Ovarian cancer is a disease in which cancerous cells form in the tissues of the ovaries. Approximately 1 in every 69 women in the United States will develop this type of cancer during their lifetime. And, while most cases occur in women over the age of 50, this disease can also affect younger women.
An
ovarian cancer diagnosis brings with it many questions and a need for clear, understandable answers. Having important information can make it easier for women and their families to handle the challenges that they face.
Understanding the Ovaries
The ovaries are a pair of organs in the female reproductive system, which are located in the pelvis, one on each side of the uterus (the hollow, pear-shaped organ where a baby grows). Each ovary is about the size and shape of an almond. The ovaries have two functions: they produce eggs and female hormones (chemicals that control the way certain cells or organs function). Every month, during the menstrual cycle, an egg is released from one ovary in a process called ovulation. The egg travels from the ovary through the fallopian tube to the uterus.
The ovaries are also the main source of the female hormones estrogen and progesterone. These hormones influence the development of a woman's breasts, body shape, and body hair. They also regulate the menstrual cycle and pregnancy.
Types of Ovarian Cancer
Risk Factors
Anything that increases your chances of getting a disease is called a risk factor. Risk factors for ovarian cancer include:
- Being older
- Having a family history of ovarian cancer
- Using fertility drugs
- Having increased levels of CA 125
- Obesity.
Certain factors may decrease a woman's risk of developing this type of cancer. Women who have taken
oral contraceptives, given birth, breastfed, or had a
tubal ligation or hysterectomy have a lower-than-average risk of developing ovarian cancer. Prophylactic oophorectomy (removal of healthy ovaries) will decrease the risk of ovarian cancer in women who have an altered gene related to
breast cancer.
Genetics and Ovarian Cancer
Some ovarian cancers are caused by inherited gene mutations (changes). The genes in cells carry the hereditary information that is received from a person's parents. Hereditary ovarian cancer makes up approximately 5 to 10 percent of all cases of ovarian cancer.
Three hereditary patterns have been identified, which include:
- Ovarian cancer alone
- Ovarian and breast cancers
- Ovarian and colon cancers.
Tests that can detect mutated genes have been developed. These tests are sometimes done for members of families with a high risk of cancer.
In order to make a diagnosis, the doctor will begin by asking a number of questions and performing a physical exam. The doctor may also recommend certain tests that can help diagnose ovarian cancer or other, more common health problems.
These tests may include:
- Blood tests
- Ultrasound
- Lower GI series (barium enema)
- CT scan
- Laparotomy with biopsy.
After the cancer has been diagnosed, tests are done to find out if cancer cells have spread within the ovaries or to other parts of the body. The process that is used to determine this is called staging. It is important to know the stage in order to make a treatment plan.
- Stage I
- Stage II
- Stage III
- Stage IV.
Treatment for Ovarian Cancer
Women with this type of cancer have many treatment options available to them, including:
Many women receive more than one type of treatment.
Your doctor can describe your treatment choices and the expected results of each. You and your doctor can work together to develop a treatment plan that best meets your medical needs and personal values.
The cancer prognosis will depend on:
- The ovarian cancer type
- The stage of ovarian cancer
- A woman's age and general health
- Whether the cancer has just been diagnosed or has recurred (come back).
The sooner ovarian cancer is found and treated, the better a woman's chance for recovery. However, this type of cancer is hard to detect early. Many times, women with ovarian cancer have no early symptoms, or they experience mild symptoms, until the disease is in an advanced stage.
Research scientists are studying ways to detect the cancer before symptoms develop. This is called ovarian cancer screening. They are exploring the usefulness of measuring the level of CA 125, a substance called a tumor marker, which is often found in higher-than-normal amounts in the blood of women with ovarian cancer. They are also evaluating transvaginal ultrasound, a test that may help detect the disease early.
Statistics on Ovarian Cancer
In the United States, ovarian cancer is the fourth-leading cause of cancer death in women. It is also the leading cause of death from cancer of the female reproductive system. In the United States, more women die of ovarian cancer each year than of cervical and endometrial cancers combined.
The number of new cases went down slightly between 1973-1995, and fewer deaths from ovarian cancer were also reported during this time. Current ovarian cancer screening tests have not been proven to decrease the death rate.
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