Can a CT Scan Detect Ovarian Cancer? What You Should Know

If your doctor has ordered a CT scan or you're researching diagnostic options for ovarian cancer, you're probably trying to understand what this imaging test can actually reveal. Ovarian cancer is challenging to detect early because symptoms are often vague or absent until the disease has progressed—bloating, pelvic discomfort, and changes in appetite can easily be mistaken for other conditions.

So where does a CT scan fit into the diagnostic process? Knowing when doctors use CT scans for ovarian cancer, what they can and cannot show, how they compare to other imaging tests, and what your results might mean will give you the clarity you need during this uncertain time.

What is a CT scan?

A computed tomography (CT) scan is an advanced imaging test that creates detailed cross-sectional images of your body using X-ray technology and computer processing. Unlike regular X-rays that show just one flat image, a CT scan takes multiple pictures of your abdomen or pelvis from different angles, which gives your doctor a detailed view of your internal structures. This allows your doctor to examine your organs, bones, and soft tissues with clarity, so they can spot abnormal changes that may indicate cancer.

Can a CT scan detect ovarian cancer?

A CT scan can be helpful in evaluating ovarian cancer, but it's not definitive on its own. It provides valuable information that helps your doctor:

• Identify larger masses:

  • The scan can spot large ovarian tumours, measure their size, and show exactly where they are located in relation to surrounding organs.

• Detect spread:

  • It helps determine if cancer has spread to other areas, such as your lymph nodes, liver, intestines, peritoneum (abdominal lining), or other organs.

• Guide treatment:

  • The scan gives your doctor a clearer idea of how advanced the cancer is, so they can create a suitable treatment plan for you.

• Monitor treatment response:

  • The scan can show whether tumours are shrinking with treatment or if cancer has returned after treatment ends.

However, CT scans have significant limitations. Ovarian tumours in early stages are often very small and may not show up clearly on the scan. CT scans are better at detecting larger masses or determining if cancer has spread beyond the ovaries rather than finding early-stage disease. That’s why your doctor will use CT scans in combination with other tests, such as pelvic or transvaginal ultrasounds, CA-125 blood tests, or physical exams, to get more accurate results for diagnosis and staging.

Although a CT scan can reveal suspicious areas, it cannot confirm a cancer diagnosis on its own. The only definitive way to diagnose ovarian cancer is through a biopsy, where your doctor surgically removes tissue samples and examines them under a microscope for cancer cells. In many cases, this is done during exploratory surgery where the extent of disease can also be assessed.

Why you might need a CT scan?

Your doctor may recommend a CT scan for some additional reasons:

• To investigate unexplained symptoms:

  • Persistent bloating, abdominal pain, or changes in appetite may warrant imaging to identify the cause.

• To follow up on abnormal results:

  • If an ultrasound, pelvic examination, or CA-125 blood test shows something unusual, a CT scan provides more detailed information.

• To plan treatment:

  • Before surgery, a CT scan helps map tumor size and location. It can also guide biopsies or assess how well chemotherapy is working.

• To rule out other conditions:

  • A CT scan helps distinguish ovarian cancer from other causes of pelvic symptoms, such as cysts, fibroids, or endometriosis.

Not sure if you need a CT scan? Schedule an appointment at Thomson Medical. Our specialist will listen to your concerns, explain your options, and recommend what’s best for you.

Types of CT scans for ovarian cancer

For ovarian cancer, there are three kinds of CT scans, which are as follows:

• CE-CT (Contrast-Enhanced CT):

  • This is the most common type of CT scan, which uses a contrast dye to make tumours appear more clearly.

  • CE-CT helps determine if a tumour is cancerous, check if cancer has spread, and monitor treatment results.

• Non-contrast CT:

  • If you are sensitive to contrast dye, your doctor will recommend a non-contrast CT.

  • It is able to find larger tumours or abnormalities in the structure of the area around your pelvis. However, it’s less sensitive than CE-CT.

• PET-CT (Positron Emission Tomography CT):

  • It allows your doctor to see the structure and how active cancer cells are.

  • A PET CT scan is effective for identifying recurrence or metastatic ovarian cancer, but it’s not usually used for early diagnosis because it may miss very small tumours or produce false positives.

The CT scan process: What to expect

The process is straightforward, usually takes about 15 to 30 minutes. Here’s what you can expect before, during, and after your scan.

