Ovarian cancer: Predictors of primary care physicians' referral to gynecologic oncologists

Symptoms Associated With Ovarian Cancer

“…Critics have raised concerns that evaluation of symptoms will lead to unnecessary surgery; however, a recent clinical trial of over 2000 women evaluated with symptoms screening followed by symptom-triggered transvaginal ultrasound and CA125 found that none of the screened patients underwent a laparotomy or even laparoscopy because of enrollment in a symptom-screening program. 26 Ultimately, the timely diagnosis of ovarian cancer will rely on clinical judgment and careful analysis of presenting symptoms within the context of a thoughtful dialogue between the patient and her physician. 22 Through research from the past decade, we now understand that there are patterns associated with ovarian cancer.…”