exam so important?
CA-125, why isn't is a good general
screening test?
Revised: December 01, 2004.
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