2.2 Assessments by the general practitioner
2.2 Assessments by the general practitioner
General practitioner examinations and investigations should include:
- a general and pelvic examination, including rectal examination
- pelvic ultrasound (preferably transvaginal) by a practitioner experienced in gynaecological ultrasounds
- CT scan if appropriate
- routine blood and tumour marker tests (CA125, CEA and, in younger patients, HCG, AFP, LDH).
Examinations and investigations less frequently undertaken in primary care include:
- scopes to see inside the gastrointestinal tract
- biopsy
If ovarian cancer is suspected, initial investigations by the general practitioner should be completed, with the results reviewed by the general practitioner and discussed with the patient within two weeks of the patient initially presenting with symptoms.
