Ovarian cancer is a disease where abnormal cells in the ovary begin to grow and divide uncontrollably, forming a mass of undifferentiated tumor cells. These cells tend to invade nearby and distant sites in the body, deteriorating their function. The ovaries are pair of internal reproductive glands found only in females. The main role of ovaries is to produce eggs or ova for reproduction and act as the major source of female hormones: estrogen and progesterone.
Ovarian cancer is the most common cause of cancer death from gynecologic tumors, which mainly affects women who have been through menopause and are older than 50 years. However, this cancer can also affect younger women. In most cases, ovarian cancer is not diagnosed until it has progressed to an advanced stage. This is because the symptoms of ovarian cancer aren’t apparent in the early stages of the disease or are similar to the common stomach and digestive issues that are often mistaken for minor ailments. Women are more likely to experience symptoms once the disease has spread beyond the ovaries. It typically spreads to the lymph nodes outside the abdomen, skin, liver, spleen, fluid around the lungs, intestines or brain. Stage III ovarian cancer is an advanced disease and difficult to treat because cancer has spread beyond the ovaries. The five-year survival rate of stage III ovarian cancer is approximately 39 percent. This means the likelihood of a woman surviving for five years with stage III ovarian cancer is just 39 percent as compared to a healthy woman. (This figure is derived from various studies and represents an average value. The actual longevity may vary from person to person.)
Stages of ovarian cancer
- Stage I: This is the early stage of ovarian cancer. Cancer is limited to one or both ovaries.
- Stage II: Cancer has spread to organs close to the ovaries (uterus, fallopian tubes, bladder, colon, rectum, etc.) but not to the lymph nodes.
- Stage III: Cancer has spread to the stomach lining and/or the lymph nodes behind the stomach.
- Stage IV: The is the most advanced stage of ovarian cancer. Cancer has spread to some distant organs, such as the lungs, abdomen, brain or skin.
What are the signs and symptoms of ovarian cancer?
Common signs and symptoms may include
- Abdominal bloating, indigestion or nausea
- Changes in appetite, such as a loss of appetite or feeling full sooner
- Pressure in the pelvis or lower back
- More frequent or urgent need to urinate and/or constipation
- Changes in bowel movements
- Increased abdominal girth
- Tiredness or low energy
- Changes in menstruation, such as excessive bleeding through the vagina or bleeding between menstrual periods
What are the types of ovarian cancer?
The type of cell where cancer begins determines the type of ovarian cancer. Types of ovarian cancer are
- Epithelial tumors, which begin in the thin layer of tissue that covers the outside of the ovaries. About 90 percent of ovarian cancers are epithelial tumors.
- Stromal tumors, which begin in the ovarian tissue that contains hormone-producing cells. These tumors are usually diagnosed at an earlier stage than other ovarian tumors. About 7 percent of ovarian tumors are stromal.
- Germ cell tumors, which begin in the egg-producing cells. These rare ovarian cancers tend to occur in younger women.
SLIDESHOW
Signs of Cancer in Women: Symptoms You Can't Ignore See SlideshowWhat causes ovarian cancer?
Ovarian cancer develops when cells around the ovaries divide and multiply in an uncontrolled way. Several factors may increase the risk of developing the disease. The likelihood of developing the disease may be higher if a woman has one or more risk factors. One key risk factor is age. Most women who develop ovarian cancer are diagnosed after menopause, at the age of 55 years or older.
Some common risk factors for ovarian cancer include
- Inherited gene mutations. A small percentage of ovarian cancers are caused by gene mutations inherited from the parents. BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes are known to increase the risk of ovarian cancer. These genes also increase the risk of breast cancer. Other gene mutations, including those associated with Lynch syndrome, are known to increase the risk of ovarian cancer.
- Family history. People with two or more close relatives with ovarian cancer have an increased risk of developing the disease.
- Hormone replacement therapy, especially with long-term use and in large doses.
- Age of menstruation. Beginning menstruation at an early age, starting menopause at a later age or both may increase the risk of ovarian cancer.
- Reproductive history. Having children later in life (after the age of 35 years) or never having children is associated with a higher risk.
How is ovarian cancer diagnosed?
A pelvic exam is usually one of the first steps in evaluating a patient with a known or suspected diagnosis of ovarian cancer. During a pelvic exam, the doctor will manually examine the abdomen and pelvic area for nodules or bumps. To determine the type and stage of the disease, gynecologic oncologists use
- Computed tomography (CT) scan
- Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan
- Positron emission tomography-computed tomography (PET-CT) scan
- Ultrasound
- Biopsy
- Laparoscopy
- Cancer antigen-125 (CA-125) test
What is the treatment of ovarian cancer?
