Usually you begin by seeing your GP, who will examine you and arrange for you to have any tests (usually ultrasound scans and/or blood tests) that may be necessary. If your GP suspects that you have ovarian cancer they will refer you to a cancer centre to be seen by a specialist gynaecology cancer team for the tests and for specialist advice and treatment.

At the hospital, the gynaecologist (specialist in women’s illnesses) will ask you about your general health and any previous medical problems, before examining you. This will include an internal (vaginal) examination to check for any lumps or swellings.

The specialist may arrange for you to have a blood test and chest x-ray to check your general health.

You may have a specific blood test to check whether there are higher than normal levels of the CA125 protein in your blood. CA125 is a protein that most women have in their blood. The level may be higher in women with ovarian cancer, as it is sometimes produced by ovarian cancer cells. However, CA125 is not specific to ovarian cancer, and the level can also be raised in women who have other non-cancerous conditions.

Several tests may be used to diagnose cancer of the ovary. The tests may also show the stage of the cancer – whether or not it has spread to other parts of the body. These tests help your doctor to know the best way to treat the cancer.

An ultrasound uses sound waves to build up a picture of the inside of the abdomen, the liver and the pelvis. It will be done in the hospital scanning department.

If you have a pelvic ultrasound you will be asked to drink plenty of fluids so that your bladder is full. This helps to give a clearer picture. Once you are lying comfortably on your back a gel is spread onto your abdomen. A small device, which produces sound waves, is then rubbed over the area. The sound waves are converted into a picture by a computer.

If you have a vaginal ultrasound scan, a probe with a rounded end is put into your vagina. The probe produces sound waves, which are then converted into a picture by a computer. Although this type of ultrasound scan may sound uncomfortable, many women find it more comfortable than having a pelvic ultrasound, as it is not necessary to have a full bladder.

Pelvic or vaginal ultrasound can be used to check for any enlargement or abnormalities of the ovaries which may be due to a cyst or tumour. It can also be used to show the size and position of a cancer.

A CT (computerised tomography) scan takes a series of x-rays which builds up a three-dimensional picture of the inside of the body. The scan is painless but takes from 10 to 30 minutes. CT scans use a small amount of radiation, which will be very unlikely to harm you and will not harm anyone you come into contact with. You will be asked not to eat or drink for at least four hours before the scan.

You may be given a drink or injection of a dye which allows particular areas to be seen more clearly. For a few minutes, this may make you feel hot all over. If you are allergic to iodine or have asthma you could have a more serious reaction to the injection, so it is important to let your doctor know beforehand. You will probably be able to go home as soon as the scan is over.

An MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) scan is similar to a CT scan, but uses magnetic fields instead of x-rays to build up a series of cross-sectional pictures of the body. During the test you will be asked to lie very still on a couch inside a metal cylinder that is open at both ends. The whole test may take up to an hour and is painless – although the machine is very noisy. You will be given earplugs or headphones to wear.

The cylinder is a very powerful magnet, so before going into the room you should remove all metal belongings. You should also tell your doctor if you have ever worked with metal or in the metal industry or if you have any metal inside your body (for example, a cardiac monitor, pacemaker, surgical clips, or bone pins). You may not be able to have an MRI because of the magnetic fields.

Some people are given an injection of dye into a vein in the arm, but this usually does not cause any discomfort. You may feel claustrophobic inside the cylinder, but you may be able to take someone with you into the room to keep you company. It may also help to mention to the staff beforehand if you do not like enclosed spaces. They can then offer extra support during your test.

If there has been a build up of fluid in the abdomen, a sample of the fluid can be taken to check for any cancer cells. The doctor will use a local anaesthetic to numb the area before passing a small needle through the skin. Some fluid is drawn off into a syringe and examined under a microscope.

This operation allows the doctor to look at the ovaries, fallopian tubes, the womb and the surrounding area. It’s done under a general anaesthetic. Most women usually go home the same day but you may have to stay in hospital overnight.

While you are under anaesthetic, the doctor makes 3–4 small cuts, approximately 1cm (½ inch) in length, in the skin and muscle of the lower abdomen. A thin fibre-optic tube (laparoscope) is then inserted. By looking through the laparoscope the doctor can look at the ovaries and take a small sample of tissue (biopsy) for examination under a microscope.

During the operation, carbon dioxide gas is passed into the abdominal cavity and this can cause uncomfortable wind and/or shoulder pains. The pain is often eased by walking about or by taking sips of peppermint water. If the pain continues when you are at home you should contact the hospital for advice.

After a laparoscopy you will have one or two stitches in your lower abdomen. You should be able to get up as soon as the effects of the anaesthetic have worn off.

Sometimes cancer of the ovary cannot be diagnosed before a full operation (laparotomy) is carried out.

It will probably take several days for the results of your tests to be ready and a follow-up appointment will be arranged for you before you go home. Obviously, this waiting period is an anxious time and it may help you to talk things over with a close friend, a relative, the hospital specialist nurse, or a support organisation. You can also contact one of our experienced cancer nurses.