What is the primary screening method for ovarian cancer?

The primary screening method for ovarian cancer is indeed a combination of transvaginal ultrasound and CA-125 levels. This approach is used because it targets the specific nature of ovarian cancer, which often presents with non-specific symptoms and can be difficult to detect in early stages.

Transvaginal ultrasound allows for detailed imaging of the ovaries, making it easier to identify any abnormalities such as cysts or masses that may indicate the presence of cancer. The CA-125 blood test measures the level of a protein that can be elevated in individuals with ovarian cancer, providing an additional marker that may suggest malignancy when combined with imaging.

While pelvic examinations can be part of a routine gynecological check-up, they are not reliable enough on their own for ovarian cancer screening due to the subtle nature of the disease in its early stages. A CT scan may be useful for staging or assessing spread of the disease after a diagnosis has been made, but it is not a primary screening tool. Similarly, a Pap smear test is specifically designed to screen for cervical cancer and is not utilized for ovarian cancer detection. Thus, the combination of transvaginal ultrasound and CA-125 levels stands as the most effective method for screening ovarian cancer.