Ovarian Cancer - Overview

Ovarian cancer is the cancer that forms in the ovaries. There are two ovaries in a woman's body which is found on each side of the uterus. These almond sized ovaries produce eggs as well as the hormones estrogen and progesterone. This cancer is most difficult to be treated as usually it is hard to detect until it is spread within the abdomen.

The post here gives a brief introduction of symptoms, stages, types and ovarian cancer diet.

Causes of Ovarian Cancer

The cause of any cancer is the genetic mutation of the cells, which means DNA of the cells get damaged and results into the abnormality. These damaged cells are called the cancerous cells. These cancerous cells grow abnormally and start replacing the normal cells also.

The cause of this genetic mutation is still unclear.

Ovarian Cancer Early Symptoms

There are no early symptoms of this cancer. Usually it get detects at a late stages when the cancer has spread through the ovary to the other surrounding parts.

Symptoms of the cancer:

• Abdominal bloating or swelling
• Not able to eat proper, feeling full quickly
• Sudden weight loss
• Discomfort in pelvic area
• Changes in bowel habits, such as constipation
• A frequent need to urinate

Ovarian Cancer Risk factors

The actual causes are unknown for the cancer; however, there are some risk factors that affect probability of getting the cancer.

• Hormones
• Genetics
• Environmental factors
• Age at which menstruation starts and stops
• Never getting pregnant
• Smoking
• Inherited mutation

Ovarian Cancer Types

There are almost 30 types of the ovarian cancer based on the cells it starts from. These cells are then classified into three common categories from where the cancerous ovarian tumor can start.

• Epithelial ovarian cancer
• Germ Cell cancer
• Borderline ovarian tumors

Ovarian Cancer Stages

The ovarian cancer stages have been categorized into four different levels from stage 1 to stage 4. These stages can be found by the process of ovarian cancer screening.

For the treatment of this cancer there are several different methods available, including chemotherapy, biopsy and radiation therapy.

Diagnosis of Ovarian Cancer

The ovarian cancer detection starts with a pelvic examination. Other tests would include

• Imaging tests: Ultrasound & CT scans.
• Blood test to help to detect the proteins found on surface of ovaries.
• Surgery to remove the cancerous tissue for further examination.

Ovarian Cancer Prevention

The preventions of this cancer are as unclear as the causes are. However, there are some common prevention tips that can help reducing the risk of cancer.

• Avoiding usage of oral contraceptives, especially for more than 10 years
• Pregnancy
• Prolonged breast-feeding
• Daily use of aspirin

Ovarian Cancer Prognosis

The worldwide survey on this cancer shows that:

• 72 out of 100, meaning, 72% of ovarian cancer patients have survival rate of 1 year after the diagnosis.
• 46% of women suffering from the disease have survival rate of 5 years.