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Cancer of the ovaries is a problem for many women. This form of cancer can develop either on the inside or outside the ovaries, though the outside lining is the most common location. In some cases it may also develop in other cells of the ovaries, such as those that produce the eggs or certain hormone-producing cells. If left unchecked, ovarian cancer can spread to other areas of the pelvis and abdomen and become even more life-threatening.
Causes of Ovarian CancerHeredity is one of the primary factors in who develops ovarian cancer. Women with a family history of the disease should have regular check-ups to ensure that if it occurs they can catch it early. A history of other forms of cancer increases risk as well. Also, the older that a woman gets, the more likely they are to develop problems, especially if they have never before been pregnant.
Symptoms of Ovarian CancerSymptoms often start suddenly and will be persistent. They will occur almost every day and one may find that there is no apparent way to alleviate them. Common indicators of the possibility of ovarian cancer consist of: Abdominal pressure, swelling or bloating. Discomfort or pain in the pelvis and belly. Constipation. Continuous indigestion, nausea and gas. Frequent urination. Constant fatigue. Loss of appetite or quickly getting full. Pain in the lower back. Painful intercourse. Changes in one's menstrual cycle. Symptoms will tend to get worse over time, though many of them may signal that there are other problems.
Other, more-common issues, such as problems with the digestive tract or bladder, can produce similar symptoms. This makes detecting the cancer sometimes difficult. In some cases, symptoms do not appear at all during the early stages of the cancer. If symptoms appear and persist for more than two weeks, it is essential to get diagnosed.
Treatments for Ovarian CancerThe most common treatment option for this disease is surgery, which is often accompanied by chemotherapy. Surgery consists of removing the ovaries, along with the fallopian tubes, uterus and lymph nodes in the area. Not all this may be required, however, if the cancer is detected early. If one waits too long, the cancer may spread and require further treatment.
It is essential to diagnose cancer of the ovaries as soon as possible. Those who have higher risks should be vigilant in maintaining regular check-ups. Cancer not found early enough will get out of control and becoming a serious threat to one's life.
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What are the early symptoms for ovarian cancer?
Ovarian cancer has been known for a long time as The Silent Killer. You should always be aware of your body and any changes that start to occur. While that is not always the easiest thing to do, here is a website that will help you notice any of the early warning signs. http://www.cancer.org/Cancer/news/News/ovarian-cancer-has-early-symptoms
Can ovarIAN cancer be picked up with cerVICAL cancer?
Ovarian cancer and cervical cancer have nothing in common other than the fact that they occur in the female reproductive tract. Cervical cancer can be detected early with pap smears and other screening tests, and prevented with HPV vaccine. There are few, if any, screening tests for ovarian cancer. Only hormonal contraception has been shown to lower the risk of ovarian cancer.
Do pap smears help detect ovarian cancer?
Yes definitely, annual papsmear tests are the best early detection of ovarian cancer. Many of the early stages of this type of cancer are only detected by lab tests so it is very important to have regular exams.
What is the survival rate for people suffering from ovarian cancer?
The survival rate for ovarian cancer varies by the severity of the disease and how early the disease is detected. The typical five-year rate is around 45%, but if diagnosed early, the five-year survival rate can be as high as 90%.
Recognizing the Symptoms of Ovarian Cancer ?
Ovarian cancer is one of the most subtle forms of cancer. It starts in a woman's ovaries and can spread to other parts of the body, if not treated in the early. In many cases, ovarian cancer symptoms are not prevalent in the early stages, which make it difficult to detect until the cancer has progressed. Knowing the symptoms of ovarian cancer can help women detect it early. Early detection gives cancer patients a better chance at effectively treating the disease.SymptomsCommon ovarian cancer symptoms include abdominal pain, swelling or pressure, leg or back pain, nausea, indigestion, constipation and diarrhea. Fatigue that does not go away is another common symptom. Less common symptoms include shortness of breath and uncommon vaginal bleeding. These symptoms are also commonly related to other health issues. Women experiencing one or more of these symptoms should visit a doctor. Ovarian cancer symptoms tend to worsen and are constant as the cancer progresses.Risk FactorsWomen with a family history of ovarian cancer or other reproductive system cancers have an increased risk of developing ovarian cancer. Family members include a mother, sister or daughter with cancer. An increased risk of developing ovarian cancer exist in women who have never been pregnant and women who are over age 55. An increased risk of developing ovarian does not mean that a woman will necessarily have ovarian cancer in her lifetime. Also, not having risk factors does not mean a women is excluded from developing cancer.DiagnosisA doctor can discover if your symptoms are related to ovarian cancer by performing a physical exam and other tests. The physical exam is a basic check of your general health. The physical exam consist of your doctor gently pressing on your abdomen to feel for tumors. If the doctor touches something abnormal or feels the need to run further test, she can perform a pelvic exam. During the pelvic exam, the doctor feels a woman's ovaries to check for lumps or any abnormal shape. A doctor may also choose to perform an ultrasound to check for tumors or a biopsy to check for cancer cells.
