Ovarian Cancer: Frequently Asked Questions
How is ovarian cancer diagnosed?
As there is no screening test for ovarian cancer, unlike the Pap smear for cervical cancer, diagnosis of ovarian cancer requires surgery and the removal of the suspicious mass. The extent of the surgery – including whether fertility can be preserved – is best decided in conference with a gynecologic oncologist.
Source: www.wccos.com
If ovarian cancer is suspected, two main tests are used to make the diagnosis. First, an ultrasound scan of the abdomen is performed. Sometimes the scan is taken from inside the vagin The second test is to measure the level of the CA125 marker in the blood. Neither of these tests gives a definite diagnosis of ovarian cancer, but if both tests are positive, the patient is usually referred to a surgeon who will operate to see if the ovaries show any signs of cancer. There are few clear symptoms of ovarian cancer. ...
Source: www.cancerhealercenter.com
What are the symptoms of ovarian cancer?
Recent studies show that many women who are diagnosed with ovarian cancer complain of such symptoms as bloating, increased abdominal size and urinary symptoms. Because these are such vague symptoms, diagnosis can be difficult. Women with a new onset of these symptoms need a pelvic exam and possibly an imaging study if the condition does not improve after a few weeks with conservative treatment.
Source: www.wccos.com
As a tumor grows, a woman may notice these symptoms: Swelling, bloating or general discomfort in the lower abdomen
Loss of appetite or a feeling of fullness, even after a light meal
Gas
Indigestion
Nausea
Weight loss
Diarrhea, constipation or frequent urination caused by a large tumor pressing on nearby organs, such as the bowel or bladder
Less often, bleeding from the vagina is a symptom of ovarian cancer Most of these may also be caused by benign (noncancerous) diseases of the ovaries and by cancers of other organs. ...
Source: www.jamesline.com
What is the treatment for ovarian cancer?
Surgery is always required, often followed by chemotherapy. Research into the best way to administer chemotherapy is rapidly evolving, so devising the best course of treatment is done in consultation with a gynecologic oncologist.
Source: www.wccos.com
What is ovarian cancer?
There are several types of ovarian cancer. Ovarian tumors are the most histologically diverse group of tumors. At least 80 percent of malignant ovarian tumors arise from the lining of the ovary and are called epithelial carcinomas. The most common type is serous cyst adenocarcinoma, which accounts for 75 percent of cases of epithelial ovarian cancer. The remaining 20 percent of malignant ovarian tumors are germ cell and sex cord-stromal cell tumors, which are non-epithelial in origin, and metastatic carcinoma to the ovary. ...
Source: www.jamesline.com
Ovarian cancer is a malignant tumor that can begin in one or both ovaries. These tumors are made of abnormal cells that divide and create additional cells at a much faster rate than normal cells. These abnormal cells can then invade surrounding tissue and/or travel to other areas of the body.
Source: www.mediescapes.com
How common is ovarian cancer?
Ovarian Cancers are common with the family history showing the same or even in the women showing histories of major operations or use of contraceptive pills,as per the data which reveals the same
Source: www.cancerhealercenter.com
How to prevent ovarian cancer?
Performing an ultrasound scan once a year is the quickest, cost effective and non invasive way to prevent ovarian cancer.
Source: www.acupuncture4women.co.uk
What is ovarian cancer? Are there different types of ovarian cancer?
The term, ovarian cancer, is used to refer to a malignancy of the outer lining or epithelium of the ovary. The most common subtype is called papillary serous carcinoma because of the frond-like appearance microscopically. The second most common subtype is endometrioid. Mucinous and clear cell carcinoma are less common subtypes and tend to have a poorer prognosis. ...
Source: www.cpmc.org
What is the incidence of ovarian cancer?
The incidence of the disease is largely confined to postmenopausal women with 90% of cases occurring in women over 45 years of age. It is more than twice as common in women who have never had children.
Source: medindia.net
How rare is ovarian cancer?
Cyndee , Pennsylvania, USA : From the reading I have done on ovarian cancer, I've learned that ovarian cancer is the second most common and one of the most deadly of all gynecological cancers in the United States. One in every fifty-five women will be diagnosed with ovarian cancer in my country. The American Cancer Society estimates that there will be 23,400 new cases and 13,900 deaths in 2001.You can find a lot of information at the National
Source: eyesontheprize.org
Can ultrasound screen for ovarian cancer?
Pelvic ultrasound is one of the principal tests in identifying ovarian cancer. Early detection of ovarian cancer is still difficult and a large research effort is underway to increase the detection rate. Locally, we work with the Marsha Rivkin Ovarian Cancer Center.
Source: www.iinet.com
Does coffee or caffeine cause ovarian cancer?
There is no conclusive evidence that coffee/caffeine consumption increases the risk of ovarian cancer.
Source: www.decotycoffee.com
Is there any way to prevent ovarian cancer?
Currently, there is no method of preventing ovarian cancer. However, there are several measures things that have been found to reduce a woman's risk of developing the disease. Oral contraceptives can reduce the risk of ovarian cancer by fifty percent if taken for at least 5 years. Research has also shown that pregnancy and breast-feeding significantly reduce ovarian cancer risk. (Br. J. Cancer, March, 2001) Tubal ligation and hysterectomy reduce risk, though researchers are unclear exactly how. ...
Source: www.ovarianawarenessofky.org
Currently there is no way of preventing ovarian cancer. There are, however, several measures things that have been found to reduce a woman's risk of developing the disease. Oral contraceptives can reduce the risk of ovarian cancer by fifty percent if taken for at least five years. Research has also shown that pregnancy and breast-feeding significantly reduce ovarian cancer risk. (Br. J. Cancer, March, 2001)
Tubal ligation and hysterectomy reduce risk, though researchers are unclear exactly how. ...
