OVARIAN CANCER

General Information

DEFINITION--A malignant growth in the ovary that is likely to spread to other body parts and threaten life.

BODY PARTS INVOLVED--One or both ovaries. It may spread to the lungs and bone.

SEX OR AGE MOST AFFECTED--Females of all ages, but most common after age 50.

SIGNS & SYMPTOMS--

Frequently no symptoms occur until the tumor becomes large. The earliest symptoms include:

• Vague discomfort in the lower abdomen.
• Gastrointestinal upsets.
• Irregular menstrual periods. Later symptoms:
• Deep voice.
• Excessive hair growth.
• Unexplained weight loss.
• An enlarged, hard and sometimes tender mass in the lower abdomen.
• Pain with intercourse.
• Anemia.

CAUSES--Unknown.

RISK INCREASES WITH

• Family history of ovarian cancer.
• Late pregnancies (over age 30).
• Never having had children.

HOW TO PREVENT

• Have yearly pelvic examinations and Pap smears (See Glossary), which offer the best chance of early detection and cure.
• Oral contraceptives may help with prevention.
• Preventive surgery (removal of the ovaries) has been suggested for some women who have mother or sisters with ovarian cancer.

What To Expect

DIAGNOSTIC MEASURES--

• Your own observation of symptoms.
• Medical history and physical exam by a doctor.
• Laboratory blood studies.
• Ultrasound (See Glossary) of the abdomen.
• X-rays of the abdomen.
• Surgical diagnostic procedures, such as culdoscopy (See Glossary) and laparoscopy (see in Surgery section).

APPROPRIATE HEALTH CARE

• Doctor's treatment.
• Surgery to remove the cancerous ovary and other affected areas, including fallopian tubes, uterus and the other ovary (sometimes). In young patients who want to retain reproductive capacity, only the ovary and the tube may be removed.
• Radiation treatment and/or chemotherapy.
• Psychotherapy or counseling to learn to accept and cope with cancer.

POSSIBLE COMPLICATIONS

• Pleural effusion.
• Reaction to radiation and/or anticancer drugs.
• Ascites.
• Death from spread of cancer to other body parts.

PROBABLE OUTCOME--25% to 50% of women with ovarian cancer survive at least 5 years after treatment. With early diagnosis and aggressive treatment, the long-term survival rate is improving.

How To Treat

GENERAL MEASURES--

• The more you can learn and understand about ovarian cancer, the more you will be able to make informed decisions about where to go for your care, the treatments available, the risks involved, side effects of therapy and expected outcome.
• See Resources for Additional Information.

MEDICATION--Your doctor may prescribe:

• Anticancer drugs.
• Pain relievers.

ACTIVITY--Be as active as your health permits.

DIET--Eat a normal, well-balanced diet that is high in protein to promote repair of body tissues.

Call Your Doctor If

• You have symptoms of an ovarian tumor.
• The following occurs after surgery: Increased pain, swelling, redness or drainage from the surgical wound. Pain or swelling in the leg. Signs of infection, such as fever, chills, headache or muscle aches.