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Ovarian Cancer: Key Q&A
Reviewed By: What is ovarian cancer? Ovarian cancer is the growth of abnormal cells in a woman's ovaries. Cancer cells can form in three different areas in the ovaries. Cancer cells that develop on the surface of layer of the ovaries (epithelial carcinoma) are the most common. Cancer might also form from the egg-producing cells (germ cell tumors) or within the supportive tissues around the ovaries (stromal tumors).
What causes ovarian cancer? There is no exact known cause of ovarian cancer, but certain women have a greater risk of developing the disease. Women with a mother, sister or daughter who has had ovarian cancer have a greater chance of developing this type of cancer. A family history of breast or colon cancer is also associated with an increased risk of developing ovarian cancer. A woman's chance of developing ovarian cancer in her lifetime is approximately 1 in 71.
What are the signs and symptoms of ovarian cancer? Early ovarian cancer often has no signs or symptoms or vague symptoms. Indications of ovarian cancer may not appear until the later stages of the disease. Several organizations recently have endorsed a set of symptoms that may be early indicators of the disease. These include bloating, abdominal or pelvic pain, feeling full after eating and frequent urges to urinate. If these symptoms occur every day or most days for more than two weeks a woman should consult her gynecologist. Many women do not consider these symptoms serious, which contributes to poor detection of the ovarian cancer in the early stages.
Who is at risk for ovarian cancer? There is no way to predict who will develop ovarian cancer, but certain risk factors are associated with the disease. Ovarian cancer has a strong genetic component, and women with a first-degree relative (a sister, mother or daughter) have an increased risk of developing the disease. The likelihood of developing ovarian cancer increases with age, and most cancers occur in women over the age of 50. Women who have never had children are also in a higher risk category.
What tests can diagnose ovarian cancer? A pelvic examination is used to determine if there is any abnormality in the size or shape of the reproductive organs, such as the ovaries, uterus or fallopian tubes. However, unless the cancer is in an advanced stage, there may be no indication of cancer in a pelvic examination. An ultrasound or a CAT scan may be used to detect any tumors. If a tumor is located, a biopsy will be performed to determine if the tissue is cancerous. A biopsy is the only definitive way to diagnose cancer.
What is a CA-125 test? CA-125 is a protein commonly found in elevated levels in women who have ovarian cancer. The value of this test in diagnosing ovarian cancer is limited, however, as conditions other than cancer can cause elevated CA-125. Also, some ovarian cancers do not produce enough of the protein to register a positive result. Women who are at high risk for ovarian cancer may receive CA-125 tests regularly. The test is also used after women are diagnosed to monitor their response to treatment and for disease recurrence.
What type of surgery is used for ovarian cancer? Surgery is usually the first line of treatment for ovarian cancer. The extent of surgery varies with the type and stage of the cancer, as well as other contributing factors. An oophorectomy may be performed to remove one or both or a woman's ovaries. If the cancer has spread, surgery may be more extensive, as is the case of a hysterectomy. This surgery removes the ovaries, fallopian tubes, uterus and cervix. In most instances, the neighboring lymph nodes are also removed for examination.
What other treatments can be used for ovarian cancer? Chemotherapy and radiation therapy may be used in treating ovarian cancer. Chemotherapy uses powerful drugs to destroy cancer cells in the body. Radiation therapy uses high-energy beams to destroy cancer cells in a targeted area. These treatments may be used with before or after surgery, depending on the type and stage of the cancer. In most women, their treatment will include a combination of these three therapies.
What are the chances of survival with ovarian cancer? Surviving ovarian cancer depends on a number of factors, including the age of the patient and the stage of the disease at the time of diagnosis. Overall, 75 percent of new ovarian cases survive one year after diagnosis of the disease. The five-year survival rate for all stages of ovarian cancer is 45 percent. The survival rate is higher if you are younger than 65 and your cancer was diagnosed at an early stage.
Is there any way to prevent ovarian cancer? There is no single way to prevent ovarian cancer, but there are some factors that can reduce your risk of developing the disease. Pregnancy, tubal ligation and the use of oral contraceptives reduce the risk of developing ovarian cancer. In turn, increased body weight and the use of estrogen alone in hormone replacement therapy (HRT) may increase the risk of ovarian cancer. Some of the risk factors for ovarian cancer cannot be avoided, such as a personal history of breast cancer or a family history of the disease.
Where can I go for support for ovarian cancer? There are a number of organizations that offer information and support for women with ovarian cancer and their families. These organizations include:
National Ovarian Cancer Coalition, Inc. American Cancer Society (ACS) National Cancer Institute
Or, you can visit the iVillage Cervical & Gynecological Cancers message board.
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