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There is no single effective screening test for peritoneal cancer in individuals at high risk of developing the disease. Diagnosis typically begins when symptoms appear, leading to suspicion during a physical examination by specialist physicians, and is then clarified with various diagnostic methods.
Diagnostic Methods:
1. Physical Examination and Clinical Assessment: A detailed physical examination performed by a specialist physician can provide the first clues about the disease.
2. Imaging Techniques: Oncological radiological tests are critically important in the evaluation of peritoneal cancer.
* Ultrasonography: Abdominal and sometimes transvaginal ultrasonography are commonly used initial methods.
* Computed Tomography (CT) and Magnetic Resonance (MR): CT and MR scans of the abdomen and pelvis are effective in detecting the presence and spread of the disease.
* PET-CT: Plays an important role in planning treatment and evaluating its effectiveness after the disease has been diagnosed.
3. Blood Tests and Cancer Markers:
* CA-125: Blood CA-125 levels may be elevated in patients with peritoneal cancer. However, since this value can also be elevated in many different conditions such as pelvic infections, pregnancy, and other cancers, its interpretation must be done carefully.
4. Biopsy and Diagnostic Laparoscopy: Biopsy is indispensable for a definitive diagnosis.
* Laparoscopy: The abdominal cavity is examined through small incisions in the abdominal skin, and suspicious tissue samples are taken. These tissues are analyzed in the laboratory for the presence of cancerous cells.
* Paracentesis: If there is fluid accumulation (ascites) in the abdominal cavity, a portion of this fluid is drained via a procedure called paracentesis and examined under a microscope to confirm the presence of cancer cells.
How is peritoneal cancer diagnosed?
Diagnostic Methods:
1. Physical Examination and Clinical Assessment: A detailed physical examination performed by a specialist physician can provide the first clues about the disease.
2. Imaging Techniques: Oncological radiological tests are critically important in the evaluation of peritoneal cancer.
* Ultrasonography: Abdominal and sometimes transvaginal ultrasonography are commonly used initial methods.
* Computed Tomography (CT) and Magnetic Resonance (MR): CT and MR scans of the abdomen and pelvis are effective in detecting the presence and spread of the disease.
* PET-CT: Plays an important role in planning treatment and evaluating its effectiveness after the disease has been diagnosed.
3. Blood Tests and Cancer Markers:
* CA-125: Blood CA-125 levels may be elevated in patients with peritoneal cancer. However, since this value can also be elevated in many different conditions such as pelvic infections, pregnancy, and other cancers, its interpretation must be done carefully.
4. Biopsy and Diagnostic Laparoscopy: Biopsy is indispensable for a definitive diagnosis.
* Laparoscopy: The abdominal cavity is examined through small incisions in the abdominal skin, and suspicious tissue samples are taken. These tissues are analyzed in the laboratory for the presence of cancerous cells.
* Paracentesis: If there is fluid accumulation (ascites) in the abdominal cavity, a portion of this fluid is drained via a procedure called paracentesis and examined under a microscope to confirm the presence of cancer cells.