Ultrasound scan for ovarian cancer
Ultrasound scans help diagnose ovarian cancer, fallopian tube cancer and primary peritoneal cancer. They help doctors know whether an abnormal area is cancer.
What is an ovarian ultrasound?
An ultrasound scan uses sound waves to create a picture of the organs in the pelvis and tummy area. A computer converts the sound waves into pictures that you can see on a screen.
You may have ultrasound scans to help diagnose:
If your CA125 levels are raised (35 IU/ml or above), your GP usually arranges an ultrasound scan. If you have not had an ultrasound, your specialist doctor at the hospital will arrange it.
You have the scan in the hospital scanning department. The person doing the scan will either be a specialist x-ray doctor (radiologist) or someone who specialises in ultrasound scans (sonographer). They will explain more about the scan and help you lie down comfortably on your back.
Types of ultrasound
You may have either a pelvic or transvaginal ultrasound. Or you may have them together.
Both types of ultrasound scan can be slightly uncomfortable, but they should not be painful. They usually take about 15 minutes. After your scan, you will be given some tissue paper to wipe away the gel. You can usually go home straight after.
Pelvic ultrasound
The person doing the scan will spread gel onto your tummy. They will then gently press a small, hand-held device against the skin of the tummy. You will be asked to drink plenty of fluids before this scan so that your bladder is full.
Vaginal ultrasound
The person doing the scan will gently place a small probe into the vagina. The probe has a rounded end. It will have a protective cover and be lubricated. Although this scan sounds uncomfortable, you may find it easier than a pelvic ultrasound, as you do not need to have a full bladder.
We have more information about transvaginal ultrasound.
About our information
This information has been written, revised and edited by Macmillan Cancer Support’s Cancer Information Development team. It has been reviewed by expert medical and health professionals and people living with cancer.
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References
Below is a sample of the sources used in our ovarian cancer information. If you would like more information about the sources we use, please contact us at informationproductionteam@macmillan.org.uk
Ovarian cancer: recognition and initial management. Clinical guideline [CG122] Published: 27 April 2011 Last updated: 02 October 2023 www.nice.org.uk/guidance/cg122 (accessed May 2024)
Ovarian cancer: identifying and managing familial and genetic risk. NICE guideline [NG241]. Published: 21 March 2024 www.nice.org.uk/guidance/ng241 (accessed May 2024)
A. González-Martín, P. Harter, A. Leary, D. Lorusso, R. E. Miller, B. Pothuri, I. Ray-Coquard, D. S. P. Tan, E. Bellet, A. Oaknin & J. A. Ledermann, on behalf of the ESMO Guidelines Committee. Newly diagnosed and relapsed epithelial ovarian cancer: ESMO Clinical Practice Guideline for diagnosis, treatment and follow-up. Published August 17, 2023. www.annalsofoncology.org/article/S0923-7534(23)00797-4/fulltext (accessed May 2024)
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