How fast can ovarian cancer grow?

Hi, 

I’ve been fast tracked for scans and blood test due to finding a 12cm mass on my right ovary. 

I was just wondering how fast can cancer grow? I had a CA125 bloods done in November which showed as normal, and now I potentially have ovarian cancer due to malignant markers on the mass? 

Thank you 

  • Hi there and thanks for posting

    I am sorry to hear you are currently undergoing some tests and appreciate what an anxious time this must be for you.

    All cancers are different and grow at different rates. Even if this mass is cancerous it will be difficult for the doctors to predict how long it may have been there for.

    A ca125 level measures inflammation in the pelvis that can be caused by many different things but cannot be used on it's own to diagnose. This is why depending on the symptoms usually an ultrasound is also required to check out the pelvic organs in that area alongside a ca125. Some people can have a high ca125 and no cancer, others may have a low ca125 and still found to have cancer. It isn't an effective test on it's own in diagnosing ovarian cancer, I'm afraid.

    I really hope you know more very soon and that everything turns out okay for you.

    Please get back in touch if needed or if you would rather speak over the phone, our number is 0808 800 4040 and we're here weekdays 9-5.

    All the best

    Naomi