Ovarian Cancer

Ovarian cancer is a disease in which cancer starts in the cells of the ovary. There are 3 types of ovarian tumors, named for the tissue in which they are found:

• Epithelial cell. These are cells that cover the surface of the ovary. Most of these tumors are benign (noncancerous) and account for most cases of ovarian cancer.
• Germ cell. These are cells that form the eggs in the ovary.
• Stromal cell. These cells form the structural tissue of the ovary and produce female hormones.

What are the symptoms of ovarian cancer?

The following are the most common symptoms of ovarian cancer. However, each individual may experience symptoms differently. Symptoms may include general discomfort in the lower abdomen, including any or all of the following:

• Feeling swollen or bloated
• A loss of appetite or a feeling of fullness
• Gas, indigestion, and nausea
• Diarrhea or constipation, or frequent urination caused by the growing tumor, which may press on nearby organs, such as the bowel or bladder
• Feeling very tired all the time
• Bleeding from the vagina
• Buildup of fluid around the lungs, which may cause shortness of breath

If any of these symptoms occur almost daily or last a few weeks and are new, they should be reported to the doctor. In many cases, symptoms do not occur until the ovarian cancer is in an advanced stage, meaning it has spread beyond the ovary in which it started. The symptoms of ovarian cancer may resemble other medical conditions or problems. Always consult your doctor for a diagnosis.

How can ovarian cancer be prevented?

The cause of ovarian cancer is not yet known. An estimated 22,440 new cases of ovarian cancer are expected in the U.S. in 2017. Ovarian cancer is the ninth most common form of cancer among women. Suggested preventive measures include the following:

• Healthy diet (high in fruits, vegetables, grains, and low in saturated fat)
• Staying at a healthy weight throughout life
• Birth control pills
• Pregnancy and breastfeeding
• Oophorectomy – Surgery to remove one or both ovaries.

What are risk factors for ovarian cancer?

Research studies have shown that certain genes are responsible for increasing the risk of ovarian and breast cancer. Genetic counseling can tell you whether you have 1 of these gene mutations. If your family history suggests that you may have 1 of these gene mutations, you might want to talk to your doctor about genetic testing.

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:

• Age (over the age of 55)
• Obesity
• Hormone replacement therapy
• Infertility (inability to become pregnant)
• Personal history of breast or colon cancer
• Family history
• Certain fertility drugs

How is ovarian cancer diagnosed?

Diagnosis includes a medical history and physical examination, including a pelvic examination to check the vagina, rectum, and lower abdomen for masses or growths. A Pap test may be done as part of the pelvic examination. The definitive diagnosis is made at the time of surgery. The doctor may also order other tests, such as:

• Ultrasound
• Computed tomography (CT or CAT scan)
• Lower gastrointestinal (GI) series
• Intravenous pyelogram (IVP)
• Blood test
• Biopsy

Treatment for ovarian cancer

Specific treatment for ovarian cancer will be determined by your doctor based on:

• Your age, 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, or a combination of treatments.
• Surgery (including: Hysterectomy, Salpingo-oophorectomy, Pelvic lymph node dissection )
• Chemotherapy