What is ovarian cancer and how are women with ovarian cancer different from those without it?
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.
What stage of ovarian cancer did Kathy Bates have?
Yes Kathy Bates DID have cancer. Bates fell ill on the set of "Around the world in 80 days" in early 2004. She was diagnosed in mid 2004 with Ovarian cancer. Made a full recovery by December 2004 with over 9 chemo therapy treatments. She is in full remission. Ovarian Alliance source
Early Detection of Ovarian Cancer Saves Lives?
Among all forms of cancer of the female reproductive organs, ovarian cancer is one of the most deadly. If it is caught at an early stage, ovarian cancer is curable with a high rate of survivability. Because many patients either do not recognize the symptoms early enough or are too embarrassed or scared to go to their primary physicians with concerns, most ovarian cancer is not detected until it has spread into the abdomen and pelvis. Once it has spread, ovarian cancer becomes much more difficult to treat and can be fatal. Raising awareness of the symptoms of ovarian cancer is an important step to saving lives.SymptomsIf you have any of the following symptoms, you should make an appointment to see your doctor. Even if it turns out to be nothing, it is better to investigate concerns than to allow cancer to spread unchecked. Remember, the earlier you detect ovarian cancer, the greater your odds of surviving are.Pressure, swelling, or bloating in the abdomenPelvic painPersistent digestive issues such as constipation, gas, and nauseaFrequent urge to urinatePain in the lower backOngoing lack of energyTreatmentIf your doctor concludes based on tests that you do have ovarian cancer, you will likely have to undergo a rigorous course of treatment that includes surgery and chemotherapy. The surgery will remove the ovaries, fallopian tubes, the uterus, nearby lymph nodes, as well as the omentum, a layer of fatty tissue in the abdomen to which ovarian cancer often spreads. The surgeon will try to remove as much of the cancer as possible. If the ovarian cancer was discovered early enough, not all organs may need to be removed which can preserve child-bearing ability for younger patients. After the surgery, most patients will undergo a course of chemotherapy to destroy what cancer remains. A doctor will determine how much chemotherapy based on the stage of the cancer.Ovarian cancer is a scary term often treated like a death sentence, but with early detection and treatment, ovarian cancer can be cured. Awareness of the symptoms can ensure that more woman survive.
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.
Ovarian Cancer Signs and Symptoms?
Ovarian cancer often presents with subtle or nonspecific symptoms, and it can be challenging to detect in its early stages. Some common signs and symptoms of ovarian cancer include: Abdominal Bloating: Persistent, unexplained bloating that doesn't resolve with normal digestive or menstrual changes. Pelvic or Abdominal Pain: Ongoing pain or discomfort in the pelvis or abdomen, often described as a feeling of fullness or pressure. Difficulty Eating: Feelings of fullness quickly when eating, or changes in bowel habits such as constipation. Frequent Urination: An increased need to urinate, especially if it persists. Changes in Menstrual Patterns: Unexplained changes in menstruation, such as heavier or irregular periods. Back Pain: Chronic lower back pain, sometimes in combination with abdominal discomfort. Fatigue: Unexplained and persistent fatigue. Indigestion: Persistent, non-specific indigestion or upset stomach.
Can ovarian cancer be found early?
My mother just passed away with ovarian cancer and I believe it is extremely difficult to detect in its early stages. The most common earlier symptom is a bloated lower abdomen and when the woman goes to her GP because of the bloatedness, typically it has been 3-4 weeks of feeling bloated by which time the cancer has already progressed.
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.
