Ovarian Cancer Articles
Browse eMedTV's wide range of articles related to ovarian cancer including topics such as ovarian cancer treatment, ovarian cancer survival rate, and ovarian cancer symptoms. Use the search box at the top-right corner of the page to find information about other health topics.
Ovarian cancer, the fourth-leading cause of death in women, occurs when malignant cells grow in the ovaries. This eMedTV article provides an in-depth look at the condition, including symptoms, treatment options, prognosis, and more.
Common ovarian cancer symptoms may include nausea, constipation, and abnormal weight gain or loss. This eMedTV segment discusses these and other symptoms of the disease and explains the danger in overlooking possible symptoms.
Common symptoms of ovarian cancer include abdominal discomfort, nausea, and abnormal weight gain or loss. This eMedTV article discusses these and other symptoms and also discusses the importance of diagnostic tests when evaluating symptoms.
Early Symptoms of Ovarian Cancer
As this section of the eMedTV archives explains, there are typically no early symptoms of ovarian cancer. However, any woman who is experiencing pain -- or anything unusual -- is encouraged to see her doctor right away.
This eMedTV article describes each type of ovarian cancer treatment in detail -- surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation therapy. It also discusses the risk of side effects and the importance of followup visits once treatment is complete.
By knowing the prognosis, patients may find it easier to cope with the stress of having a given disease. This eMedTV segment describes factors that affect a woman's ovarian cancer prognosis, such as the type and location of the cancer.
This page of the eMedTV website describes current areas of ovarian cancer research, such as biotherapy, surgery, and high-dose chemotherapy with stem cell transplant. It also explains the potential benefits for participants of clinical studies.
This segment of the eMedTV library describes the various types of ovarian cancer surgery. The type a doctor recommends will depend on the extent of the cancer and the woman's plans for having children. As with any surgery, there are associated risks.
The overall 5-year relative survival rate for ovarian cancer for 1996-2002 was 44.7 percent. This page of the eMedTV website offers more ovarian cancer statistics pertaining to survival rates, diagnosis, mortality rates, and more.
As this eMedTV page explains, the ovarian cancer stages are determined by tests that reveal if cancer has spread within the ovaries or to other parts of the body. The stages include stage I, stage II, stage III, and stage IV, with further sub-stages.
This eMedTV article explains the various ovarian cancer support options available to women. For example, support groups provide an environment where patients can discuss their concerns with others who may be having similar experiences.
This page of the eMedTV website offers statistics regarding the 5-year ovarian cancer survival rate, as well as the overall survival rate based on age and race. It also lists factors that affect the survival rate, such as the type of ovarian cancer.
This page of the eMedTV website explains the process doctors use to make an ovarian cancer diagnosis, including descriptions of the various tests. It also explains what the next steps are once the diagnosis is confirmed.
Women experiencing ovarian cancer pain commonly find relief through medication and alternative treatments. This eMedTV resource explains these and other options, and also explains the importance of communicating your level of pain to your doctor.
Ovarian cancer chemotherapy, a standard treatment for the disease, can be given intravenously or orally. This eMedTV resource explains this treatment option in detail, including a list of potential side effects.
As this eMedTV article explains, ovarian cancer prevention means avoiding the risk factors and increasing the protective factors so that the chances of developing the disease decrease.
Alternative Ovarian Cancer Treatment
Alternative ovarian cancer treatment, like acupuncture or a special diet, may help with symptoms and pain. This eMedTV resource describes a few alternative methods and includes a list of questions to ask your doctor before trying this approach.
This eMedTV segment discusses risk factors that, while not actual ovarian cancer causes, may increase a woman's chances of developing the condition. These risk factors include age, and use of hormone replacement therapy, among other things.
This eMedTV page explains the three types of ovarian cancer (low malignant potential ovarian cancer, ovarian germ cell cancer, and ovarian epithelial cancer). It also explores the difference between benign tumors, malignant tumors, and ovarian cysts.
This eMedTV resource offers a detailed discussion of ovarian germ cell cancer (a disease in which malignant cells form in the germ cells of the ovary). It explores possible symptoms, treatment options, and factors that affect a woman's prognosis.