Ovarian Cancer Ovaries form a part of the reproductive system in women and ovarian cancer is the cancer which begins in the ovaries.
These almond size organs, located on each side of uterus produce eggs and female sex hormones that are progesterone and estrogen. Ovaries are mainly comprised of three different kinds of cells - epithelial cells (they cover the ovary), germ cells (these cells develop the egg) and stromal cells (these produces female sex hormones). Ovarian cancer is a result when these ovarian cells start growing in an uncontrolled, abnormal manner in one or both ovaries to produce tumors.
Tumors that start growing in the ovary can be non-cancerous or benign and cancerous or malignant. Benign tumors never spread beyond the ovaries and can be treated easily by either removing a part of ovary with the tumor or removing the entire ovary. Malignant tumors can spread or metastasize to other parts of the body and their treatment is much complex depending on the stage.
Types of ovarian tumors -
- Epithelial cell tumors - These are the most common type and start on the outer surface of the ovary where epithelial cells are present. Post-menopausal women often experience this form of ovarian cancer.
- Germ cell tumors - These tumors start from the egg producing germ cells. This form of cancer generally occurs in young women.
- Stromal cell tumors - These tumors start from the cells which produce female sex hormones and the connective tissue cells which hold the ovaries together. All these three types of ovarian tumors can be benign or malignant.
Certain factors about ovarian cancer can increase your risk for developing the cancer. These include age, family history, inherited gene mutations, infertility, hormone replacement therapy, ovarian cysts especially after menopause and obesity in early adulthood. On the other hand women on oral contraceptive or having at least one pregnancy appear to have a protective effect against this disease.
Early diagnosis for a successful treatment of ovarian cancer is essential; for this appropriate ovarian cancer information should be there.
Most of the ovarian cancers when diagnosed are already reached in their advanced ovarian cancer stage because it is very difficult to detect this disease at an early stage. Most of the time with no ovarian cancer awareness, the disease can spread to adjacent tissues and organs. Many specialists now believe that early-stage ovarian cancer can be detected by identifying certain signs and symptoms. Ovarian cancer when identified at an early stage can be treated effectively. |
