Ovarian cancer is a disease that affects ovarian tissue in the female reproductive system. The ovaries are responsible for producing eggs (ova) and are also a production site for the hormones estrogen and progesterone. Causes and Risk Factors of Ovarian CancerUnfortunately, we cannot pinpoint exactly what causes ovarian cancer, but researchers have identified several known risk factors for it. We know that ovarian cancer most often is diagnosed in women who:
Symptoms of ovarian cancer that usually do not appear until the disease has progressed include:
An ultrasound can reveal characteristics about masses that may help doctors determine if they are benign cysts or potentially cancerous. During the ultrasound, characteristics about the mass are noted, like appearance, fluid content, solidity, whether it has spread, and if the other ovary also contains a mass. Based on these characteristics, the radiologist assigns a score of the ultrasound that contributes to the risk of malignancy index (RMI).
The RMI is a scoring systems that determines the risk of a mass being cancerous. The ultrasound score is combined with a score that evaluates menopause status and the results of the CA-125 tumor marker test. The sum of these numbers reveal how high of a risk that the mass is cancerous. Keep in mind that the RMI only determines the risk of it being cancer, it is not a diagnosis. It may not be used for all types of cancer in helping to make a diagnosis.
A biopsy is necessary to confirm the presence of cancer and involves removing small tissue samples to be evaluated later under a microscope. An ovarian biopsy can be done surgically through a procedure called a laparotomy. During a laparotomy, the surgeon makes an incision into the abdomen and looks for signs of cancer in the abdominal cavity. This includes taking a biopsy or possibly removing an ovary for further evaluation by a pathologist. If cancer is obvious, the surgeon may try to remove as much of it as possible. This is called debulking, and is a common method of treating ovarian cancer. A less invasive surgery, laparoscopic surgery, may also be an option for some women instead of a laparotomy. Laparoscopic surgery involves the surgeon making a small incision into the abdomen. A laparoscope (a fiber optic rod equipped with a light and camera) is inserted through the incision and transmits live video feed to a monitor.
If cancer is confirmed from the biopsy, the stage and grade of ovarian cancer is then determined. For women with suspected advanced stages of ovarian cancer, then additional tests, like imaging tests are required to stage the disease. Treatment of Ovarian CancerTreatment options weigh heavily on the stage and grade of ovarian cancer. There are three treatment methods for ovarian cancer: surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation therapy. Surgery combined with chemotherapy is the most common treatment course. Radiation therapy may be used in some cases, but it is rare.
Surgery. Debulking, also called cytoreduction surgery, is the primary type of ovarian cancer treatment. The goal of the surgery is to remove as much of the tumor as possible, which in turn, will help increase the effectiveness of chemotherapy.
Chemotherapy. Chemotherapy to treat ovarian cancer helps eliminate cancer cells that remain after surgery. The drugs are delivered either intravenously or directly into the abdominal cavity (intraperitoneal). Chemotherapy may be given before or after surgery. It can also be given alone in palliative care cases. How often and how long a person receives chemotherapy is based on their stage of ovarian cancer and other health factors.
- are post-menopausal.
- are Caucasian.
- have a family history of colon cancer, breast, or ovarian cancer.
- were previously diagnosed with breast cancer.
- suffer from obesity.
- used Clomid (a fertility drug) for longer than one year
- use(d) estrogen replacement therapy
- who have not given birth.
- have a a known inherited mutation of BRCA 1 or 2 gene conformed through genetic testing
- changes in bowel habits like constipation or diarrhea
- pelvic pain or pressure
- frequent urge to urinate
Symptoms of ovarian cancer that usually do not appear until the disease has progressed include:
- abdominal bloating
- pain during sexual intercourse
- persistent fatigue
- abdominal weight gain
- sudden unexplained weight gain or weight loss
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An ultrasound can reveal characteristics about masses that may help doctors determine if they are benign cysts or potentially cancerous. During the ultrasound, characteristics about the mass are noted, like appearance, fluid content, solidity, whether it has spread, and if the other ovary also contains a mass. Based on these characteristics, the radiologist assigns a score of the ultrasound that contributes to the risk of malignancy index (RMI).
The RMI is a scoring systems that determines the risk of a mass being cancerous. The ultrasound score is combined with a score that evaluates menopause status and the results of the CA-125 tumor marker test. The sum of these numbers reveal how high of a risk that the mass is cancerous. Keep in mind that the RMI only determines the risk of it being cancer, it is not a diagnosis. It may not be used for all types of cancer in helping to make a diagnosis.
A biopsy is necessary to confirm the presence of cancer and involves removing small tissue samples to be evaluated later under a microscope. An ovarian biopsy can be done surgically through a procedure called a laparotomy. During a laparotomy, the surgeon makes an incision into the abdomen and looks for signs of cancer in the abdominal cavity. This includes taking a biopsy or possibly removing an ovary for further evaluation by a pathologist. If cancer is obvious, the surgeon may try to remove as much of it as possible. This is called debulking, and is a common method of treating ovarian cancer. A less invasive surgery, laparoscopic surgery, may also be an option for some women instead of a laparotomy. Laparoscopic surgery involves the surgeon making a small incision into the abdomen. A laparoscope (a fiber optic rod equipped with a light and camera) is inserted through the incision and transmits live video feed to a monitor.
If cancer is confirmed from the biopsy, the stage and grade of ovarian cancer is then determined. For women with suspected advanced stages of ovarian cancer, then additional tests, like imaging tests are required to stage the disease. Treatment of Ovarian CancerTreatment options weigh heavily on the stage and grade of ovarian cancer. There are three treatment methods for ovarian cancer: surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation therapy. Surgery combined with chemotherapy is the most common treatment course. Radiation therapy may be used in some cases, but it is rare.
Surgery. Debulking, also called cytoreduction surgery, is the primary type of ovarian cancer treatment. The goal of the surgery is to remove as much of the tumor as possible, which in turn, will help increase the effectiveness of chemotherapy.
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Chemotherapy. Chemotherapy to treat ovarian cancer helps eliminate cancer cells that remain after surgery. The drugs are delivered either intravenously or directly into the abdominal cavity (intraperitoneal). Chemotherapy may be given before or after surgery. It can also be given alone in palliative care cases. How often and how long a person receives chemotherapy is based on their stage of ovarian cancer and other health factors.
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