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What is ovarian cancer and how are women with ovarian cancer different from those without it?
Wiki User
∙ 17y ago
Women with Ovarian cancer are different from Women without it because Women without it are not sick or potentially dying & are not fighting a potentially life threatening disease. Ovarian cancer is cancer of the Ovaries in a Woman.
Wiki User
∙ 17y ago
Wiki User
∙ 15y agoOvarian cancer can be spread quickly due to the fact is is difficult to diagnose early and it's proximity to connective tissue such as the blood and lymph system. Generally, ovarian cancer does not cause many early signs until the cancer grows. Women should consult their physician if they experience pressure or fullness in the pelvis, abdominal bloating, or changes in bowel and bladder patterns that continue and/or worsen. Although aggressive new therapies are being evaluated by Gynecologic cancer specialists at the Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center at Johns Hopkins, early detection and diagnosis remain a woman's best opportunity to treat gynecologic cancers. Routine annual gynecologic examinations are the first line of defense.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Ovarian Cancer ?
Ovarian cancer is the seventh most common form of cancer in women in the United States. According to the American Cancer Society, approximately 21,990 new cases of ovarian cancer were diagnosed in 2011, and an average of 15,460 women in the United States will die from ovarian cancer. Learning about ovarian cancer, its symptoms, and treatments, can help women get an early diagnosis.Is there a way to prevent ovarian cancer?At this time, there is no way to prevent ovarian cancer from forming. There are several things that a women can do to lower her risk of developing the condition. Taking oral contraceptives can reduce the risk of developing ovarian cancer by nearly 50 percent if taken for at least 5 years. Pregnancy and breast-feeding also reduces the risk. Other factors that reduce the risk of ovarian cancer include tubal ligation, hysterectomy, and prophylactic oophorectomy (removal of the ovaries).Does ovarian cancer show symptoms during its early stages?Symptoms of ovarian cancer can be hard to distinguish from other conditions, and can commonly mimic non-gynecologic conditions. Many women have stated that they had symptoms from their ovarian cancer, even in the earlier stages. These symptoms included: abdominal discomfort or bloating, pelvic pain, urgent need to urinate, persistent gas, nausea, indigestion, unexplained weight loss or gain or changes in bowel habits, loss of appetite, feeling full during or quickly after a meal, lack of energy, pain during intercourse, shortness of breath, or lower back pain.Who is at risk for ovarian cancer?The exact cause of ovarian cancer is not certain, but studies have shown several factors that may increase a woman's chance of developing the condition. Woman with a family history of ovarian cancer, especially among first-degree relatives, have an increased risk. Ovarian cancer also increases its risk as the woman becomes older. Most cases occur in women over the age of 50. Women who have never had children are more likely to develop ovarian cancer. Those who use fertility drugs or have had hormone replacement therapy are also at risk, although this is somewhat controversial.
What are Some of the Symptoms of Ovarian Cancer?
What is ovarian cancer?Ovarian cancer is a condition that occurs when the cells in the ovary began to grow and divide abnormally. Doctors have not been able to determine the exact cause ovarian cancer. However, they have found that family history seems to play a role in the development of this condition. Women who have never had children are also at an increased risk for developing ovarian cancer.What are some of the symptoms of ovarian cancer?Ovarian cancer is sometimes hard to diagnose because most women do not show any symptoms until they are in the advanced stage. If a woman does have symptoms, she will most likely experience abdominal pain, bloating, back pain, indigestion and fatigue. Those symptoms are commonly attributed to minor illnesses.How can ovarian cancer be treated?A doctor will usually elect to perform surgery that removes the ovaries, fallopian tubes and the uterus. If a woman is diagnosed with ovarian cancer at a young age, the surgeon may only remove one fallopian tube and ovary. It is possible to conceive a child with one ovary and fallopian tube.Most women will have to go through chemotherapy after surgery to keep the cancer from coming back. Additionally, a doctor may also elect to perform chemotherapy is a woman is found to be in the advanced stages of ovarian cancer.How can ovarian cancer be prevented?Because doctors do not know exactly what causes ovarian cancer, there really is not anything that can be done to prevent it. However, there has been evidence to suggest that women who take birth control pills have a reduced risk of developing ovarian cancer. Women who have a family history of this condition may want to consider talking to their doctor. A doctor can help determine a patient's risk of developing ovarian cancer. Many women who are at a high risk for developing cancer elect to have their ovaries removed.
What type of doctor provides treatment for ovarian cancer?
They can use many treatments. The treatment they use the most is kemo. The doctors put the kemo into your body's blood system to help your white blood cells keep the cancer cells out of your body.
What is the fourth most common type of cancer among women?
