Ovarian cancer is uncontrolled cell growth that causes tumors in the ovaries, the female reproductive organs that make the female hormones and produce eggs. All women have some risk of developing ovarian cancer, but according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, approximately 90 percent of women who get ovarian cancer are over the age of 40. MayoClinic.com notes that recent studies have shown that women with ovarian cancer are more likely than are other women to consistently experience abdominal pressure, fullness, swelling or bloating.
Types
There are three different types of ovarian tumors, each classified by where it originates in the ovary. An epithelial tumor develops in the epithelium, which is a thin layer of tissue that covers the ovaries. Approximately 85 to 90 percent of ovarian cancers are this type, according to MayoClinic.com. Cancer that originates in the cells of the ovaries that produce the eggs is called a germ cell tumor. This type of ovarian cancer mostly affects younger women. Stromal tumors are a type of ovarian cancer that develops in the cells that are responsible for producing the female sex hormones, estrogen and progesterone.
Symptoms
Although early stages of ovarian cancer usually produce symptoms, MedlinePlus notes that the disease is often not diagnosed until the cancer has spread because early symptoms closely mimic the signs of a bowel or digestive disease. Abdominal bloating is one of the most common early symptoms, and is often overlooked. The tumors that develop in the ovaries cause increased pressure in the abdomen, which causes it to swell. Other common early symptoms are urgency to urinate and pelvic pain and discomfort. As the cancer progresses, other symptoms include vaginal bleeding, abnormal discharge, back pain, constipation, lack of appetite, weight gain, nausea and vomiting. Symptoms are usually persistent and occur daily.
Tests
There is no standardized screening test for ovarian cancer. It is important to note that an annual Pap test screens for cervical cancer only. If symptoms of ovarian cancer are present, there are a number of diagnostic tests that may be performed. A pelvic examination may be done to feel for any growths on the ovaries. An ultrasound, during which high frequency sound waves are used to produce images of the ovaries, may also be performed to look for a tumor. A blood test can check for abnormal levels of certain proteins that are present in those with cancer.
Treatment
Ovarian cancer is usually treated with a combination of surgery and chemotherapy. When ovarian cancer is diagnosed early, surgery to remove the ovaries, as well as the uterus, fallopian tubes, nearby lymph nodes and fatty abdominal tissue, is performed. Once surgery is complete, chemotherapy begins. Chemotherapy for earlier stages of ovarian cancer consists of two intravenous medications. More advanced cancer stages involve more medications and more intensive therapy. MayoClinic.com notes that radiation is usually not effective for ovarian cancer.
Prognosis
Because ovarian cancer is usually not diagnosed until it has progressed to advanced stages, the prognosis is poor. According to MedlinePlus, approximately 76 percent of women with ovarian cancer survive one year after diagnosis and 45 percent of women survive more than 5 years. If ovarian cancer is diagnosed before it spreads to other parts of the body, survival rate for 5 years increases to 94 percent.
