Ovarian Cancer
Ovarian cancer begins in the ovaries, two organs in the female reproductive system that produce eggs and the female hormones, estrogen and progesterone.
About Ovarian Cancer
There are many types of ovarian cancer. The most common is called epithelial carcinoma. Nearly all women with ovarian cancer have this type.
Ovarian cancer can also develop in the germ cells that make the eggs in the ovaries or in the stromal cells.
Ovarian cancer may spread and form new tumors on surrounding tissue and organs, especially in the abdominal area. The cancer cells may also enter the blood stream or lymph nodes and travel to other parts of the body.
Who’s at Risk?
Most ovarian cancers occur in women over the age of 50. Women over 60 have the highest risk. Also, women who have never had children are more likely to develop the disease than women who have given birth to multiple children.
Risk Factors
The following risk factors may increase the chance of developing the disease:
- Relatives with ovarian cancer: A mother, daughter or sister with ovarian cancer.
- Family history of other cancer: Family members with breast cancer or colon cancer.
- Personal history of other cancer: Previous diagnosis of breast cancer or colon cancer.
- Fertility drugs: Drugs that increase ovulation.
- Hormone replacement therapy (HRT): Use of HRT after menopause.
Treatment
Treatment options depend on how far the cancer has advanced. Gynecologic surgery may be performed to remove the ovaries, the fallopian tubes, the uterus, and the cervix. This operation is called a hysterectomy with bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy.
If the cancer has spread, your gynecologic oncologists may also perform a tumor debulking to remove as much of the tumor as possible.
In many cases, chemotherapy and radiation therapy are also part of the treatment plan.
Some information on this page is provided by the National Cancer Institute and the American Cancer Society.