Ovarian Cancer

The female reproductive system consists of the uterus, two Fallopian Tubes, and two ovaries.  The ovaries.  The ovaries are small and produce eggs (ovum) and the hormones estrogen and progesterone (Mayo, 2020).  As with other parts of the body, cancer can develop in the ovaries.  Although deaths from ovarian cancer has declined over the past twenty years, it is still the fifth leading cause of cancer deaths in women in this county (MNT, 2020).

Because, most often, cancer starts in the outer lining of the ovary, also called the epithelium, there are few or no early symptoms.  Because of the types of symptoms that do occur, the condition is often misdiagnosed as conditions such as Pre-Menstrual Syndrome, Irritable Bowel Syndrome, or a temporary bladder problem (MNT).   Symptoms of ovarian cancer include:

• abdominal bloating or swelling
• quickly feeling full when eating
• weight loss
• pelvic discomfort
• changes in bowel habits
• frequent urination
• pelvic pain
• pelvic pressure
• unexpected vaginal bleeding
• gas
• nausea
• vomiting
• loss of appetite (Mayo)(MNT)(Medline, 2019).

Risk factors include:

• family history: having a close relative with ovarian or breast cancer
• reproductive history
• dietary factors
• use of Talcum powder 
• gene mutations
• using fertility treatment
• smoking (ACS, 2020)(MNT)(Mayo).

There are three types of ovarian cancer.  They include:

• Epithelial:  occurs in the outside layer of the ovary (90% of ovarian cancers)
• Stromal:  occurs in the ovarian tissue (7% of ovarian cancers)
• Germ cell: occurs in egg producing cells.  Are often benign, but when malignant, treatment is effective in 90% of cases. (MNT)(Mayo).

Along with history and physical exam, there are several tests that can be done to diagnose ovarian cancer including:

• imaging tests
• ultrasound
• MRI
• CT scan
• laparoscopy
• biopsy
• barium enema xray
• chest xray
• PET scan
• colonoscopy (ACA, 2018)(MNT).

Staging, how far the cancer has progressed, is determined after testing is done.

Treatments used depend on the type and stage of the cancer, the patient's age, the patient's general health, patient preference, and the accessibility and affordability of treatment (MNT).  Treatments include:

• surgery
• chemotherapy
• targeted therapy
• palliative care
• radiation therapy
• immunotherapy (Mayo)(MNT).

Genetic testing can be done to search for gene mutations that make some individuals more susceptible to certain cancers such as ovarian, breast in both men and women, prostate, pancreatic and melanoma cancers (Mayo, 2020).  The BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes are the genes where mutations can increase someone's likelihood of certain cancers.  Finding out that someone has the mutation of one or both of those genes does not mean that the individual will indeed develop cancer, however, there is an increased susceptibility.

If you have a family history of breast cancer and/or ovarian cancer, please consider speaking with your doctor and getting genetic testing done.

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ACS. (2020) Ovarian Cancer Risk Factors.  American Cancer Society.  Retrieved from https://www.cancer.org/cancer/ovarian-cancer/causes-risks-prevention/risk-factors.html

Mayo Clinic. (2020) Ovarian Cancer.  Mayo Clinic.  Retrieved from https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/ovarian-cancer/symptoms-causes/syc-20375941

Mayo Clinic. (2020) BRCA gene test for breast and ovarian cancer risk.  Retrieved from https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/brca-gene-test/about/pac-20384815

Medical News Today. (2020) What is Ovarian Cancer?  Medical News Today.  Retrieved from https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/159675#symptoms

Medline Plus. (2020) Ovarian Cancer.  Medline Plus.  Retrieved from https://medlineplus.gov/ovariancancer.html