Ovarian screening at Plymouth Hospital

Ovarian cancer is the fourth most common cancer among women and it largely affects postmenopausal women.

What to look for

Early signs are not always easy to spot, but they may include:

• Bloating or a full feeling in the abdomen
• Pain in the lower abdomen, below the navel
• Unusual vaginal bleeding
• Back pain
• Passing urine more often
• Constipation
• Pain during sex

If you are concerned about any symptoms, or have a family history of cancer, it may be a good idea to see a gynaecologist regularly to help maintain your healthy lifestyle.

How we can help you with ovarian screening

We can help detect early signs of any ovarian cancer with a combination of tests:

• Ultrasound scan – this scanning uses high frequency sound waves to scan for any cysts on the ovary. This can be done abdominally or vaginally, which can be uncomfortable but not painful
• MRI scan (magnetic resonance imaging) - scanning that uses magnetism to build up a picture of the inside of the body. An MRI can detect any tumours on the ovaries
• CT scan (computerised tomography) – this is a type of X-ray which takes pictures from different angles of the body
• Blood test – a blood test can identify certain conditions that detect the presence of a tumour

Our care extends beyond screening. If any abnormalities are found, our team of experts can plan appropriate treatment. Screening and tests help us predict how well you will respond to treatment. Regular screening is always recommended, as early detection and diagnosis can prevent anything out of the ordinary from becoming more serious.

Note: This does not qualify for the Price Promise below.