Ovarian cancer
Ovarian cancer occurs when abnormal cells grow out of control in one or both ovaries. Ovaries are the two small glands that are located on either side of your uterus. The ovaries hold and release a woman’s eggs.
Treatments for ovarian cancer are more successful when the cancer is found early. But most of the time, cancer may have already spread by the time it is found.
Causes of ovarian cancer
The exact causes of ovarian cancer aren’t known. What we do know is that some women may have certain genetic (DNA) changes that might place them at higher risk.
Symptoms of ovarian cancer
Symptoms of ovarian cancer may include:
- Recent, frequent bloating
- Pain in the belly or pelvis
- Trouble eating, or feeling full quickly
- Urinary problems, such as an urgent need to urinate or urinating more often than usual
These symptoms certainly do not mean you have ovarian cancer; they may be related to some other condition entirely. But if these symptoms seem to happen suddenly and continue almost daily for 2 to 3 weeks, you should see a doctor.
Diagnosing ovarian cancer
Sometimes the doctor may feel a lump in or on an ovary during a routine pelvic exam. Often a lump may be seen during an ultrasound. Most lumps aren’t cancer.
If your doctor thinks you may have ovarian cancer, you may have a blood test called CA-125 (cancer antigen 125). Too much CA-125 in your blood can be a sign of ovarian cancer. But too much CA-125 in the blood can be caused by many noncancerous things, such as the menstrual cycle, endometriosis, and uterine fibroids.
The only way to know for sure that a woman has ovarian cancer is with biopsies taken during surgery. Tissue samples will be sent to a lab to see if they contain cancer.
Treating ovarian cancer
Surgery is the main treatment. The doctor will remove any tumors that he or she can see. This usually means taking out one or both ovaries. It may also mean taking out the fallopian tubes and uterus. Chemotherapy is often part of treatment. It may be given before and after surgery.
You may have one type of treatment or a combination of treatments, depending on many factors including the size and extent of your cancer.
Being treated for cancer can weaken your body, and you may feel very tired. Talk with your doctor about home treatment and certain medicines that can relieve some of your symptoms and help you feel better.
Your doctor understands that you may feel overwhelmed when facing cancer treatment. Be assured that he or she will guide you in making any treatment decisions and support you before, during, and after treatment.
What are your chances of getting ovarian cancer?
For most women, the chances of getting this cancer are small. It most often affects women who are past menopause. You may be more likely to get it if other women in your family have had it. Also, some women inherit gene changes that increase their chances of getting it.
