Signs and Symptoms
Ovarian cancer
- Often called the disease that "whispers" because it has few early symptoms and is most often detected in its advanced stages when it has become less treatable and widespread.
- The most common form of ovarian cancer is epithelial carcinoma, which begins in the lining of the ovary.
- Ovarian cancer causes the affected ovary to enlarge.
Risk Factors
- A small percentage of ovarian cancers are caused by an inherited gene mutation. The genes known to increase the risk of ovarian cancer are called breast cancer gene 1 (BRCA1) and breast cancer gene 2 (BRCA2).
- Early menses and late menopause.
- Ovarian cancer most often develops after menopause, though it can occur at any age.
- Family history of cancer.
- Women who have never been pregnant (nulliparity).
- Age above 40 years.
- History of infertility.
Diagnosis
- Ultrasound: uses high-frequency sound waves to produce images of the inside of the body.
- A Computerized tomography CT or magnetic resonance imaging MRI scan –both use a computer to build up detailed, three-dimensional views of the inside of the body.
- Abdominal fluid or chest fluid aspiration: a sample of fluid is taken from the abdomen or chest to check for any cancer cells.
- Laparoscopy: a small operation looking at the ovaries, fallopian tubes, womb and surrounding areas using a laparoscope.
Treatment
- Surgery- For women with stage I ovarian cancer, surgery may involve removing one ovary and its fallopian tube.Treatment for ovarian cancer usually involves an extensive operation that includes removing both ovaries, fallopian tubes, and the uterus as well as nearby lymph nodes and a fold of fatty abdominal tissue.
- Chemotherapy- drugs designed to kill any remaining cancer cells. Chemotherapy may also be used as the initial treatment in some women with advanced ovarian cancer. Chemotherapy drugs can be given in a vein (intravenously) or injected directly into the abdominal cavity, or both methods can be used. Chemotherapy drugs can be given alone or in combination.
Stages of Ovarian Cancer
Pictures of Ovarian Cancer
References:
http://www.macmillan.org.uk/Cancerinformation/Cancertypes/Ovary
http://www.webmd.com/ovarian-cancer/guide/default.htm
http://www.cancerresearchuk.org/cancer-help/type/ovarian-cancer/
http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/ovarian-cancer
http://www.merckmanuals.com/home/womens_health_issues/cancers_of_the_female_reproductive_system/ovarian_cancer.html
http://www.macmillan.org.uk/Cancerinformation/Cancertypes/Ovary
http://www.webmd.com/ovarian-cancer/guide/default.htm
http://www.cancerresearchuk.org/cancer-help/type/ovarian-cancer/
http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/ovarian-cancer
http://www.merckmanuals.com/home/womens_health_issues/cancers_of_the_female_reproductive_system/ovarian_cancer.html