To plan the best treatment for Ovarian Cancer, your doctor needs to know the grade of the tumor (see diagnosis) and the extent (stage) of the Ovarian Cancer disease.
The stage is based on whether the tumor has invaded nearby tissues tissues, whether the cancer has spread, and if so, to what parts of the body.
Usually doctor may order test to find out whether the cancer has spread:
- CT Scan : doctors often use CT scans to make pictures of organs and tissues in the pelvis or abdomen. An X-ray machine linked to a computer takes several pictures. You may receive contrast material by mouth and by injection into your arm or hand. The contrast material helps the organs or tissues show up more clearly. Abdominal fluid or a tumor may show up on the CT scan
- Chest x-ray : x-rays of the chest can show tumors or fluid.
- Barium enema x-ray : your doctor may order a series of x-rays of the lower intestine. You are given an enema with a barium solution. The barium outlines the intestine on the x-rays. Areas blocked by cancer may show up on the x-rays.
- Colonoscopy : your doctor inserts a long, lighted tube into the rectum and colon. This exam can elp tell if cancer has spread to the colon or rectum.
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