Ovarian Cancer
Also known as: Reproductive Cancer
What is it?
Ovarian cancer occurs mostly in women over
50.
Women with this cancer are more likely to recover if the cancer
is diagnosed and treated early.
Ovarian Cancer is a disease in which the cells in the ovaries
become abnormal and start to grow uncontrollably, forming tumors.
Ninety percent of all ovarian cancers develop in the cells that line
the surface of the ovaries and are called "epithelial cell
tumors".
Who gets it and what are its causes?
Ovarian Cancer is the fifth most common cancer among women in the
United States. It accounts for 4% of all cancers in women. However,
the death rate due to this cancer is higher than that of any other
cancer among women. Ovarian Cancer can develop at any age, but more
than half of the cases are among women who are 65 years or older.
The incidence of the disease is higher among white women. Only 50%
of the women who are diagnosed with ovarian cancer will survive five
years after initial diagnosis. This is because at the time of initial
diagnosis, the cancer is usually in an advanced stage. It is difficult
to diagnose ovarian cancer early, because often there are no warning
symptoms and the disease grows relatively quickly. In addition, the
ovaries are situated deep in the pelvis and, therefore, small tumors
cannot be detected during a routine physician examination.
What are the symptoms?
Ovarian Cancer-This has no specific signs or symptoms in
the early stages of the disease. There may be some vague,
non-specific symptoms, which are often ignored. However, if any of
the symptoms persist, it is essential to have them evaluated by a
doctor immediately. Only a physician can assess whether the symptoms
are an indication of early ovarian cancer. The patient may
experience symptoms such as pain or swelling in the abdomen,
bloating and general feeling of abdominal discomfort, constipation,
nausea or vomiting, loss of appetite, fatigue, unexplained weight
gain (generally due to an accumulation of fluid in the abdomen) and
vaginal bleeding in post-menopausal women.
Medical Treatment
Since there is no known cause for ovarian
cancer, it is not possible to prevent the disease. Nevertheless,
there are ways to reduce one’s risk of developing the disease.
Currently, genetic tests are available which can help to determine
whether a woman who has a family history of breast, endometrial or
ovarian cancer has inherited the mutated gene that predisposes her
to these cancers.
There are no simple tests or screening procedures to detect ovarian
cancer in its early stages. High-risk women are therefore advised to
undergo periodic screening with the transvaginal ultrasound or a blood
test for CA125 protein.
Surgical Treatment
The treatment of choice for ovarian cancer
is surgery. It is aimed at removing as much of the cancer as
possible. Chemotherapy is usually administered after the surgery to
destroy any remaining cancer. Radiation therapy is not routinely
used for ovarian cancer.
The type of surgery depends on the extent of spread of the disease.
In most procedures, the ovaries, uterus and fallopian tubes are
completely removed. In rare cases, if the cancer is not very
aggressive and the woman is young and has not had children, a more
conservative approach may be adopted. Only one ovary may be removed,
and if possible, the fallopian tubes and the uterus may be left
intact.
Occasionally, in addition to the female reproductive organs, the
appendix may also be removed. The liver and the intestine will be
examined for signs of cancer and may be biopsied. Ovarian cancer
spreads contiguously, which means that it moves to the organs that are
next to it. The entire surface of the abdominal cavity will be
examined for the cancer. If cancer is found, extensive surgery may be
needed to remove as much of the disease as possible.
Physician's Who Treat Ovarian Cancer
This information has been designed as a comprehensive and quick reference
guide written by our health care reviewers. The health information written
by our authors is intended to be a supplement to the care provided by your
physician. It is not intended nor implied to be a substitute for
professional medical advice.
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