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. Your GP may need to refer you to a gynaecologist (specialist in women’s illnesses) at the hospital for the tests and for specialist advice and treatment.

At the hospital, the gynaecologist will take your full medical history before doing a physical examination. This will include an internal (vaginal) examination to check for any lumps or swellings. Sometimes you may also have an examination of your back passage (rectum).

Your doctor 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.

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 which is the best way to treat the cancer.

Sound waves are used to make 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.

This is a series of x-rays which builds up a three-dimensional picture of the inside of the body. The scan is painless but takes longer than an x-ray (about 10–30 minutes). It may be used to find the exact site of the tumour, or to check for any spread of the cancer.

Most people who have a CT scan are given a drink or injection to allow particular areas to be seen more clearly. For a few minutes, this may make you feel hot all over. Before having the injection or drink, it is important to tell your doctor and the person doing this test if you are allergic to iodine or have asthma.

Just before the scan begins, a tampon may be put into your vagina and the nurse may pass a liquid into your back passage (rectum). These preparations ensure that the best possible picture is produced from the scan. Once you are lying in a comfortable position, the scan will be taken.

You will probably be able to go home as soon as the scan is over.

This test is similar to a CT scan, but uses magnetism instead of x-rays to build up cross-sectional pictures of your body. During the test you will be asked to lie very still on a couch inside a long tube for about 30 minutes. It can be slightly uncomfortable and some people feel claustrophobic during the scan. It is also very noisy, but you will be given ear plugs or headphones to wear.

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 is a small operation which allows the doctor to look at the ovaries and the surrounding area. It is done under a general anaesthetic and will mean a short stay in hospital.

While you are under anaesthetic, the doctor makes a small cut (approximately 1cm 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 for up to several days afterwards. The pain is often eased by walking about or by taking sips of peppermint water.

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 definitely 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 or one of a support organisation. You can also contact one of our experienced cancer nurses.