That’s not always an easy question to answer.
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Are You At Risk for Ovarian Cancer?
Anyone can develop a mass on the ovary or ovarian cancer.
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But certain people have a higher cancer risk than others.
So, healthcare providers can use any of several tests to determine the risk of it being malignant.
While it lacks objective findings that blood markers or imaging scans can provide, this method is quite effective.
Get our printable guide for your next doctor’s appointment to help you ask the right questions.
Research shows subjective assessment correctly identifies ovarian cancer about 90% of the time.
It may be even more successful when combined with other methods.
If it only has features matching the malignant criteria, it’s classified as malignant.
After the ultrasound, the healthcare provider considers the factors from the Simple Rules plus your age.
The information is put into a calculator that comes up with a percentage that represents your risk.
However, some research suggests that the LR2 underestimates the rate of cancer.
If it’s over 250, you have a very high chance of cancer.
However, the keyword is chance.
That can inflate your RMI and overstate the odds that you have a cancerous mass.
Which Assessment Method Works Best?
you’ve got the option to see how the tests rank against each other in the table.
You want your risk of cancer determined before the procedure.
Ovarian cancer surgery (cytoreduction surgery for ovarian cancer) is often complex and lengthy.
Get our printable guide for your next doctor’s appointment to help you ask the right questions.
Summary
It’s hard to tell if a mass on your ovary is cancerous.
Studies show a subjective assessment plus Simple Rules may be the best way.
It’s important to know the chance of cancer before you have surgery to remove the mass.
Having the right surgeon perform the procedure leads to better outcomes.
Take time to learn about your condition, as well.
American Cancer Society.Ovarian cancer risk factors.
Torre LA, Trabert B, Desantis CE, et al.Ovarian cancer statistics, 2018.CA Cancer J Clin.
2016;58:17-29. doi:10.1016/j.ejca.2016.01.007
International Ovarian Tumour Analysis.Simple rules risk calculator.
International Ovarian Tumour Analysis.LR2 risk model to diagnose ovarian cancer.
2011;21(4):750-755. doi:10.1097/IGC.0b013e31821b2568
