What is ovarian cancer?
Ovarian cancer is a malignant tumor (abnormal growth of tissue) that develops in a woman’s ovaries. (Ovaries are the reproductive organs that hold a woman’s eggs.) Ovarian cancer is the fifth leading cause of cancer death among women. It most often occurs in women in their 50s.
When found in its earliest stages, ovarian cancer can be cured 90 to 95 percent of the time. Unfortunately, early ovarian cancer is hard to detect and there are no good screening tools. Many cases of ovarian cancer are found after the cancer has spread to other organs. In these cases, the cancer is much more difficult to treat and cure.
What causes ovarian cancer?
The cause of ovarian cancer is not yet known. You have an increased risk of ovarian cancer if you have:
Women who have had children or who use oral contraceptives (birth control pills) are less likely to develop ovarian cancer
What are the symptoms of ovarian cancer?
In its early stages, ovarian cancer has few symptoms. The first sign of ovarian cancer is usually an enlarged ovary. The ovaries are located deep within the pelvic cavity, so swelling may go unnoticed until later stages. Symptoms of more advanced ovarian cancer include:
How is ovarian cancer diagnosed?
A number of tests are used to diagnose ovarian cancer. These tests are usually done after a health care provider feels an enlarged ovary during a pelvic exam. At this point, the woman may need :
How is ovarian cancer treated?