4.+Ovarian+Cancer+Diagnosis




 * How is ovarian cancer diagnosed? **

Earliest detection of ovarian cancer is done by CA125 blood test, a tumor marker test (Buys et al, 2005). CA 125 is a chemical released by some types of ovarian cancer (Bailey, 2010). CA 125 is positive in 80% of women with epithelial ovarian cancer and is used to monitor the course of the disease (Lewis et al, 2007). Ovarian epithelial cancer remains the most lethal gynecological malignancy in Western countries. Poor prognosis is due to the late stage at first presentation, and advances in surgery and chemotherapy have had small impact on survival (Bristow & Berek, 2006). One study shows high levels of false positive results (Buys et al, 2005).

Transvaginal ultrasound (TVUS) utilizes morphology and ovarian volume to detect changes that may signify developing malignancy; however, it has limitations in distinguishing between masses that are benign or malignant because of the complexity of ovarian morphology (Nelson, Francis, & Zorbas, 2009). -A combination of CA125 screen, transvaginal ultrasound, and yearly pelvic examinations is more effective in diagnosing ovarian cancer (Lewis et al, 2007).

New protein biomarkers have been identified for detecting ovarian cancer for use as a single marker, or in a panel of biomarkers, and often in combination with CA125. Some examples include lysophosphatidic acids, macrophage colony-stimulating factor, osteopontin and inhibin (Nelson, Francis, & Zorbas, 2009). -OvPlex is a commercially available blood test developed by HealthLinx Limited (Australia) that is marketed as a test for the early detection of ovarian cancer. The test measures CA125 and four additional protein biomarkers.

** References ** Bailey, L.C. (2010). //Managing women with ovarian cancer: the role of the nurse//. Nursing Standard. 25(5): 41-49 Bristow, R.E & Berek, J.S. (2006). //Surgery for ovarian cancer: how to improve survival//. Lancet. 367(9522):1558-1560. Buys, S.S., Partridge, E., Greene, M.H., et al. (2005). //Ovarian cancer screening in the Prostate, Lung, Colorectal, and Ovarian (PLCO) cancer screening trial: findings from the initial screen of randomized trial//. American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology. 195(5), 1630-1639. Lewis, M.L., Collier, I.C., & Heitkemper, M.M. (2007). //Medical-Surgical nursing:Assessment and management of clinical problems// (7th ed.). St. Louis: Mosby. Nelson, A. E., Francis, J.E., & Zorbas, H. (2009). Australian & New Zealand Journal of Obstetrics & Gynaecology. 49(5), p448-450, 3p;