What is Ovarian Cancer?
Ovarian cancer occurs in the tissue of the female ovaries. There are two forms: epithelial carcinoma, which manifests in the cells found on the ovary surface, and malignant germ cell tumor, which occurs in the cells of the egg. An estimated 22,000 new cases of ovarian cancer are expected to be reported this year, and almost 16,000 women will lose their battle with this disease in 2008 alone. Ovarian cancer accounts for about 3% of all cancer in women. However, there is good news: since 1985, the rate of new cases has decreased about .7% annually.
About the disease
Ovarian cancer only occurs in women. An ovary can be found on each side of the uterus and is the shape and size of an almond. The ovary’s function is to produce eggs and hormones. Epithelial carcinoma of the ovary is defined as cancer that occurs on the ovary surface, while malignant germ cell ovarian cancer begins in the egg and usually only affect only one ovary, rather than both. Germ cell tumors are generally found in girls who are entering the teenage years, while epithelial carcinomas may be found in women who are of varying age.
Effects of the disease
Unfortunately, many women who are diagnosed with ovarian cancer may have to undergo a surgical procedure known as a partial or total hysterectomy. A hysterectomy involves the partial or complete removal of a woman’s uterus, including, in some cases, the ovaries and fallopian tubes. A partial hysterectomy would remove only the upper portion of the uterus, while the cervix (located in the lower portion of the uterus) would remain intact. A total hysterectomy would remove the entire uterus, cervix included, and, in very few cases, some women may undergo a radical hysterectomy, which involves the removal of the entire uterus, a portion of the vagina, and surrounding tissues. A radical hysterectomy is a last resort, and is not often performed on women suffering from ovarian cancer. However, even if women who suffer from ovarian cancer do not necessarily need a hysterectomy, they may choose to have the procedure as a preventative measure. A hysterectomy will prevent a woman from being able to conceive a child, so for young women who must undergo this surgery as a means of removing their ovarian cancer, it is very devastating.
Who gets Ovarian Cancer?
As with breast cancer, women who have a family history of ovarian cancer (especially occurring in their mother or sister) are more likely to develop this disease. Ovarian cancer is also often contributed to what is known as an inherited gene mutation. This means that a woman may inherit the genes associated with the formation of ovarian cancer. About 10% of ovarian cancers are related to an inherited gene mutation. Women who have had other types of cancer, such as breast cancer or lung cancer, may be at an increased risk of developing ovarian cancer.
How is Ovarian Cancer Diagnosed?
Women who experience abdominal pain, pressure or swelling and also have gastrointestinal issues, including constipation or prolonged bloating, should see their doctor for an exam. A test can determine whether or not a woman carries the genes necessary for ovarian cancer development (this also applies to breast cancer). Women who have a family history of this disease may want to consider having this test. The most common diagnosis methods include a pelvic exam or ultrasound, which are usually administered by a gynecologist. In fact, women are urged to undergo a pelvic exam annually upon turning 18. As with other types of cancer, a tissue biopsy, CT scan, or MRI may be used to diagnosis ovarian cancer. A small percentage of women may choose to have a prophylactic oophorectomy, or the removal of healthy ovaries, without receiving a diagnosis of ovarian cancer, if their doctor discovers that they are predisposed to this disease (due to a family history of detection of related ovarian cancer-causing genes).
How is Ovarian Cancer Treated?
Ovarian cancer can be treated with the traditional methods used to treat other forms of cancer: surgery, radiation, and/or chemotherapy. There is no cure for ovarian cancer.
Last modified: December 28, 2010.
