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Definition:
Ovarian cancer is a disease in which cancer cells grow in the
ovaries. The ovaries are a pair of organs in the pelvic area of
women that produce eggs and female hormones.
Cancer occurs
when cells in the body (in this case ovarian cells) divide
without control or order. Normally, cells divide in a regulated
manner. If cells keep dividing uncontrollably when new cells are
not needed, a mass of tissue forms, called a growth or tumor.
The term cancer refers to malignant tumors, which can invade
nearby tissues and can spread to other parts of the body. A
benign tumor does not invade or spread.
Causes:
The causes of ovarian cancer are not known. However, research
shows that certain risk factors are associated with the disease.
Risk
Factors: A risk factor is something that increases
your chance of getting a disease or condition.
-
Family
history of ovarian cancer, especially in mother, sister, or
daughter
-
Age: 50 or
older
-
Menstrual
history - first period before age 12, no childbirth or first
childbirth after age 30, and late menopause
-
Personal
history of breast cancer or colon cancer
Symptoms:
Ovarian cancer generally doesn't cause symptoms until the later
stages.
Symptoms include:
-
Abdominal
discomfort and/or pain
-
Gas,
indigestion, pressure, swelling, bloating, or cramps
-
Nausea,
diarrhea
-
,
constipation, or frequent urination
-
Loss of
appetite
-
Feeling of
fullness even after only a light meal
-
Unexplained
weight gain or loss
-
Abnormal
bleeding from the vagina
Note: These
symptoms may also be caused by other, less serious health
conditions. Anyone experiencing these symptoms should see a
doctor.
Diagnosis:
Your doctor will ask you about your symptoms and medical
history, and perform a physical examination.
Tests may
include:
-
Pelvic Exam -
use of a physician's gloved finger to examine the uterus,
vagina, ovaries, fallopian tubes, bladder and rectum for
lumps or a change in size or shape
-
Imaging Tests
(Ultrasound, CT scan, and MRI scan) - tests that create
pictures of the ovaries and surrounding tissues that will
show if there is a tumor
-
Lower GI
Series or Barium Enema - a series of x-rays of the colon and
rectum after having an enema containing barium
-
CA-125 Assay
- a blood test to measure the level of CA-125, a substance
in the blood that may be elevated if ovarian cancer is
present
Treatment General
Approach - the general approach to patients with ovarian cancer
is to undergo as complete a surgical procedure as possible
first. This must be performed by a qualified gynecologic
oncologist. During this first surgery, if ovarian cancer is
found, staging tests are performed to find out if the cancer has
spread and, if so, to what extent. Treatment for ovarian cancer
depends on the extent of the cancer and the general health of
the patient. Thereafter, and based on the findings, patients
then receive chemotherapy usually. Sometimes, radiation therapy
of the abdomen is offered. The most appropriate therapy is based
on the experience of the treating physicians and the toxicities
expected.
Treatments
include:
-
Surgery -
surgical removal of a cancerous tumor and nearby tissues,
and possibly nearby lymph nodes.
-
Chemotherapy
- the use of drugs to kill cancer cells. Chemotherapy may be
given in many forms including: pill, injection, and via a
catheter. The drugs enter the bloodstream and travel through
the body killing mostly cancer cells, but also some healthy
cells.
-
Radiation
Therapy (Radiotherapy) - the use of radiation to kill cancer
cells and shrink tumors. Radiation may be:
Prevention: There
are no guidelines for preventing ovarian cancer, because the
cause is unknown and symptoms are not present in the early
stages. If you think you are at risk for ovarian cancer, talk to
your doctor about ways to reduce your risk factors and an
appropriate schedule of check-ups.
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