Ailments & Conditions

How to Test, Diagnose and Detect Ovarian Cancer

Transvaginal Ultrasound

A pelvic ultrasound involves the uses of sound waves to generate a picture of pelvic areas. It is often the first test done to assess an ovarian tumor. This procedure can be performed either transvaginally (inserting a probe into the vagina) or abdominally (placing a probe on top of the skin). The former option is more effective in detecting ovarian tumors, particularly small ones. Results of transvaginal ultrasound can give an approximate size of the growth and help a doctor determine whether it is a solid, complex, or simple cyst. In addition, this test can help identify free fluid in the pelvic area, a common sign of advanced tumors. [4]