Hello Everyone,
Like many of you, I’m currently in the processs of undergoing tests to rule out ovarian cancer. I had a visit with my gp today, and although my ca125 was only slightly elevated (38), and my ultrasound came back “unremarkable “ she is scheduling an mri, hopefully within the next two weeks. I should also include I’ve been experiencing abdominal bloating for about 6 months now (I look about 5- 6 months pregnant), and wake up to lower back pain that keeps me awake. I have very, very subtle pelvic pain, so subtle I wonder if I’m imagining it. My only other symptoms would be ankle swelling, headache, indigestion, and severe exhaustion. I guess I’m just curious about the mri. I know I have symptoms that may suggest ovarian cancer, but my ca125 was only slightly elevated and nothing showed on the ultrasound. Am I missing something? Is the mri really necessary? I don’t want to sound ungrateful...my gp is an incredible doctor and very thorough. Is there something she might know that I don’t? Im 45 years old with no family history of ovarian cancer or breast cancer. Can the mri potentially show something the ultrasound completely missed?
The answer is yes.
The MRI is a much more sensitive tool, although most of us diagnosed with Ovarian cancer have CT scans.
But you bloating and exhaustion are big symptoms that need to be investigated further.
Bravo that your GP is concerned and hopefully you can get to the cause soon.
You should also have a repeat of the CA-125 test to monitor for changes there.
I wish you the best of luck,
Laura
Hi Lindaura, and thank you so much for responding. My gp did mention testing my ca125 again, once the mri is complete. Do you have any idea why an mri would be ordered instead of a CT scan? I’ve read the CT scan is more frequently done, but I can’t seem to find any information on why that might be the case. I really do have an amazing doc. She always takes my concerns seriously, and isn’t afraid to test further. Thanks again for taking the time to reply. It’s difficult to shut down your own racing thoughts, so to have support out there is very much appreciated.
I am not sure exactly why she is asking for an MRI, but she could be looking for a scan of everything in your body, ruling out Breast cancer, bone lesions, etc from your neck down.
Sounds scary, but seems pretty thorough.
After this, and you have your CA-125 run again, she might request the CT scan for another look.
So sorry you have to deal with this, but hopefully you will get that MRI ASAP, and rule out lots of issues.
Best wishes,
Laura