Ovarian Cancer

• Definition
Cancer of the ovary

• Overview
· Ovarian cancer is the sixth most common form of cancer.
· Ovarian cancer will affect 1 in 70 women and about 14,000 women die every year form ovarian cancer.
· Ovarian cancer is less common before age 50.
· Ovarian cancer usually occurs sporadically but up to 10% of cases have a genetic predisposition.
· Ovarian cancer is less common in women with multiple pregnancies, oral contraceptive pills use.

• Symptoms
· Ovarian cancer symptoms include
Vague abdominal discomfort or pain
Abdominal bloating
Abdominal or pelvic pressure
Unexplained constipation
Unexplained weight loss
Night fevers

· Ovarian cancer signs
Mass in the pelvis or lower abdomen
Fluid in the abdomen

• Treatment
Surgery with the intent to remove the affected ovary and to assess the extent of the cancer.
Medications, chemotherapy
Radiation

References
Ovarian cancer. Age contrasts in incidence, histology, disease stage at diagnosis, and mortality (review). Cancer 1993;71(2 suppl):517-523.
SEER Cancer Statistics Review, 1973-1997. NIH Pub. No. 00-2789. Bethesda, MD: National Cancer Institute; 2000.
Ovarian cancer. Age contrasts in incidence, histology, disease stage at diagnosis, and mortality (review). Cancer 1993;71(2 suppl):517-523.

Posted on September 24, 2008

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