Treatment will depend on many factors, including
- The type, stage and grade of the cancer
- The individual’s age and overall health
- Their personal preferences
- Accessibility and affordability of treatment
Treatment options include
- Surgery
- Chemotherapy
- Radiation therapy
- Targeted therapy
- Immunotherapy
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Top Is Stage 3 Ovarian Cancer Curable? Related Articles
Can a Blood Test Detect Ovarian Cancer?
A doctor may advise a blood test to patients having ovarian cancer. A cancer antigen-125 (CA-125) blood test is usually recommended to measure the levels of a protein called CA-125, which could be elevated in women who have ovarian cancer. This test is also used during the treatment of ovarian cancer because the level of this protein goes down as the tumor shrinks. This protein is elevated in more than 80 percent of women with advanced ovarian cancers and 50 percent of those with early-stage cancers.
Can You Be Fully Cured of Ovarian Cancer?
Around two in ten women with advanced-stage ovarian cancer are effectively cured and survive at least 12 years after the treatment as per the research. Your response to cancer therapy and chances for a cure depend on the type and the staging of ovarian cancer at the time of diagnosis.
Can You See Ovarian Cancer on an Ultrasound?
An ultrasound of the pelvis is usually the first test that is ordered to see if there is any problem with the ovaries or other pelvic organs. It can detect ovarian masses and help the doctor know if they are fluid-filled ovarian cysts or ovarian tumors. If the doctor suspects ovarian cancer, they may order additional tests.Does Ovarian Cancer Show Up on Blood Work?
A person with ovarian cancer may have high levels of a substance called the CA-125 (cancer or carcinoma antigen-125) in the blood. CA-125 antigen is known by several other names, such as ovarian cancer antigen and CA-125 tumor marker. It is a protein present on the surface of most (but not all) ovarian cells. Thus, significantly high levels of CA-125 may be seen in the blood of ovarian cancer patients.
How Long Do You Have to Live With Stage IV Ovarian Cancer?
Stage IV cancer means the disease has already spread to distant organs. In most patients diagnosed with stage IV ovarian cancer, the 5-year survival rate is approximately 17%.Is There a Blood Test for Ovarian Cancer?
The CA-125 blood test is one of clinical assessments used to diagnose ovarian cancer. However, CA-125 or other tumor markers alone are insufficient to diagnose ovarian cancer.
Ovarian Cancer
There are many types of ovarian cancer, epithelial carcinoma is the most common. Women with a family history of ovarian cancer have an increased risk of developing the disease. Some ovarian cancer symptoms include abdominal pain, nausea, diarrhea, constipation, and abnormal vaginal bleeding, however, they usually do not present until the disease has progressed. Early diagnosis is important for successful treatment.
Ovarian Cancer Slides
Ovarian cancer symptoms and signs include abdominal pain, bloating, frequent urination, and a feeling of fullness. Ovarian cancer treatment depends on the stage and may include surgery, chemotherapy, radiation, and targeted therapy.
Ovarian Cancer Quiz
How common is ovarian cancer and who is at risk? Take our Ovarian Cancer Quiz to learn the causes, symptoms, and treatment for this disease.
What Are Risk Factors for Ovarian Cancer?
Ovarian cancer is a malignant cancer of the ovaries. Risk factors for ovarian cancer include age, family history, genetics, ethnicity, weight, and others.
What Are the Main Causes of Ovarian Cancer?
Each cell in the body survives, grows, and dies under regulated conditions. The term cancer means an uncontrolled growth of cells.
What Are the Symptoms of Stage 1 Ovarian Cancer?
At stage 1 of ovarian cancer, the cancer is present only in the ovaries i.e. it has not spread in any other organs. Signs and symptoms at this stage may include a mass felt in the abdomen, distension or swelling of abdomen, abnormal vaginal bleeding (between menstrual periods or after menopause) and other signs. Stage 1 ovarian cancer has no symptoms in many women, however; often they may not experience symptoms until the cancer has spread significantly.What Is The Main Cause of Ovarian Cysts?
Ovarian cysts are fluid-filled growths that grow on the ovary. Learn the signs of an ovarian cyst, what causes ovarian cysts, how doctors diagnose ovarian cysts, and what you can do to treat an ovarian cyst. Ovarian cancer is cancer of the ovaries that produce eggs. Signs and symptoms of ovarian cancer may include abnormal vaginal bleeding or discharge, abdominal pain, reduced appetite, bloating, pelvic pain, constipation and an increased urge to urinate.
What Was Your First Sign of Ovarian Cancer?
Like all types of cancer, ovarian cancer is often asymptomatic. The first signs of ovarian cancer may vary from patient to patient. Typically, ovarian cancer symptoms might appear as common stomach and digestive problems that are often mistaken for minor ailments.Who Is at High Risk for Ovarian Cancer?
The risk of ovarian cancer increases with age. Almost half of the ovarian cancer cases are seen in women older than 63 years of age. Ovarian cancer is the leading cause of gynecological cancer-related deaths among women between the ages of 35 and 74 years.