Ovarian cancer is the abnormal growth of cells within the ovaries – the part of the female reproductive system that makes eggs. This abnormal growth can lead to the formation of a tumor, which can be benign (not cancerous) or malignant (cancerous). Benign tumors may not pose a problem to your health, but malignant tumors are more aggressive and can spread to other parts of the body.
Ovarian cancer often doesn’t have any symptoms until the later stages, which makes it harder to detect.
It can be treated with chemotherapy and surgery.
We don’t know the exact cause of ovarian cancer, but there are certain risk factors that put you at an increased risk:
Ovarian cancer often has no symptoms until the later stages, when it may have spread through the abdomen. Symptoms might include:
There are two gene mutations associated with ovarian cancer, known as BRCA1 and BRCA2, which are also associated with breast cancer. If there is a strong family history of either of these cancers, your doctor may suggest genetic testing to identify these mutations. This can help in the early treatment of the cancer.
There are no screening tests available for ovarian cancer unfortunately. Testing usually happens once symptoms are present. Therefore, it is important to notify your doctor as soon as you notice something that is unusual for you, that has lasted for more than 2 weeks.
Your doctor will begin by discussing your medical history and performing a physical exam. A pelvic exam will look for any lumps or enlarged organs. If your doctor feels additional tests are needed, these might include:
Staging indicates how far your cancer has spread and helps doctors decide on the most appropriate treatment plan. Factors such as which organs it has spread to, and how they have spread, are taken into consideration. The stages are as follows:
Treatment of ovarian cancer aims to remove as much of the cancer as possible. This usually means removing any organs (or part of the organ) that the cancer has spread to.
Surgery: A minimally invasive procedure called laparoscopy (also used for diagnosis) is used to treat ovarian cancer. Alternatively, laparotomy, a surgical procedure in which the abdomen is opened and the ovaries and other affected organs are removed, can be used.
Chemotherapy: This involves taking medication that targetsand kills cancer cells. The type of chemotherapy you receive will depend on many factors, including the stage of your cancer. Sometimes chemotherapy is given following surgery.
After you have received treatment for ovarian cancer, you will need to see your doctor regularly to discuss any possible symptoms and to check the cancer hasn’t returned. Observation following ovarian cancer is very important.
Ovarian cancer cannot be completely prevented and unfortunately there are no screening tests for it. However, there are things you can do to decrease your risk of getting cancer as you get older, such as maintaining a healthy weight, eating well and exercising regularly. Being aware of your family history is also important. Studies have shown that women who have had children or have used oral contraceptives for more than 5 years are less likely to develop ovarian cancer.
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This information is provided by Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi, part of Mubadala Healthcare, and is not intended to replace the medical advice of your doctor or health care provider. Please consult your health care provider for advice about a specific medical condition.
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