Tampons could aid early diagnosis of ovarian cancer, according to research
The trial, being led by researchers from Southampton, seeks to test a tampon that could be used as a sample collector to identify the early signs of possible ovarian cancer.
TL;DR
- Researchers are testing a medical tampon to improve early diagnosis of ovarian cancer.
- The tampon will be used as a sample collector for vaginal fluids to detect early signs.
- Ovarian cancer is a lethal disease that often has no symptoms in its early stages, leading to late-stage diagnosis.
- Current methods for early detection are lacking, and some women at genetic risk opt for preventative surgeries.
- The study compares samples from women undergoing procedures with the diagnostic tampon to tissue samples from ovaries and fallopian tubes.
- The research focuses on identifying microRNA biomarkers present in both cancer cells and vaginal fluid.
- Successful identification of biomarkers could lead to a broader community screening study for high-risk women.