The gynecologist often finds these masses during a routine exam. To have a proper diagnosis, a physician, such as a Obstetrician Gynecologist (Ob Gyn) may use any or all of the following tests:

Pelvic Exam
The doctor typically finds an ovarian mass during a pelvic exam. During the exam, the doctor feels the vagina, uterus, ovaries, bladder, and rectum. This is to check for lumps or anything unusual.

Ultrasonography
If the doctor feels a mass, he or she will often request a pelvic sonogram also known as an ultrasound. The doctor may also ask for a sonogram if pelvic symptoms exist. Ultrasonography allows for a clear picture of the uterus, tubes, and ovaries. If an ovarian mass is present, the radiologist will be able to describe its size, location, and appearance. The doctor will want to know whether the masses are cystic (fluid filled), solid, or both (complex). Masses that are mostly composed of fluid—cysts—are less suspicious for cancer than masses with solid areas.

No. A Pap smear (Pap test) is a test of a sample of cells taken from a woman's cervix. The test is used to look for changes in the cells of the cervix that show cervical cancer or conditions that may develop into cancer.

No. A Pap smear is the best tool to detect precancerous conditions and hidden, small tumors that may lead to cervical cancer. If detected early, cervical cancer can be cured.

Routine screening for cervical cancer is recommended every two years for women 21-29 years old. For certain women 30 years and older who have had three consecutive normal screening test results, testing can be done every three years.

OVA1 is an aid to further assess the likelihood that malignancy is present when the physician’s independent clinical and radiological evaluation does not indicate malignancy. The test is not intended as a screening or stand-alone diagnostic assay.

OVA1 is important because it may help a physician decide the type of surgeon the patient should be referred to for the best outcomes.  If an OVA1 score indicates a higher probability of malignancy then referral to a gynecologic oncologist is appropriate.  Gynecologic oncologists have undergone specific training for removing ovarian cancers which will lead to better patient outcomes.  If the OVA1 score, along with the physician's evaluation indicates a lower probability of cancer, that physician may chose to perform the surgery him or herself.

Vermillion, Inc. is working closely with our commercialization partner, Quest Diagnostics, to secure coverage and reimbursement for OVA1. As OVA1 is a new technology, health plans require time to make their coverage decisions.  OVA1 is reimbursed by Medicare for Medicare beneficiaries, and may be covered by some private health plans. For additional information on payor coverage, please visit the Payor Information page.

An elevated OVA1 score indicates a higher probability of malignancy. A true diagnosis of malignancy can only be determined upon surgical removal of the mass.

A lower OVA1 score indicates a lower probability of malignancy. A physician should use OVA1 along with clinical exams and other tests to determine if referral to a Gynecologic Oncologist is appropriate for further evaluation.

Women who are at high risk for ovarian cancer due to a family history of the disease may consider having their ovaries removed before cancer develops. This is called a prophylactic oophorectomy (oo-fuh-rek-tuh-mee). This procedure usually, but not always, protects women from developing ovarian cancer. The risks associated with this surgery and its side effects should be carefully considered. A woman should discuss the possible benefits and risks with her doctor based on her unique situation.

Some studies have shown that breastfeeding and taking birth control pills may decrease a woman's likelihood of developing ovarian cancer. These factors decrease the number of times a woman ovulates, and studies suggest that reducing the number of ovulations during a woman's lifetime may lower the risk of ovarian cancer.

Women who have had an operation that prevents pregnancy (tubal ligation) or have had their uterus and cervix removed (hysterectomy) also have a lower risk of developing ovarian cancer. Exercise may also reduce the risk of ovarian cancer.

A woman with a significant family history of breast and/or ovarian cancer has a higher risk of getting these cancers. Breast and ovarian cancer can be caused by an inherited mutation in the BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes. However, not every woman who has an altered BRCA1 or BRCA2 gene will get cancer, because genes are not the only factor that affects cancer risk. Both men and women have BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes, so alterations in these genes can be passed down from either the mother or the father. Links between ovarian, colorectal and uterine cancer have also been found.