Ovarian cancer is a disease in which the abnormal cells in the ovary begin to grow and divide in an uncontrolled manner forming a mass of undifferentiated tumor cells. These cells tend to invade the local tissues and spread to the other organs deteriorating their function.
The ovaries are pair of female reproductive organs. The main role of the ovaries is to produce eggs and act as the major source of female hormones—estrogen and progesterone. Ovarian cancer is the most common cause of cancer deaths among older women with gynecologic tumors, but it can also affect younger women. The ovaries are situated deep within the abdominal cavity; hence, an ovarian tumor cannot be typically felt. In most cases, ovarian cancer is not diagnosed till it has progressed to an advanced stage. This is because ovarian cancer symptoms either are not apparent in the early stages of the disease or mimic common stomach and digestive issues. Women are more likely to experience symptoms once the disease has spread beyond the ovaries, typically to the lymph nodes outside the abdomen, skin, liver, spleen, fluid around the lungs, intestines or brain.
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
What are the types of ovarian cancer?
The type of cell where cancer begins determines the type of ovarian cancer. Ovarian cancer types are as follows:
- Epithelial tumors: These begin in the thin layer of the tissue that covers the outside of the ovaries. About 90 percent of ovarian cancers are epithelial tumors.
- Stromal tumors: These 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: These begin in the egg-producing cells. These rare ovarian cancers tend to occur in younger women.
SLIDESHOW
The 14 Most Common Causes of Fatigue See SlideshowWhat causes ovarian cancer?
Ovarian cancer develops when the cells in the ovaries divide and multiply in an uncontrolled way. Several factors may increase the risk of the disease. The likelihood of developing the disease may be higher if a woman has one or more ovarian risk factors. One key risk factor is age. Most women who develop ovarian cancer are diagnosed after menopause when they are 55 years of age 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. The genes known to increase the risk of ovarian cancer are called breast cancer gene 1 (BRCA1) and breast cancer gene 2 (BRCA2). 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 the disease.
- Hormone replacement therapy: Long-term use and large doses of this therapy are risk factors for ovarian cancer.
- Age of menstruation: Beginning menstruation at an early age or 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 high risk of ovarian cancer.
- Addictions: Smoking and (less frequently) alcohol are the risk factors for cancer of the ovaries.
- Comorbid conditions: Polycystic ovarian disease (PCOD) or diabetes mellitus may also be the risk factors for cancer of the ovaries.
How is ovarian cancer diagnosed
A pelvic exam is usually one of the first steps in evaluating a person 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. Gynecologic oncologists use various tools designed for diagnosing ovarian cancer and determining the type and stage of the disease
- Computed tomography (CT) scan
- Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)
- Positron emission tomography–computed tomography (PET-CT) scan
- Ultrasound
- Biopsy
- Laparoscopy
- 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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Common Medical Abbreviations & Terms
Doctors, pharmacists, and other health-care professionals use abbreviations, acronyms, and other terminology for instructions and information in regard to a patient's health condition, prescription drugs they are to take, or medical procedures that have been ordered. There is no approved this list of common medical abbreviations, acronyms, and terminology used by doctors and other health- care professionals. You can use this list of medical abbreviations and acronyms written by our doctors the next time you can't understand what is on your prescription package, blood test results, or medical procedure orders. Examples include:
- ANED: Alive no evidence of disease. The patient arrived in the ER alive with no evidence of disease.
- ARF: Acute renal (kidney) failure
- cap: Capsule.
- CPAP: Continuous positive airway pressure. A treatment for sleep apnea.
- DJD: Degenerative joint disease. Another term for osteoarthritis.
- DM: Diabetes mellitus. Type 1 and type 2 diabetes
- HA: Headache
- IBD: Inflammatory bowel disease. A name for two disorders of the gastrointestinal (BI) tract, Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis
- JT: Joint
- N/V: Nausea or vomiting.
- p.o.: By mouth. From the Latin terminology per os.
- q.i.d.: Four times daily. As in taking a medicine four times daily.
- RA: Rheumatoid arthritis
- SOB: Shortness of breath.
- T: Temperature. Temperature is recorded as part of the physical examination. It is one of the "vital signs."
everolimus
Everolimus is a medication used in the treatment of certain types of benign tumors and advanced cancers and to prevent rejection after solid organ transplants. Common side effects of everolimus include oral inflammation (stomatitis), constipation, diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite (anorexia), taste disorder (dysgeusia), severe hypersensitivity reactions, infections, fatigue, weakness (asthenia), high temperature (pyrexia), headache, cough, shortness of breath (dyspnea), lung inflammation (pneumonitis), rash, dry skin, itching (pruritus), and others. Do not consume grapefruit or grapefruit juice while on everolimus treatment.
Is GCT Cancerous?
Giant cell tumors (GCTs) are benign (noncancerous) tumors that most commonly occur in the bones of the arms and legs. These tumors are also called osteoblastoma or giant cell reparative granuloma. They can cause problems if they grow or spread to other parts of the body. In some cases, GCTs may recur after treatment, and there is a small risk of GCTs transforming into cancerous tumors.
Is TGCT a Cancer?
Any joint can develop tenosynovial giant cell tumors (TGCTs). TGCTs are not cancerous but can grow and damage surrounding tissues or structures. Symptoms may include decreased movement or pain in the affected joint and a locking or catching sensation when moving the joint. Although it is not a fatal disease, TGCT can cause persistent discomfort and a negative influence on the quality of life.
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 Cysts
What is an ovarian cyst? Ovarian cyst types vary, and they can cause many symptoms, including abdominal pain. Discover how to tell if you have a ruptured ovarian cyst.Rubraca (rucaparib) for Ovarian Cancer
Rubraca is a prescription medicine used for the maintenance treatment or treatment of adults with ovarian cancer, fallopian tube cancer, or primary peritoneal cancer. The most common side effects of Rubraca include nausea, tiredness or weakness, vomiting, decrease in hemoglobin (anemia), changes in how food tastes, constipation, decreased appetite, diarrhea, low blood cell counts, mouth sores, and others.
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.