Does pelvic ultrasound treat ovarian cancer?

Ultrasound uses sound waves to create pictures of the pelvis. Depending on the approach, the sonographer may look at the ovaries, uterus, fallopian tubes, bladder, and nearby tissues. The images can show features such as a cyst, solid area, fluid, or a change in size, but an ultrasound alone cannot confirm that a finding is cancer.

If a scan raises concern, the next step may include another imaging test, blood tests, examination, or a biopsy. A biopsy examines cells or tissue and may be needed to identify the diagnosis. Treatment decisions for ovarian cancer depend on the confirmed diagnosis and its extent, not on an ultrasound image alone.

Ask the clinician who requested the scan what question it is intended to answer and whether you need preparation. During the appointment, describe pelvic pain, bloating, changes in bleeding, urinary symptoms, or changes in bowel habits. Afterward, ask when and how the result will be explained and whether follow-up testing is planned.

If ovarian cancer has already been diagnosed, keep the ultrasound report with your oncology records and ask how it fits with other scans or examinations. Do not interpret a finding such as a cyst or mass without the clinical context; many pelvic findings have non-cancerous explanations.

Seek urgent medical help for sudden severe pelvic or abdominal pain, fainting, heavy vaginal bleeding, persistent vomiting, or a swollen abdomen with difficulty breathing. Contact your care team promptly if symptoms rapidly worsen or if you cannot keep fluids down. These warning signs require assessment regardless of the scan result.

What are you looking for on this pelvic ultrasound? Does the finding need another scan or a biopsy? When will I receive the report, and who will explain it? If cancer is confirmed, which treatments would address the cancer itself?