If your doctor suspects you have ovarian cancer, they will usually start with a pelvic examination, and then order some tests and scans. The only way to confirm ovarian cancer is through a biopsy, in which a sample of tissue is taken to be examined under a microscope. The biopsy is usually done during surgery. At the same time, samples of fluid in the abdomen may also be taken and examined.
Many masses found on the ovaries will not be cancer. The diagnosis of ovarian cancer can only be made after tissue or fluid has been sampled and the cells checked by a specialist called a pathologist.
Many people feel understandably shocked and upset when told they have ovarian cancer. If you need support, call Cancer Council 13 11 20.
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I went in to have minor surgery. Afterwards the doctor said, ‘I’m sorry, but it looks like ovarian cancer’. It certainly changed my life.
Louisa
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Dr Antonia Jones, Gynaecological Oncologist, The Royal Women’s Hospital and Mercy Hospital for Women, VIC; Dr George Au-Yeung, Medical Oncologist, Peter MacCallum Centre, VIC; Dr David Chang, Radiation Oncologist, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, VIC; Prof Anna DeFazio AM, Sydney West Chair of Translational Cancer Research, The University of Sydney, Director, Centre for Cancer Research, The Westmead Institute for Medical Research and Director, Sydney Cancer Partners, NSW; Ian Dennis. Consumer (Carer); A/Prof Simon Hyde, Head of Gynaecological Oncology, Mercy Hospital for Women, VIC; Carmel McCarthy, Consumer; Quintina Reyes, Clinical Nurse Consultant – Gynaecological Oncology, Westmead Hospital, NSW; Deb Roffe, 13 11 20 Consultant, Cancer Council SA.
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