The ovaries are part of a woman's reproductive system, and are where eggs are formed. When cancer forms in the tissues of these organs, it is called ovarian cancer. The majority of ovarian cancers are epithelial carcinomas, which means the cancer starts on the ovary's surface, according to cancer.gov. The remainder of ovarian cancers are germ cell tumors, cancer that begins in the cells of an egg.
Significance
The National Cancer Institute estimates that in 2009, there will be 21,550 new cases of ovarian cancer diagnosed in the United States.
Risk Factors
Having a family history of ovarian cancer, a personal history of cancer, being over the age of 55, and having never been pregnant are some risk factors for developing ovarian cancer.
Symptoms
The symptoms of ovarian cancer are very nonspecific and are often misdiagnosed in the beginning, which leads to a late diagnosis much of the time, according to the Mayo Clinic. Symptoms include abdominal swelling or bloating, pain with intercourse, changes in bowel and/or bladder habits, pelvic discomfort and low back pain.
Diagnosis
There is no diagnostic or standardized screening test for ovarian cancer, but tests that help with a diagnosis include a pelvic exam, ultrasound, a CA-125 blood test and sometimes a CT scan or MRI, according to the Mayo Clinic. A definitive diagnosis involves exploratory surgery called a laparotomy.
Staging
Along with a diagnosis, the cancer is staged, which describes the extent and spread of the ovarian cancer and helps to guide treatment decisions. There are four main stages: stage I (the earliest stage) through stage IV (metastatic), and in some of the stages, there are more specific sub-stages that further describe the spread of the cancer.
