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There is no single screening test effective for early detection of peritoneal cancer in individuals at high risk. Diagnosis is made through the suspicion of specialist physicians based on presenting symptoms and physical examination.
Diagnostic methods include:
* Physical examination by specialist physicians.
* Imaging techniques such as ultrasonography, computed tomography (CT), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and positron emission tomography (PET).
* Endoscopy and colonoscopy.
* Blood tests.
* Cancer markers.
* Diagnostic laparoscopy, surgical examination of the abdominal cavity.
* Obtaining tissue samples from affected peritoneal cancer tissues or from peritoneal fluid (ascites) accumulated in the abdomen.
Blood tests: CA-125 levels may be elevated in the blood of individuals with peritoneal cancer. However, CA-125 levels can also be elevated in many conditions, from pelvic infections to pregnancy, and other cancers. Careful differentiation is necessary.
Imaging tests: Oncologic radiology tests are effective in the assessment of peritoneal cancer. Abdominal ultrasound (and sometimes transvaginal ultrasound) is frequently used. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) or computed tomography (CT) scans of the abdomen and pelvis are also used in the diagnosis of peritoneal cancer. PET-CT is important for treatment assessment after the disease is diagnosed.
Biopsy and laparoscopy: Biopsy is an important test to clarify the diagnosis of some cancers. During laparoscopy, tissue samples are taken through a few small incisions in the abdominal skin. These samples are analyzed in a laboratory to determine if they contain cancerous cells. If ascites are present, removal of some of the fluid is performed using a procedure called paracentesis. This fluid should be examined under a microscope to confirm the presence of cancer cells.
How is peritoneal cancer diagnosed?
Diagnostic methods include:
* Physical examination by specialist physicians.
* Imaging techniques such as ultrasonography, computed tomography (CT), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and positron emission tomography (PET).
* Endoscopy and colonoscopy.
* Blood tests.
* Cancer markers.
* Diagnostic laparoscopy, surgical examination of the abdominal cavity.
* Obtaining tissue samples from affected peritoneal cancer tissues or from peritoneal fluid (ascites) accumulated in the abdomen.
Blood tests: CA-125 levels may be elevated in the blood of individuals with peritoneal cancer. However, CA-125 levels can also be elevated in many conditions, from pelvic infections to pregnancy, and other cancers. Careful differentiation is necessary.
Imaging tests: Oncologic radiology tests are effective in the assessment of peritoneal cancer. Abdominal ultrasound (and sometimes transvaginal ultrasound) is frequently used. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) or computed tomography (CT) scans of the abdomen and pelvis are also used in the diagnosis of peritoneal cancer. PET-CT is important for treatment assessment after the disease is diagnosed.
Biopsy and laparoscopy: Biopsy is an important test to clarify the diagnosis of some cancers. During laparoscopy, tissue samples are taken through a few small incisions in the abdominal skin. These samples are analyzed in a laboratory to determine if they contain cancerous cells. If ascites are present, removal of some of the fluid is performed using a procedure called paracentesis. This fluid should be examined under a microscope to confirm the presence of cancer cells.