Ovarian Cancer
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 to 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.