What is Ovarian Cancer?

Ovarian Cancer 
Ovarian cancer is often "silent," showing no obvious signs or symptoms until late in its development. The most common sign is enlargement of the abdomen, which is caused by the accumulation of fluid. Rarely is there abnormal vaginal bleeding. In women over 40, vague digestive disturbances (stomach discomfort, gas, distention) that persist and cannot be explained by any other cause may indicate the need for a thorough evaluation for ovarian cancer.
Risk for ovarian cancer increases with age. The highest rates are for women over age 60. Women who have never had children are twice as likely to develop ovarian cancer as those who have. Early age at first pregnancy, early menopause, and the use of oral contraceptives, which reduces ovulation fre­quency, appear to be protective against ovarian cancer. If a woman has had breast cancer, her chances of developing ovar­ian cancer double. Certain rare genetic disorders are associated with increased risk. With the exception of Japan, the highest in­cidence rates are reported in the more industrialized countries.
Early detection requires periodic, thorough pelvic exami­nations. The Pap smear, useful in detecting cervical cancer, does not reveal ovarian cancer. Women over age 40 should have a cancer-related checkup every year. Testing for the level of tumor marker CA-125, a protein antigen, is helpful.
Surgery, radiation therapy, and drug therapy are treatment options. Surgery usually includes the removal of one or both ovaries (oophorectomy) (o-ah-fah-rek'tah-me), the uterus (hysterectomy) (his"ter-ek'to-me), and the uterine tubes (sal­pingectomy) (sal-pin-jek'to-me). In some very early tumors, only the involved ovary is removed, especially in young woman. In advanced disease, an attempt is made to remove all intra-abdominal disease to enhance the effect of chemotherapy.

Posted in Diseases , Women Health