Overview
Ovarian cancer begins in the ovaries, which produce eggs and hormones. It is the deadliest gynecologic cancer, often diagnosed at a late stage. Ovarian cancers are classified into:
- Epithelial tumors (most common)
- Germ cell tumors (develop from egg-producing cells)
- Stromal tumors (develop from hormone-producing tissue)
Symptoms
- Abdominal bloating or swelling
- Pelvic or abdominal pain
- Difficulty eating or feeling full quickly
- Frequent urination
- Fatigue, back pain, or menstrual changes
Causes & Risk Factors
- Age (especially after menopause)
- Family history of ovarian, breast, or colorectal cancer
- BRCA1 and BRCA2 gene mutations
- Endometriosis
- Never having been pregnant
Diagnosis
- Pelvic exam
- Transvaginal ultrasound
- CA-125 blood test (tumor marker)
- CT or MRI
- Surgical exploration and biopsy
Treatment Options
- Surgery (hysterectomy and removal of ovaries/tumor)
- Chemotherapy (platinum-based regimens)
- Targeted therapy (e.g., PARP inhibitors)
- Hormonal therapy (for low-grade tumors)
- Clinical trials (for advanced/recurrent cases)
Prognosis
- Depends on cancer stage and type
- 5-year survival rate:
- Localized: ~93%
- Advanced stage: ~30%
Living with this Cancer Type
- Managing GI and urinary symptoms
- Fertility and menopause support
- Psychological and family counseling
- Monitoring CA-125 levels and imaging
Prevention & Screening
- No effective routine screening
- Risk-reducing surgery for BRCA mutation carriers
- Oral contraceptives may lower risk
- Genetic counseling for family history
FAQs
Q: Is ovarian cancer curable?
A: Many cases are treatable, and early-stage cancers are often curable.
Q: Can it come back after treatment?
A: Yes, recurrence is common, especially in advanced-stage disease.
Q: Are there symptoms in early stages?
A: Early symptoms are often vague, which is why many cases are diagnosed late.
Resources
- Ovarian Cancer Research Alliance
- National Ovarian Cancer Coalition
- ClinicalTrials.gov
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