Early Detection of Ovarian Cancer

According to researchers investigation a new imaging technique can detect ovarian cancer earlier. A team from Washington University School of Engineering noted that photoacoustic tomography can evaluate ovarian tumors.

In their research they use transvaginal ultrasound to obtain detailed information about tumour but lacks accuracy in diagnosis. In photoacoustic tomography it gives detailed information about the tumour and it is more accurate than normal ultrasound. 

In their study the team created a sheath with optical fibres that wrapped around the ultrasound probe and the fibers are connected to the laser. Once the probe is inserted into the patient, the laser turns ON, the lights from the laser propagates and was absorbed by the tumors. This generates sound waves and disclose information about the tumors and sO2 inside the ovaries.

The researchers used two biomarkers to categorize the ovaries:
Relative total hemoglobin concentration – It is 1.9 times higher for  invasive epithelial cancerous ovaries compared to normal ovaries.
Mean oxygen saturation – The average oxygen saturation of invasive epithelial cancers was nine percent lower than ovaries that are normal or have benign tumors. 

This technology is valuable to detect and diagnose ovarian cancers at early stages and it may help to monitor high risk patients who have increased risk of ovarian and breast cancers  due to their genetic mutations.