Ovarian cancer is a disease that is developed in the ovaries by the growth and accumulation of abnormal cells. Once it has developed in the ovaries, this cancer can then spread to other parts of the body, further complicating the disease.http://www.webmd.com/ovarian-cancer/guide/ovarian-cancer-topic-overview There is no known cause of ovarian cancer, however there are several factors that may place some women at a higher risk than others. These may include age, family medical history or whether or not she has had children.http://www.ovariancancer.jhmi.edu/riskfctr.cfm For many, ovarian cancer is not detected until it has reached the later stages of the disease.
Ovarian Cancer Symptoms
Often times symptoms of ovarian cancer do not present themselves and the disease goes undetected for quite some time. However, there are several symptoms that may be present and should be reported to a physician if they last longer than a few weeks. http://www.webmd.com/ovarian-cancer/guide/ovarian-cancer-symptoms-types
- Changes in menstrual cycle
- Urinary problems
- Severe bloating, gas or a feeling of being full
- Constipation or other irritation
- Pain during intercourse
- Abdominal discomfort
Treatment
After a patient has been diagnosed with ovarian cancer, the treatment options may vary, depending upon what stage the disease is in. For earlier stages of ovarian cancer, a hysterectomy may be all that is needed. However, in the later stages of ovarian cancer, chemotherapy and other surgeries may be required.http://www.ovariancancer.jhmi.edu/treatment.cfm If the disease of detected early enough, the prognosis is good with a survival rate of 5 years or more in 90 percent of the patients. However, the percentage of survival decreases considerably as the cancer progresses. http://www.ovariancancer.jhmi.edu/menu_understanding.cfm
Ovarian Cancer (CBS News)
In this video, Katie Couric interviews an oncologist and talks about symptoms and importance for the early detection of ovarian cancer. You will also see an interview with a ovarian cancer survivor and hear the first hand details of what it is like to be diagnosed and live through the treatment process for ovarian cancer.
Disclaimer
The content in this page is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Please contact a doctor before using the information presented here.
References
Fast Facts
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Risk factors
Over 50, no children, family history of ovarian cancer or breast cancer, infertility drug use
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Causes
No known cause, only risk factors
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Prevention
Reducing the risk through eliminating risk factors such as having children, breast feeding, hysterectomy or removal of ovaries
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Diagnosis
Discovered after symptoms have begun, not commonly found during a gynecological exam
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Treatment
Complete hysterectomy and chemotherapy
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Prognosis
Depends upon how early the disease was discovered, 4th leading cause of deaths in women due to cancer
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Symptoms
Fatigue, urgent urination, backaches, pain during intercourse, bloating, nausea, constipation, diarrhea lasting longer than 2 weeks
