|
McKesson Clinical Reference Systems: Women's Health Advisor 2002.2
Illustration
Cancer of the Ovary (Ovarian Cancer)
What is cancer of the ovary (ovarian cancer)?
Ovarian cancer is a malignant growth that develops in a
woman's ovaries. The growth may be an ovarian cyst (a
fluid-filled sac) or a solid tumor.
The ovaries are glands located on either side of the uterus
(womb) in a woman's lower abdomen. The ovaries produce
female hormones. Before menopause, they also produce eggs.
There are several kinds of ovarian cancer. Most ovarian
cancer occurs in women over age 50. If the cancer is not
discovered early and treated promptly, it can be fatal. If
it is treated early, there is a chance of cure.
How does it occur?
The cause of ovarian cancer is not known. However, you have
an increased risk of getting ovarian cancer if:
- Your mother, sister, or daughter had ovarian cancer
- You or members of your family have had breast or colon
cancer.
- You have never given birth to a child.
You may have an increased risk if you have a late
menopause.
Women who use birth control pills or breast-feed appear to
have a lower risk of getting ovarian cancer.
Cancer growth may start in the ovary and spread to other
parts of the body such as the liver or lungs. Cancer can
also spread to the ovary from some other part of the body,
such as the breast, uterus, or intestine.
What are the symptoms?
Ovarian cancer is very hard to detect in its early stages
because there are often no symptoms until the cancer is in
an advanced stage. When symptoms do appear, they may
include:
- bloating, swelling, discomfort, pain in the lower abdomen
- gas, nausea, diarrhea, constipation
- loss of appetite, weight loss
- frequent urination
- leg pain or swelling
- vaginal bleeding.
If the cancer has spread to the lungs, you may have
shortness of breath caused by fluid in the lungs.
How is it diagnosed?
You will have a physical exam. Other exams and tests you
may have are:
- pelvic exam
- blood tests
- x-rays, such as a chest x-ray or a barium enema study
- computed tomography (CT) scans
- ultrasound scans
- magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).
It may be necessary to examine a small sample of tissue
(biopsy) under a microscope to confirm that cancer is
present. A sample may be taken through a viewing tube
(laparoscope) inserted through the abdominal wall. Another
option is to remove the affected ovary surgically for
examination. Samples of nearby lymph nodes can be taken at
the same time to check for spread of cancer beyond the
ovary.
How is it treated?
You will have one or more of the following treatments:
- surgery
- radiation
- chemotherapy.
Usually both ovaries, the uterus, and fallopian tubes (tubes
from the ovaries to the uterus), and nearby lymph nodes are
removed. After surgery, you may have radiation or
anticancer drugs (chemotherapy) to kill the cancer cells and
stop the cancer from coming back or spreading.
Sometimes, in younger women who have certain types of
ovarian cancer and would still like to have children, only
the cancerous ovary is removed. The other ovary is examined
closely and a small piece of tissue taken from it to see if
leaving it will cause problems.
If your ovaries are removed, your health care provider may
advise you to take hormones that are normally produced by
the ovaries. If you have not already gone through
menopause, after the surgery you may have symptoms similar
to menopause.
How long will the effects last?
The earlier ovarian cancer is found and treated, the better
are the chances for your long-term survival. The 5-year
survival rate is over 90% when the cancer is identified and
treated at an early stage. For those whose cancer has
spread beyond the ovaries the survival rates are much lower.
How can I take care of myself?
Eat a balanced diet, get plenty of rest, and follow your
health care provider's advice.
Joining a cancer support group can be very helpful. The
support group can help you learn a lot about your care,
treatment, and the cancer. Your local chapter of the
American Cancer Society (ACS) may offer support groups.
Look in the phone book for your local chapter.
For more information on cancer, you can contact:
What can I do to help prevent ovarian cancer?
Ovarian cancer can't be prevented. However, there are
things you can do that may help you detect it early and
improve your chances of survival:
- Have yearly pelvic exams so that your ovaries are
checked regularly.
- Tell your health care provider if your legs or abdomen
have ongoing, unexplained discomfort or swelling.
- Tell your provider if you lose weight, have shortness of
breath, and always feel tired.
- See your health care provider as soon as possible if you
have unusual vaginal bleeding, including bleeding after
menopause.
|