Ovarian cancer
Ovarian cancer is a malignant tumor in one or both ovaries. Ovarian cancer is when abnormal cells in the ovary begin to multiply out of control and form a tumor. If left untreated, the tumor can spread to other parts of the body.
There are many types of ovarian cancer
- Epithelial ovarian cancer
- Germ cell ovarian cancer
- Stromal ovarian cancer
- Primary peritoneal ovarian cancer
Causes
- Age (risk increases for women over 50)
- Family history of ovarian, breast cancer
- Using estrogen only hormone replacement therapy or fertility treatment.
- Early onset of periods (before 12 years) and late menopause
Sign and symptoms
- Unexplained weight loss or gain
- Abnormal vaginal bleeding
- Frequent or urgent urination
- Abdominal bloating, pressure, and pain
Diagnosis
- Transvaginal ultrasound
- Blood test: This blood test measures the level in your body of CA-125, a protein that is made by ovarian cancer cells
- Biopsy: The only way to find out for certain if a growth is ovarian cancer is for the doctor to remove cells from it and look at them under a microscope
Treatment
Chemotherapy
Radiation therapy: This technique uses X-rays to kills cancer cells.
Targeted therapy: Some treatments target specific cells that help promote cancer growth. Examples include monoclonal antibody therapy and angiogenesis inhibitors. Targeted therapy aims to limit the adverse effects by targeting specific functions.