Source: ovariancancerosw.org
Currently there is no way of preventing ovarian cancer.Several things have been found to reduce a woman’s risk of developing the disease. Oral contraceptives can reduce the risk of ovarian cancer by fifty percent if taken for at least five years. Research has also shown that pregnancy and breast-feeding significantly reduce ovarian cancer risk.Source: Br. J. Cancer, March 2001.Tubal ligation and hysterectomy reduce risk, though researchers are unclear exactly how. ...
Source: www.ocaf.org
What are the risk factors for ovarian cancer?
All women are at risk for ovarian cancer. Women with first degree relatives with ovarian cancer, a familial history of breast cancer, and women with Lynch II syndrome are at a higher risk for developing the disease, especially after menopause.
Source: www.wccos.com
How do doctors diagnose ovarian cancer?
There are several ways to find out why a woman is having symptoms like those of ovarian cancer. The doctor will ask about her medical and family history and perform a physical exam, which includes a pelvic exam. The doctor feels the vagina, rectum, and lower abdomen for lumps. The history and physical examination alone cannot tell if a lump is ovarian cancer. Therefore, if a woman has a lump, she will need more tests such as those below. If they suggest that ovarian cancer is present, the doctor may order these tests. ...
Source: www.cancerschmancer.org
Who is at risk for ovarian cancer?
Certain factors can make one woman more likely to get ovarian cancer than another woman. These are called risk factors. But just because a woman has one or more risk factors does not mean she will get ovarian cancer. Some risk factors are out of a woman’s control and some risk factors are lifestyle choices, which can be controlled. Here are some of the possible risks for ovarian cancer. ...
Source: www.cancerschmancer.org
Are there clinical trials available for ovarian cancer?
Yes. For some ovarian cancer patients, treatment may involve a clinical trial. Clinical trials are studies conducted with the consent of patients to evaluate a new treatment. Speak with your doctor. Click here for more information on clinical trials.
Source: www.jamesline.com
How does ovarian cancer spread?
Most commonly, ovarian cancer spreads through direct contact with other tissues in the pelvis or by spreading through the fluid in the abdominal cavity. Also, it can invade lymph channels to spread through lymph nodes. Travel through the blood vessels is much less common but does occur and can manifest itself as liver metastases or malignant cells in a pleural effusion which is fluid around the lungs.
Source: www.cpmc.org
What is meant by the 'the stage' of ovarian cancer?
Stage refers to the extent of the cancer at the time of diagnosis. Different stages have different prognoses. Stage I refers to cancer limited to the ovaries but also includes the presence of cancer cells in fluid in the abdominal cavity. Stage II indicates cancer that has spread to other areas of the pelvis. Stage III refers to cancer that has spread to lymph nodes or to surface tissues in the upper abdomen. Stage IV refers to distant organ involvement, such as the liver or the pleura of the lung.
Source: www.cpmc.org
What is the cause of ovarian cancer?
The causes of ovarian cancer remain poorly understood. One hypothesis is that an increased number of ovulations increase the risk of ovarian cancer. A second theory is that high chronic levels of pituitary hormones that stimulate the ovary (pituitary gonadotropins) can somehow lead to cancer. ...
Source: www.cpmc.org
Does the Pap smear detect ovarian cancer?
The Pap smear evaluates cervical cancer and NOT ovarian cancer. This is a commonly misunderstood perception. There is currently no screening test for ovarian cancer which is why knowledge of symptoms is your best detection method. It is also key that women continue to see their physicians for their annual pelvic exams. The risk of ovarian cancer increases with age and even though a woman is post-menopausal, it is still critical to have these exams.
Source: www.mnovarian.org
Is there a link between ovarian cancer and HRT?
Yes. A recent study following over 44,000 postmenopausal women during a 20-
year span concluded that estrogen use increases the risk of ovarian cancer. In this study, women who used estrogen alone for 10-
19 years were twice as likely to develop ovarian cancer than women who did not use postmenopausal hormones. For women who used estrogen for 20 or more years, the risk of ovarian cancer increased to three times that of women who did not use postmenopausal hormones. ...
Who is best trained to treat ovarian cancer?
Gynecologic oncologists. Research has shown that the five-year survival rate is greater when the initial surgery is performed by a gynecologic oncologist. (NCI) The initial surgery and staging of ovarian cancer is critical to determining the appropriate course of treatment, and ultimately survival outcomes. A gynecologic oncologist is an ob/gyn who is further trained in oncology to specialize in the diagnosis and treatment of women with gynecologic cancers. ...
Source: ovariancancerosw.org
Is there a standard screening test for ovarian cancer?
Cyndee , Pennsylvania, USA: Unlike breast or cervical cancers, there is no consistent screening test to detect ovarian cancer. Its symptoms are so vague that it is often misdiagnosed. Most times it is undetected until it has reached an advanced stage of disease.
Source: www.eyesontheprize.org
What are the stages of ovarian cancer?
Untreated ovarian cancer moves through four general stages. In the first, cancer cells grow within and on the surface of the ovaries. In the second, the tumor remains within the pelvis, but it extends to the uterus, fallopian tubes, and other pelvic organs. In both the first and second stages, the tumor is said to be "primary. " In the third stage, ovarian cancer spreads beyond the pelvis to the lining of the abdomen and then to the lymph nodes. ...
Source: www.pnri.org
What causes ovarian cancer?
The specific cause of ovarian cancer is unknown. But there are some common risk factors, including your personal and family history and never having a pregnancy .
Source: www.prevention.com
