Low-grade epithelial ovarian cancer: what a radiologist should know (2024)

FAQs

Can a radiologist detect ovarian cancer? ›

The CT scan is an x-ray test that makes detailed cross-sectional images of your body. The test can help tell if ovarian cancer has spread to other organs. CT scans do not show small ovarian tumors well, but they can see larger tumors, and may be able to see if the tumor is growing into nearby structures.

How is low-grade serous ovarian cancer diagnosed? There is no screening test for ovarian cancer. Ovarian cancer can be detected with a transvagin*l (internal) ultrasound and Ca-125 blood test. A CT scan or MRI may sometimes be used.

Low-grade epithelial ovarian cancers (LGEOCs) are usually diagnosed at a younger age compared to high-grade epithelial ovarian cancers (HGEOCs) and are characterized by an indolent clinical course. Histopathologically, LGSOCs are characterized by uniform nuclei and occasionally psammoma bodies.

Trametinib now offers a new treatment choice for women with a rare form of ovarian cancer called low-grade serous ovarian cancer.

Staging ovarian cancer

Stages 1–2 mean it is early ovarian cancer. Stages 3–4 mean the cancer is advanced. About 7 out of 10 cases of ovarian cancer are diagnosed at stage 3 or 4.

Malignant ovarian tumors tend to have papillary excrescences, irregular walls, and/or thick septations. The tumor can contain echogenic material arising from mucin or protein debris. The more solid the areas are, the greater the likelihood that a tumor is present.

Several studies have shown better survival rates for LGSC than for HGSC, with most recent 5‐year survival rates of 89.3% vs 80.8% for early‐stage disease and 57.7% vs 35.3% for advanced stage.

Unlike high-grade cancers, low-grade ovarian cancers do not respond well to conventional chemotherapy and may respond better to aggressive surgery and endocrine (hormone) therapy, and possibly other targeted therapies.

Low grade serous cancer is a type of carcinoma (epithelial cell cancer). It is usually hormone receptor positive (estrogen +/- progesterone). Epithelial ovarian cancer is the most common type of ovarian cancer. Approximately 10% of epithelial serous ovarian cancers are low-grade.

CA-125 is the most used tumor marker for ovarian cancer. But if your CA-125 level is typical, your doctor might test for HE4 or CA19-9. If you have signs or symptoms of ovarian cancer, your doctor will likely start with a physical examination. Your personal and family medical history also play a role.

What is the most common of the epithelial ovarian cancers? ›

Serous epithelial ovarian cancer is the most common type. Your doctor examines the cancer under the microscope. They grade your cancer depending on how much the tumour cells look like normal tissue.

Low-grade squamous intraepithelial lesions look slightly abnormal when looked at under a microscope. They are usually caused by infection with certain types of human papillomavirus (HPV) and are found when a Pap test or biopsy is done.

About 85 percent of low-grade ovarian cancers recur, and the average survival rate with low-grade ovarian cancer is 9 years. New research and treatment options are likely to improve these numbers in the years to come. Keep in mind that low-grade ovarian cancer is rare, and every case is individual.

The survival rate for LGSOC is generally higher than for high-grade serous ovarian cancer. However, individual outcomes vary, and survival rates depend on factors such as the stage of diagnosis and the response to treatment.

Stage 1 ovarian cancer means the cancer is only in the ovaries. Surgery is the main treatment. Some women need chemotherapy. The stage of a cancer tells the doctor how far it has grown and if it has spread.

Screening tests for ovarian cancer

There has been a lot of research to develop a screening test for ovarian cancer, but there hasn't been much success so far. The 2 tests used most often (in addition to a complete pelvic exam) to screen for ovarian cancer are transvagin*l ultrasound (TVUS) and the CA-125 blood test.

Start by making an appointment with your family doctor or gynecologist if you have any signs or symptoms that worry you. If your primary care doctor suspects that you have ovarian cancer, you may be referred to a specialist in female reproductive cancers (gynecological oncologist).

Radiologists play a large role in the diagnosis of most types of cancer. Radiology errors can lead to a patient's losing a chance for successful treatment when cancer is missed, or suffering physical and emotional distress when incorrectly diagnosed with cancer that isn't there.

Ultrasound scans use high frequency sound waves to create a picture of a part of the body. It can show the ovaries, womb and surrounding structures. You might have this test to help diagnose ovarian cancer.