Gynaecologic Problems: Ovarian Cancer

Description

Ovarian cancer is a disease in which malignant cells are found in an ovary. There are three types of ovarian tumours, named for the tissue in which they are found:

• Epithelial cell - cells that cover the surface of the ovary. Most of these tumours are benign. However, epithelial ovarian cancer accounts for 85-90% of ovarian cancer cases.
• Germ cell - cells that form the eggs in the ovary.
• Stromal cell - cells that form the ovary and produce female hormones.

For information on the other main cancers to affect the female reproductive system go here .

Risk Factors

The cause of ovarian cancer is unknown, but there are certain risk factors that indicate an increase in a woman's chance of developing ovarian cancer. The following have been suggested as risk factors for ovarian cancer:

• Starting monthly periods early, i.e. before the age of 12.
• Late menopause .
• Infertility .
• Having a first child after the age of 30.
• History of breast cancer.
• Family history.
• Fertility drugs

• General discomfort in the lower abdomen, including any/all of the following:
  Feeling swollen or bloated
  A loss of appetite or a feeling of fullness -- even after a light meal
  Gas, indigestion, and nausea
• Weight loss.
• Diarrhoea or constipation, or frequent urination caused by the growing tumour, which may press on nearby organs, such as the bowel or bladder.
• Bleeding from the vagina (a rare symptom).
• Build up of fluid around the lungs, which may cause shortness of breath.

Diagnosis and Treatment

Diagnosis includes a medical history and physical exam, including a pelvic exam to feel the vagina, rectum, and lower abdomen for masses or growths. A Pap test may be requested as part of the pelvic exam. The physician may also order other tests, including:

• Ultrasound
• Computed tomography (CT or CAT) scan
• Lower gastrointestinal (GI) series of x-rays of the colon and rectum
• An intravenous pyelogram (IVP) x-ray of the kidneys and ureters, taken after the injection of a dye
• A blood test to measure a substance in the blood called CA-125 -- a tumour marker
• Biopsy , removing tissue from the ovary in an operation called a laparotomy

Ovarian cancer may be treated with surgery, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, or a combination of these, called adjuvant therapy .

The information in this page is presented in summarised form and has been taken from the following source(s):
1. Motherisk, The Hospital for Sick Children: http://www.motherisk.org/