What is Ovarian Cancer?
There is more than one type of Ovarian Cancer. Ovarian Epithelial Cancer is one type of cancer that affects the ovary. Ovarian epithelial cancer is a disease in which malignant (cancer) cells form in the tissue covering the ovary. The
ovaries are a pair of organs in the female reproductive system. They
are located in the pelvis, one on each side of the uterus (the hollow,
pear-shaped organ where a fetus grows). Each ovary is about the size
and shape of an almond. The ovaries produce eggs and female hormones
(chemicals that control the way certain cells or organs function). . Ovarian germ cell tumor is a disease in which malignant (cancer) cells form in the germ (egg) cells of the ovary. Germ
Cell tumors begin in the reproductive cells (egg or sperm) of the
body. Ovarian germ cell tumors usually occur in teenage girls or young
women and most often affect just one ovary. Ovarian germ cell tumor is
a general name that is used to describe several different types of
cancer. The most common ovarian germ cell tumor is called dysgerminoma.
Ovarian low malignant potential tumor is a disease in which precancerous cells (cells that may, or are likely to, become cancer) form in the tissue covering the ovary. Ovarian low malignant potential tumor is considered precancerous (or premalignant), a condition that may (or is likely to) become cancer. This disease seldom spreads beyond the ovary. When disease is found in one ovary, the other ovary also should be checked carefully for signs of disease. This information is directly from the National Cancer Institute's Website....www.cancer.gov The National Cancer Institute's website contains much more information about treatment options, staging and many other important factors. Please go to their website for more: www.cancer.gov
Symptoms and Risk Factors
Facts - Ovarian cancer is the deadliest of all the gynecological cancers.
- Ovarian cancer occurs in 1 in 57 women.
- Approximately 23,000 cases of ovarian cancer occur annually and it causes about 14,000 deaths a year.
. Ovarian Cancer Symptoms - Gastrointestinal upset such as gas, indigestion and/or nausea.
- Unexplained weight loss or weight gain.
- Pelvic and/or abdominal pain or discomfort.
- Pelvic and/or abdominal bloating or swelling.
- A constant feeling of fullness.
- Unusual fatigue.
- Abnormal or postmenopausal bleeding.
- Shortness of breath.
Contact your physician if any of these symptoms persist or are unusual for you. Risk Factors - Women who have never had children.
- Family or personal history of ovarian, breast or colon cancer.
- Increasing age.
How to reduce ovarian cancer risk? - Oral contraceptives.
- Pregnancy and breast feeding.
- Tubal/ligation/hysterectomy
- Removal of ovaries
Screening Tests - At this time there is no definitive test for ovarian cancer.
Recommendations for detection - Have an annual vaginal/rectal pelvic exam, more often if you are at high risk.
- Transvaginal ultrasound.
- CA 125 blood test
Many
times the symptoms of ovarian cancer are subtle and can be confused
with other disorders. This is why the disease can be said to whisper.
Please listen and ask the same of your physician Information from these organizations: 2001-2003 National Ovarian Cancer Coalition American Cancer Society 2000 Ovarian Cancer National Alliance 
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