• Before the scan:

  • You may need to avoid eating and drinking for a few hours, especially if contrast dye is used. This special liquid helps certain tissues show up more clearly on the images.

  • You may swallow contrast dye or get it through an IV. It can cause a brief warm feeling, which is normal and goes away quickly.

  • Be sure to tell your doctor or radiographer if you have any allergies, kidney problems, or have had reactions to contrast dye before.

• During the scan:

  • You’ll lie on a narrow table that slides into the doughnut-shaped CT machine.

  • The scanner takes a series of X-ray images while you stay very still. You may be asked to hold your breath for a few seconds at a time.

  • The procedure is painless, and your radiographer will monitor you from the control room. They can talk to you through an intercom at any time.

• After the scan:

  • You can return to normal activities right away.

  • If you had contrast dye, drinking plenty of water will help flush it out.

  • Your doctor will review the images, interpret the results, and discuss them with you within a few days.

Next steps after a CT scan

After the CT scan, your next steps depend on what it reveals.

• If the scan shows no abnormalities:

  • Your doctor may recommend regular check-ups or further testing, especially if symptoms persist, because early ovarian cancer can be difficult to spot on CT alone.

• If the scan reveals suspicious areas or a mass:

  • Your doctor may order additional tests, such as a transvaginal ultrasound, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), PET scan, or CA125 blood test, to get more details. In this case, a CT scan is often the first step in the broader diagnostic process.

  • To confirm whether the mass  is cancerous, you may be asked to undergo  a biopsy or surgery.

• If cancer is confirmed:

  • Your doctor will determine the cancer stage (how far it has spread) and create a personalised treatment plan tailored to your condition and overall health.

Treatment options for ovarian cancer

Once the disease is confirmed, your doctor may recommend a suitable treatment plan tailored to your specific condition. The main treatment options include:

• Surgery:

  • Surgery is usually the first step in treatment. The aim is to remove as much of the tumour as possible and check whether it has spread to nearby organs or tissues.

• Chemotherapy:

  • Chemotherapy is usually suggested after surgery. It uses drugs like carboplatin and paclitaxel to kill any cancer cells that may still be in your body.

  • While it can cause temporary side effects such as fatigue, nausea, and hair loss, your care team will help manage these symptoms and support your recovery throughout treatment.

• Targeted Therapy:

  • This method uses specialised drugs that target specific weaknesses in cancer cells to stop their growth and prevent them from coming back.

If you have concerns about ovarian health, schedule an appointment at Thomson Medical. Our obstetrician and gynaecologist can guide you through the right tests for early detection and provide personalised care every step of the way.

FAQ

When is a CT scan the best choice for detecting cancer?

Will ovarian cancer show up in a CT scan?

What is the risk of a CT scan?

Is a CT scan painful?

Not at all. A CT scan is painless. However, you might feel a bit of discomfort when the contrast dye is used.

What are the common methods used to detect ovarian cancer?

Your doctor usually combines different screening tests, including a pelvic exam, a transvaginal ultrasound, and a CA125 blood test to measure tumour markers. CT or MRI scans may follow to assess larger tumours or check if the cancer has spread. In many cases, your doctor may request surgery or a biopsy to confirm the disease.

Can a CT scan tell if ovarian cancer has spread?

Yes. One of the most important roles of CT scans is detecting whether ovarian cancer has spread beyond the ovaries. This helps your doctor determine the stage of the disease and plan surgery or the right treatment for you.

The information provided is intended for general guidance only and should not be considered medical advice. For personalised recommendations based on your medical conditions, request an appointment with Thomson Medical.

Reference:

Rizzo, S., Avesani, G., Panico, C., Manganaro, L., Gui, B., Lakhman, Y., Andrieu, P. C., Bharwani, N., Rockall, A., Thomassin-Naggara, I., Cunha, T. M., Sala, E., Forstner, R., & Nougaret, S. (2025). Ovarian cancer staging and follow-up: updated guidelines from the European Society of Urogenital Radiology female pelvic imaging working group. European Radiology, 35(7), 4029–4039. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00330-024-11300-7

Engbersen, M. P., Van Driel, W., Lambregts, D., & Lahaye, M. (2021). The role of CT, PET-CT, and MRI in ovarian cancer. British Journal of Radiology, 94(1125), 20210117. https://doi.org/10.1259/bjr.20210117