OVARIAN CANCER

OVARIAN CANCER

Ovarian cancer refers to malignant tumor that begins in the ovaries. There are several types’ ovarian cancers. Most common is an epithelial carcinoma that is an ovarian cancer which begins on the surface of the ovary. Other type is germ cell tumor that is a form of ovarian cancer that begins in the egg producing cells. Stromal tumor which is a form of ovarian cancer that begins in the supporting tissue of the ovary. Ovarian cancer cells readily metastasis to the surrounding tissue and organs. The commonest site of such metastasis is the peritorium and diaphragm. The cell can also be transported by the blood stream or lymphatic system to other part of the body far from the ovaries.

CAUSE

The exact causes are not known, however, a number of factors predispose a woman to ovarian cancer. This include:-

• ·Hereditary. Relatives (mother side) of a woman who has ovary cancer have a high risk of developing the same. The risk is however less where distant relative, for example, grandmother, aunt or a cousin had the cancer. A family history of breast cancer or colon cancer is associated with high risk of developing ovarian cancer.
• ·Age. The likelihood of developing ovarian cancer increase with age in most cases. It develops in women over the age of 50 with the highest risk being in woman over the age of 60.
• ·Childbearing. Women who have no children are more likely to develop ovarian cancer than those who have children. In fact, the more children have the less the likelihood of developing ovarian cancer.
• ·Fertility drugs. These are known to slightly increase a woman chance of getting ovarian cancer.
• ·Personal medical history. Women who have breast cancer or colon cancer have a high chance of developing ovarian cancer.

SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS

Many women with ovarian cancer don’t have symptoms but have minor symptoms. Symptoms will only develop when disease is at an advance stage and these include:-

• ·General abdominal discomfort with gas indigestion, bloating and cramps as well as pain.
• ·Nausea, diarrhea, constipation and frequent urination.
• ·Loss of appetite
• ·Feeling of fullness even after a light meal
• ·Weight gain or weight loss with no known cause
• ·Abnormal bleeding from the vagina.

DIAGNOSIS

• ·Rectal –vaginal examination during which abnormalities in changes or size of the ovaries may be felt.
• ·Ultra sound may help discern fluid filled cyst and ovarian tumor.
• ·A CT-Scan can also be used in the diagnosis
• When ovarian cancer is suspected the total removal of ovary (oophorectomy) is recommended and tissue is then tested for presence of cancer.
• A normal biopsies isn't recommended because cutting a small tissue of the ovary will result into cancer cell escaping to other tissues