Women's Health

New Test Outperforms CA-125 in Ovarian Cancer Detection

Cancer Detection: What do the results mean?

What do the results mean?

Evaluation of the data from both studies shows that the Parasortix system can be used to distinguish between malignant pelvic masses and benign tumors in women. A 95% accuracy rate has been determined in accurately identifying cancer and a higher specificity rate has been seen in comparison to other existing tests. Current available tests for detecting ovarian cancer include:

  • Ultrasound – a painless test that involves insertion of a small probe into the vaginal opening or on the abdomen. It gives off sound waves that bounce off the tissues and reveal an image of the ovaries on a video screen to detect for any abnormalities;
  • Computed tomography scan (CT scan) – an imaging procedure that involves the use of x-rays. The x-ray imaging provides a clear image of the ovaries and is used to determine if the cancer has spread to other areas of the body;
  • Chest x-ray – an imaging procedure that involves the use of x-rays to the lungs. This procedure may be performed to determine whether ovarian cancer has spread to the lungs. If it has, it will reveal a fluid build-up, known as pleural effusion, around the lungs;
  • Laparoscopy – a type of surgery that uses a thin, lighted tube to look at the ovaries and other body parts around the area. This surgery reveals whether the tumor has spread to other organs and if further treatment is required;
  • Blood test – a test that involves taking a blood sample to determine the levels of protein in the body. High protein levels are generally a sign of certain cancers;
  • Ovarian biopsy – a small tissue sample that is extracted from the body to check for any signs of cancer cells. Most often, an ovarian biopsy is performed after surgery to remove the cancer.