Ovarian Cancer: Silent Killer

The American Cancer Society estimates that by the end of 2005, ovarian cancer will cause over 16,000 deaths in the United States. This number is staggering, but it does not include the 22,000 new cases that will be diagnosed, or the millions of women who currently have an ongoing battle with this illness. The key to winning the battle against any form of cancer is early diagnosis. 

Today, a flood of information is available that focuses on the symptoms of most cancers. The purpose of this information is to alert people to potentially life-threatening conditions. The results have been positive. Men and women are now twice as likely to perform monthly breast and testicle exams, and millions are seeking medical attention for problems such as blood in the stool or urine. Unfortunately, detecting the symptoms of ovarian cancer is not as simple. 

Ovarian cancer has subtle symptoms, which results in the disease going undetected. This cancer is the fifth most common among women, thus women should be aware of specific tell-tale signs. Of course, each case varies person-to-person and some women do not show any unusual symptoms. Sadly, most cases of ovarian cancer are diagnosed once it has advanced and spread to other parts of the body.

What is Ovarian Cancer?

Ovarian cancer is the rapid growth of abnormal cells in the ovaries. Ordinarily, the ovaries produce healthy cells. However, when cancerous cells begin to develop and grow, healthy cells are unable to destroy or attack malignant cells. Malignant cells form tumors that may be located in one or both ovaries. All tumors found in the ovaries are not cancerous. Some tumors are benign and result from an overgrowth of healthy cells. Benign tumors are not harmful and can be removed surgically. There are three types of ovarian tumors:

Epithelial Tumors

Germ Cell Tumors

Stromal Tumors

Epithelial Tumor

In most cases, epithelial tumors are benign. These tumors are produced from the cells that cover the outer surface of the ovaries. However, these tumors may also be cancerous. In fact, cancerous epithelial tumors are the deadliest and should be diagnosed and treated immediately. Physicians will determine the necessary treatment once they ascertain how large a tumor is, and how far the cancer has spread.

Germ Cell Tumors

These tumors develop from the cells that produce the actual egg. Similar to epithelial tumors, most germ cell tumors are benign. However, malignant forms of germ cell tumors do occur. On average, these tumors occur in teenagers and women in their 20's. Fortunately, the cure rate of malignant germ cell tumors is high, and in most cases, women remain fertile.

Stromal Tumors

Stromal tumors are extremely rare, and develop from the cells in the connective tissues that hold the ovaries. These tumors are generally classified as a "low-grade cancer," and are highly curable.

What Causes Ovarian Cancer?

Although the cause of ovarian cancer is unknown, researchers and doctors have been able to pinpoint certain risk factors that appear to increase a woman's odds of developing this silent killer. One huge risk factor is genetics. Individuals who researched cancer patients have discovered that 20% of women diagnosed with ovarian cancer have a family history of this disease. Moreover, nearly 40% of women diagnosed have a family history of cancer (breast, cervical, testicular, bone, etc.). Other risk factors that may contribute to ovarian cancer include:

Increasing age

Infertility

Early onset of menstrual cycle

Childless

Long-term use of estrogen

History of breast cancer

Polycystic ovaries

Endometriosis

Women who are at a high risk of developing ovarian cancer should speak to their physician about pelvic exams, and determine what should be the frequency of these exams. Pelvic exams are great for detecting masses on the ovaries or change in ovary size. Both are early indicators of ovarian cancer.

Symptoms of Ovarian Cancer

Again, the symptoms of ovarian cancer are very subtle, which makes this form of cancer difficult to detect. Some women experience very mild symptoms which are ignored, whereas other women do not experience any symptoms. The ovaries are small and located deep in the abdomen. Tumors in their initial stage do not cause discomfort. However, as tumors become larger, ovarian cancer victims may begin to detect symptoms. Typical symptoms of ovarian cancer include:

Unexplained changes is bowels

Experiencing persistent gas or indigestion

Weight Loss

Abdominal Pain

Abdominal Swelling

Postmenopausal bleeding

Painful intercourse

Women who show signs of ovarian cancer are likely to ignore symptoms. This is understandable because the symptoms of this form of cancer mimic less serious abdominal problems. Women who detect one or more of these symptoms should not panic. Other conditions such as irritable bowel syndrome, acid reflux, and ulcers cause similar symptoms. Women should visit their physician and have a thorough examination to determine the underlying cause of abdominal symptoms. Unfortunately, less than 10% of ovarian cancer cases are discovered in the first stage. Most diagnoses occur once the tumor has grown or spread.

Diagnosing Ovarian Cancer

Physicians diagnose ovarian cancer several ways. Common methods include a pelvic exam, an ultrasound, and an ovarian pap smear.

Pelvic Exam: The purpose of pelvic exams is to examine the uterus and ovaries for masses, or change in size and shape of ovaries. Through a pelvic exam, physicians are also able to detect any abnormalities or cyst that may have developed on the ovaries.

Ultrasound: An ultrasound is an imaging device that uses sound waves to create pictures. By examining the images taken of the ovaries, physicians are able to detect normal tissues, tumors, and cysts.

Ovarian Pap Smear: Similar to cervical pap smears, ovarian pap smears are great for detecting changes in the ovaries, or pre-cancerous cells that may have developed.

Treating Ovarian Cancer

Treatment of ovarian cancer depends largely on the size of the tumor and the stage of the tumor. Most women who develop ovarian cancer will have surgery. When the cancer has not spread, removing the cancerous ovaries is effective with stopping the growth of tumors. In some cases, both ovaries are surgically removed. If the cancer has spread, oncologist will generally recommend the removal of the cancerous ovary, along with ongoing chemotherapy to kill the remaining cancerous cells. Sadly, women with advance stage ovarian cancer may require a total hysterectomy. This surgical procedure involves the removal of the ovaries, cervix, and uterus. Radiation therapy is rarely used for treating ovarian cancer.