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As women get older, their risk of having ovarian cancer
increases. The diagnosis of ovarian cancer brings with it many questions
that needs clear understandable answers. Knowing and having more information
about this disease can make it easier for women and their families to handle
the challenges they face. Cancer researchers continue to study and learn
more about ovarian cancer.
The ovaries are a pair of organs in the female reproductive system. They are
located in a woman’s 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 and they can often be felt by a doctor during bi-manual
portion of a pelvic examination.
The ovaries have two main functions:
production of eggs and production of female hormones (chemicals that control
the way certain cells or organs functions). Every month during menstrual
cycle, an egg is released from one ovary in a process called ovulation. The
ovaries are also the main source of 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.
A malignant tumor (mass of cells that form due to abnormal uncontrollable
production of cells in the body) that begins in the ovaries is called
ovarian cancer. There are numerous types of ovarian cancer. Ovarian cancer
that begins on the surface of the ovary (epithelial carcinoma) is the most
common type.
Ovarian cancer that begins in the egg-producing cells (germ
cell tumors) and cancer that begins in the supportive tissue surrounding the
ovaries (stromal tumors) are rare. In a process called shedding, ovarian
cancer cells can break away from the ovary and spread to other tissues and
organs; when it sheds, it tends to seed (form new tumors) on the peritoneum
(the large membrane that lines the abdomen) and on the diaphragm (the thin
muscle that separates the chest from the abdomen). Fluid may gather in the
abdomen, this condition is known as ascites. It may make a woman feel
bloated, or her abdomen may look swollen.
Ovarian cancer cells can also
enter the bloodstream or lymphatic system the tissues and organs that
produce and store cells that fight infection and disease). Once in the
bloodstream or lymphatic system, the cancer cells can travel and form new
tumors in other parts of the body.
The risk for developing ovarian cancer appears to be affected by several
factors. The more children a woman has, the lower her risk of ovarian
cancer. Early age at first pregnancy, older ages of final pregnancy, and the
use of some oral contraceptive pills have also been shown to have a
protective effect. Ovarian cancer is reduced in women after tubal ligation.
Risk factors for getting ovarian cancer includes age, the older a woman
becomes, the highert the chances of getting it; family history, particulary
family members affected at an early age; other factors that have been
investigated, such as talc use, asbestos exposure, high dietary fat content,
and childhood mumps infection, are controversial and have not been
definitively proven.
Early stages of this cancer usually do not cause any symptoms, and even when
it does produce symptoms, they are often very non-specific and don’t point
towards diagnosis of ovarian cancer. When the tumor grows in size it
produces a variety of problems that includes abdominal swelling or abdominal
pain, vaginal bleeding between periods or after menopause, bloating, gas,
indigestion or cramps, pelvic pain loss of appetite, feeling full after a
small meal, or feeling full very easily, changes in bowel or bladder habits,
and weight loss or weight gain. These symptoms are non-specific and could
present a variety of different conditions; however checking with your doctor
is advisable if you develop any of these problems.
Treatment of the disease depends on a number of factors including the stage
of the disease and the general health of the patient. Surgery is the usual
initial treatment for women diagnosed with ovarian cancer. Studies have
shown that surgery performed by a specialist in gynecologic oncology usually
result in a higher rate of cure. Other treatment includes chemotherapy and
radiationa therapy.
The National Cancer Institute is supporting and conducting research on the
causes and prevention of ovarian cancer. Cancer support groups provide an
environment where cancer patients can talk about living with cancer with
others who may be having similar experiences. This helps patients in coping
up with the emotional aspects of their disease.
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