The fourth most common type of cancer among women globally is ovarian cancer. Ovarian cancer occurs in the ovaries, which are part of the female reproductive system. It ranks among the most serious gynecological cancers and is often diagnosed at an advanced stage, which can make treatment more challenging. Early-stage ovarian cancer may not cause noticeable symptoms, and when symptoms do appear, they can be vague and easily attributed to other conditions. Some common symptoms of ovarian cancer include abdominal bloating, pelvic pain, difficulty eating or feeling full quickly, and changes in urinary habits. Regular health check-ups, awareness of symptoms, and screening for individuals at higher risk, such as those with a family history of ovarian or breast cancer, are important for early detection and effective management of ovarian cancer. If there are concerns about symptoms or risk factors, it's advisable to consult with a healthcare professional for a thorough evaluation and guidance.
Know What to Look Out For in Ovarian Cancer?
Ovarian cancer, a killer of women young and old, can be difficult to diagnose. You'll have to keep a close eye on your symptoms and report to your doctor any problems you are experiencing. Even when you experience a few symptoms indicative of ovarian cancer, you can't be certain without further testing, as many of the symptoms can indicate another condition, such as digestive issues. Arm yourself with the knowledge of ovarian cancer symptoms and you will empower yourself to take charge of your health. Signs and Symptoms Ovarian cancer is thought to be a "silent killer" because it is often not diagnosed until it is too late for treatment. That's why you need to be on top of your symptoms and visit your doctor with any concerns. A feeling of constantly feeling bloated, coupled with stomach or pelvis pain, could make up a couple of the warning signs of ovarian cancer. Other symptoms include a sensation of being "full" quickly after eating, as well as your clothing fitting snugly all of a sudden. Frequency or urge of urination is another potential sign. Are you tired all the time? Do you suffer from back pain? Have you experienced changes in menstruation, constipation, or pain during sex? These signs could point to ovarian cancer, but they could also be unrelated if you only have a few of the above symptoms. Sometimes ovarian cancer symptoms can sound just like those associated with digestive problems, for instance, which is why further testing will be needed. One big reason to visit your doctor is if you have a family history of ovarian cancer or even breast cancer, which can up your risks associated with developing the cancer sometime in your life. Calling Your Doctor It's time to call your physician when you have steadily experienced some or all of these symptoms. Your primary care physician can refer you to an internist, gynecologist or obstetrician to further discuss your risk for ovarian cancer and test you for it. If you do indeed have ovarian cancer, determined and confirmed through extensive testing, a gynecologic oncologist or a medical oncologist can help you manage your treatment plan and care for your overall health.
What a some current clinical trial services in Ontario?
Some current clinical trial services in Ontario include women with breast cancer and lymphoma or ovarian cancer. There is also a study of those with silicon breast implants.
Symptoms that Indicate Ovarian Cancer?
If you have a family history of ovarian cancer, you may be curious to know what the signs and symptoms of ovarian cancer are. This type of cancer can be very hard to diagnose, as symptoms of this deadly disease can mirror those of other conditions, such as digestive issues. However, with the help of your doctor, you can be on the lookout for ovarian cancer symptoms. Be Proactive Be aware of the many ovarian cancer symptoms, but keep in mind that many symptoms that may indicate ovarian cancer may also be markers for other conditions. So, be proactive in your health analysis but always consult with your doctor on any symptoms you may be experiencing for an official diagnosis. Pressure in the abdomen, along with bloating or swelling, could be an indication of ovarian cancer. You may also experience discomfort in your pelvic area; indigestion, gas or nausea that just won't go away; constipation; no energy; and lower back pain. In addition, if you have no appetite when you previous loved eating food, if your clothes are fitting tighter around your waist and you feel full quickly after eating, talk to your doctor. Any changes in your bladder habits, such as having to urinate on a more frequent basis than usual, could also point to possible ovarian cancer. Consult with Your Physician It's important to note that if you experience just one or two of these symptoms, these alone shouldn't cause panic. That's why its wise to visit with your doctor and notify her of your symptoms. Your doctor will likely recommend lab testing to determine if it is indeed cancer or another condition. You may have increased cause for concern if you have a family history of ovarian cancer, so speaking with your physician about your risk of this type of cancer may help put your fears at ease. It may also help you be proactive and alert to possible ovarian cancer symptoms should they arise in the future. You may also get a referral to meet with a genetic counselor to get tested for gene mutations that may show an increased chance for ovarian cancer.
Understanding Ovarian Cancer?
