ROMA - Risk Of Ovarian Malignancy Algorithm

ROMA (Risk of Ovarian Malignancy Algorithm) test assesses whether a woman with ovarian adnexal mass has a low or high chance of finding malignancy during surgery.

Ovarian cancer is relatively uncommon but causes more deaths than any form of cancer. The rapid growth and multiplication of cells in the ovary causes ovarian cancer. These cells are responsible for invading and destroying healthy body tissues.

A doctor may not immediately diagnose this condition since it does not pose any noticeable symptoms initially. Thus, it is vital to take the ROMA test to detect the condition early. 

ROMA Test - Overview

ROMA is a qualitative serum test that is primarily used for detecting epithelial cell ovarian cancer in premenopausal and postmenopausal women.

This test combines the result of the monitoring tests, namely HE4 and CA125, and menopausal status. It releases this result in the form of a numerical score.

If the patient is premenopausal and receives a score less than 1.14, then it is highly likely that there will be no malignancy found during surgery. On the other hand, for postmenopausal women, any score less than 2.99 indicates a low chance of malignancy.

To be eligible for the ROMA test, a woman must fulfil all of the following criteria.

• Be over 18 years of age
• Have an ovarian adnexal mass present for which surgery is planned
• Has not consulted an oncologist yet

ROMA test must be undertaken and interpreted in conjunction with clinical and radiological tests. The entire procedure does not require any special preparations. But it is advisable to stop consuming any supplement with a high dose of biotin before the test. The biotin intake should be stopped at least 72 hours before the test is taken. Otherwise, there might be interference with the results, and you may not receive an accurate conclusion.

Why Should You Get Tested?

The earlier ovarian cancer is detected, the easier it is to treat successfully. The condition poses no noticeable symptoms in its initial stages, and a lot of its symptoms overlap with common ailments. Some of them include:

• Abdominal bloating
• Fatigue
• Rapidly feeling full while eating
• Back pain
• Changes in bowel habits
• Frequent urination
• Weight loss
• Discomfort in the pelvic area

The ROMA test helps determine the likelihood of having ovarian cancer by distinguishing epithelial ovarian cancer from benign pelvic mass.
 

Medically reviewed by Dr. Jasmin Rath, Obstetrics & Gynaecology from apollo Hospitals Jubilee Hills, Hyderabad.

Frequently asked questions

Who is not suitable for undergoing the ROMA test?

The ROMA test is not suitable for everyone, especially pregnant women, women currently undergoing chemotherapy, and women below the age of 18 years. If you have been treated for malignancy earlier, you must talk to the doctor before taking the test. Discuss all existing health conditions to verify if you’re eligible for the procedure.

Are there any specific preparation tips for the ROMA test?

There are no specific preparation steps for the ROMA test. However, you must ensure that the doctor does not collect your specimen at least 8 hours after biotin consumption. You should talk to your doctor about the current medication you are on before the test.

Are there any risks or complications associated with the test?

There are no risks associated with the ROMA test. However, it is recommended that the test is not conducted without a radiological/clinical evaluation to avoid complications later on. In some cases, high levels of antibodies such as human antimouse antibodies or streptavidin can interfere with the test results. That's why you must opt for a reliable test centre for the procedure.

Can I prevent ovarian cancer?

Although there are no specific ways to prevent ovarian cancer, certain factors reduce the risks of the disease. Women using oral contraceptives for five years or more have lower chances of developing ovarian cancer. Also, women who have given birth and breastfed for more than a year are not at risk of developing the ailment.

What is the expected turnaround time for the ROMA test?

The expected turnaround time for the test is around 1 to 3 days. This period comprises specimen collection, specimen analysis, documenting the results, and submitting them to the doctor. So, the turnaround time might increase if the doctor recommends additional tests.