Understanding Ovarian Epithelial Cancer

Answer 1

Ovarian epithelial cancer is the most common form of cancer that occurs in the ovaries. Unlike germ cell tumors, ovarian epithelial cancer affects the tissue of the ovaries themselves. One of the most important things to remember about this type of cancer is that it can spread from the ovaries to other organs in the body. Therefore, early detection and treatment is vitally important. Risk Factors For Ovarian Epithelial Cancer It is rather difficult for medical practitioners to determine the likelihood that a woman will develop ovarian cancer in any form. There are several statistics that point to an elevated risk. These include women who have a mother, sister, or daughter who has been diagnosed with the disease, women who have been diagnosed with any other form of cancer, and women over the age of 40 who have never been pregnant. Ongoing research studies have determined that there is a slightly elevated risk of developing ovarian epithelial cancer if the person has experienced long-term exposure to talcum powder, is obese, or uses fertility drugs. These studies are not final, and continued research in the near future may show whether these factors are to be considered important. Making A Diagnosis Women of any age are encouraged to have regularly scheduled health checkups that include a pelvic exam, blood and urine tests, and pelvic ultrasound. Even at an early stage, cancer cell buildup on the exterior surface tissue of the ovaries can generally be detected. The blood test should include a determination of the level of CA-125, a substance always present in ovarian cancer cells. This substance is also present in normal cells, but an elevated level of CA-125 is one of the most accurate indicators of abnormal cell growth on the surface of the ovaries. Disease Progression And Treatment Ovarian cancer is like other forms of this disease in that it progresses in several stages. In early stages, the cancer is found only on the surface tissue of one or both ovaries. In later stages, the cancer spreads to the rest of the pelvic area and on to other organs in the body. Local therapy treatments include surgery and irradiation of the affected area. Chemotherapy is another treatment option, applied either directly into the pelvic area or as an intravenous or oral drug. Side effects are common when chemotherapy methods are used to treat the disease. Women are therefore encouraged to seek medical counseling and get a second opinion from a different physician before make a choice concerning treatment.