Ovarian cancer affects 25,000 women a year. It has often been called the "silent killer" because early symptoms of this of cancer are rare. Unfortunately, due to the lack of early detection only 20% of women are diagnosed in the first stages. When symptoms do arise they can include bloating, back pain, problems eating, and pain in the pelvic region. Several studies have been done to examine the risk factors of ovarian cancer in women and doctors have discovered several ties linking the cancer to family genetics. Women with mothers, sisters or daughters with ovarian cancer, as well as family history of breast, uterus, colon or rectal cancers have greater risks of developing it. Women who have never had children are also at risk. Diagnosis begins with a physical exam, blood tests and an ultrasound. A hysterectomy is performed to remove the uterus, ovaries and fallopian tubes. Patients should discuss with their doctors the possibility of preserving fertility if that is a healthy option. Not only does surgery remove the cancerous ovary or ovaries but it also allows doctors to biopsy tissue from the areas and to get a good view at the patient's abdominal cavity. This is necessary to determine the stage of cancer. There are four stages of ovarian cancer. Cancers diagnosed in stage I or stage II show the cancer has not spread to any outside tissues. A patient is in stage III when testing shows cancer cells spread outside the pelvis or to the regional lymph nodes. Stage IV diagnosis unfortunately is when the cancer has severely spread and is in tissues outside the stomach and pelvis and can be found inside the liver, lungs and other organs. Proper treatment depends on the stage of diagnosis. Chemotherapy and radiation are often used in stages where the cancer has spread. Nutritional and physical activities are also methods people use in the treatment of ovarian cancers. Luckily there are many organizations for women who have been diagnosed with ovarian cancer to reach out to for support and education as well as for counseling. Emotional health while dealing with cancer is as important as medical and nutritional treatments.
What is the cause of hysterectomy bilater salpingo-oopherectomy?
There are many reasons for this operation but it is usually done to treat ovarian cancer.The ovaries are removed and also fallopian tubes are removed as it has been shown in recent studies that some cancers start there as well. The cervix is removed for cervical cancer and the uterus for uterine cancer. Some women choose to have this operation if they are at high risk of ovarian cancer especially those with BRCA 1 and " heredity genes or strong familial links to ovarian and breast cancer. A unilateral salpingo oopherectomy may be dome for ectopic pregancy where the egg matures in the fallopian tube.
Are there any websites that can help me find symptoms of ovarian cancer?
Ovarian cancer symtoms may include abdomen pressure, pain or swelling, nausea, constipation or diarrhea, and a general feeling of exhaustion. You should see a medical professional such as a family doctor or gynecologist to be acurately diagnosed. Your insurance can provide you with a list of doctors. http://www.medicinenet.com/ovarian_cancer/article.htm
Learning About Ovarian Cancer?
Ovarian cancer is the fifth leading cause of cancer deaths and the deadliest gynecologic cancer in the United States. It often goes undetected as its symptoms are similar to those of other ailments. There is no test designed for early detection, unlike how a pap smear is used for early detection of cervical cancer. In 85% of cases, the cancer isn't detected until it's spread beyond the ovaries. Symptoms Symptoms of ovarian cancer do exist, but they are often vague and not seen as anything serious. They often are seen as symptomatic of digestive disorders. Common symptoms are: Abdominal pressure, swelling, bloating, or fullness Pelvic pain or discomfort Low back pain Persistent indigestion, nausea, or gas Changes in bowel habits Loss of appetite Lack of energy Increase in abdomen size, especially at the waist Diagnosis There are several ways to diagnose ovarian cancer, including a pelvic exam, ultrasound, and surgery to remove tissue samples for a biopsy. There is also the CA 125 blood test, which measures the levels of a protein found on the surface of ovarian cancer cells. This test is often not used as women in the early stages of ovarian cancer tend to have normal levels of CA 125. Treatment Surgery is often used to treat ovarian cancer. It involves either the removal of an ovary and Fallopian tube or a hysterectomy. Any other tissue showing cancerous cells will be removed. Chemotherapy and radiation are other treatments, either on their own or after surgery. Risk Factors Every woman is at risk for developing this cancer. Other factors are older age, never giving birth either by choice or infertility, endometriosis, and a family history of ovarian, breast or colon cancer. Around 10% of cases are due to genetics and there is genetic testing to help determine if you are at risk. Facts and Statistics It is estimated that one in 71 women will develop ovarian cancer in her lifetime. Only 19% of cases are detected early. It is also estimated that there will be over 22,000 new diagnoses in 2013 and nearly 14,000 deaths. The 5-year survival rate is over 90%. There is currently research being done by the National Cancer Institute to find early detection methods and ways to prevent this cancer. Considering 3% of cancer in women is ovarian in nature, preventing and detecting it is of utmost importance.
What are some cancer treatment options?
There are number of a different treatments that are currently available for those who have cancer such as radiation treatments as well as chemotherapy.
