Ovarian Cancer
What are the ovaries?
The ovaries are female reproductive organs located in the pelvis.? There
are two of them, one on each side of the uterus.? The ovaries produce eggs
and the female hormones estrogen and progesterone. Estrogen and progesterone
control the development of female body characteristics (i.e., breasts, body
shape and body hair), and regulate the menstrual cycle and pregnancy.
What is ovarian cancer?
Ovarian cancer is a disease in which malignant cells are found in an ovary.
There are three types of ovarian tumors, named for the tissue in which they
are found:
- epithelial cell - cells that cover the surface of the ovary
Most of these tumors are benign. However, epithelial ovarian cancer accounts
for 85-90 percent of ovarian cancer cases.
- germ cell - cells that form the eggs in the ovary
- stromal cell - cells that form the ovary and produce female hormones
What is the cause of ovarian cancer?
The cause of ovarian cancer is not yet known.
What are risk factors for ovarian cancer?
The cause of ovarian cancer is unknown, but there are certain risk factors
that indicate an increase in a woman's chance of developing ovarian cancer.
The following have been suggested as risk factors for ovarian cancer:
- starting monthly periods early -- before the age of 12
- having a first child after the age of 30
How can ovarian cancer be prevented?
Suggested preventive measures include a:
- healthy diet (high in fruits, vegetables, grains, and low in saturated fat)
- birth control pills
- pregnancy and breast feeding
- hysterectomy
- tubal ligation
- removal of ovaries
What are symptoms of ovarian cancer?
Symptoms may be so vague that they are easily ignored, and may include:
- general discomfort in the lower abdomen, including any/all of the following:
- feeling swollen or bloated
- a loss of appetite or a feeling of fullness -- even after a light meal
- gas, indigestion, and nausea
- weight loss
- diarrhea or constipation, or frequent urination caused by the growing tumor,
which may press on nearby organs, such as the bowel or bladder.
- bleeding from the vagina (a rare symptom).
- build up of fluid around the lungs, which may cause shortness of breath.
How is ovarian cancer diagnosed?
Diagnosis includes a medical history and physical exam, including a pelvic
exam to feel the vagina, rectum, and lower abdomen for masses or growths. A
Pap test may be requested as part of the pelvic exam. The physician may also
order other tests, including:
- computed tomography (CT or CAT) scan
- lower gastrointestinal (GI) series of x-rays of the colon and rectum
- an intravenous pyelogram (IVP) x-ray of the kidneys and ureters, taken after
the injection of a dye
- a blood test to measure a substance in the blood called CA-125 -- a tumor
marker
- biopsy -- removing tissue from the ovary in an operation called a laparotomy
How is ovarian cancer treated?
Specific treatment for ovarian cancer will be determined by your physician(s)
based on:
- your overall health and medical history
- extent of the disease
- your tolerance for specific medications, procedures, or therapies
- expectations for the course of the disease
- your opinion or preference
Ovarian cancer may be treated with surgery, chemotherapy, radiation therapy,
or a combination of these, called adjuvant therapy.
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