Characteristics:
Ovarian cancer refers to any growth in the ovary.
Ovarian cancer begins in the ovaries and then can spread to other locations.
3 types of ovarian cancer are, epithelial tumors, stromal tumors, and germ cell tumors.
Causes/Risk Factors:
There is not a clear cause to ovarian cancer. Ovarian cancer begins when a genetic mutation turns normal cells into abnormal cancer cells. Cancer cells can quickly multiply and forming a tumor.
Risk factors that can increase the risk of ovarian cancer:
Age
Inherited gene mutation
Estrogen hormone replacement therapy
Smoking
Fertility treatments
Signs and Symptoms:
Early stage ovarian cancer rarely has any symptoms. Advanced stage ovarian cancer can cause few and nonspecific symptoms that may include:
Abdominal bloating or swelling
Quickly feeling full when eating
Discomfort in the pelvis area
Change in bowel habits
Weight loss
Frequent urination …show more content…
If the doctor suspects ovarian cancer he or she will then recommend a imaging test, a blood test, or surgery.
If the patient has surgery the doctor will then use the results from surgery to determine the stage of the cancer. The stages include Stage I, Stage II, Stage III, and Stage IV
Treatment:
Treatment for ovarian cancer usually involves a combination of surgery and chemotherapy. Surgery most likely involves removing both ovaries.
Prevention:
There is no way to prevent ovarian cancer, but certain factors are associated with a lower risk. These factors include:
Use of oral contraceptives, especially for more than 10 years.
Previous pregnancy
History of breast feeding
Daily use of aspirin
Prognosis:
Women who have been diagnosed at an early age have a higher life expectancy than those that are diagnosed over the age of 65. Ovarian cancer can be treated and cured. Survival rates and life expectancies are different depending on the patient and multiple factors.
How It Affects the Reproductive
Ovarian cancer refers to any growth in the ovary.
Ovarian cancer begins in the ovaries and then can spread to other locations.
3 types of ovarian cancer are, epithelial tumors, stromal tumors, and germ cell tumors.
Causes/Risk Factors:
There is not a clear cause to ovarian cancer. Ovarian cancer begins when a genetic mutation turns normal cells into abnormal cancer cells. Cancer cells can quickly multiply and forming a tumor.
Risk factors that can increase the risk of ovarian cancer:
Age
Inherited gene mutation
Estrogen hormone replacement therapy
Smoking
Fertility treatments
Signs and Symptoms:
Early stage ovarian cancer rarely has any symptoms. Advanced stage ovarian cancer can cause few and nonspecific symptoms that may include:
Abdominal bloating or swelling
Quickly feeling full when eating
Discomfort in the pelvis area
Change in bowel habits
Weight loss
Frequent urination …show more content…
If the doctor suspects ovarian cancer he or she will then recommend a imaging test, a blood test, or surgery.
If the patient has surgery the doctor will then use the results from surgery to determine the stage of the cancer. The stages include Stage I, Stage II, Stage III, and Stage IV
Treatment:
Treatment for ovarian cancer usually involves a combination of surgery and chemotherapy. Surgery most likely involves removing both ovaries.
Prevention:
There is no way to prevent ovarian cancer, but certain factors are associated with a lower risk. These factors include:
Use of oral contraceptives, especially for more than 10 years.
Previous pregnancy
History of breast feeding
Daily use of aspirin
Prognosis:
Women who have been diagnosed at an early age have a higher life expectancy than those that are diagnosed over the age of 65. Ovarian cancer can be treated and cured. Survival rates and life expectancies are different depending on the patient and multiple factors.
How It Affects the Reproductive