Ovarian Cancer is an adult onset genetic disease that is often fatal. This type of cancer occurs when cells in a female’s ovaries grow abnormally and too many cells are produced. The cancer cells can then spread to other parts of a woman’s body (Cancer.net, 2016). The ovaries, located on either side of the uterus, are two small almond shaped glands that produce the female hormones, estrogen and progesterone. The ovaries also release eggs during a woman’s years of reproduction, starting with her first menstrual period (Healthwise Staff, 2014). Ovarian Cancer is caused by mutations in the genes BRCA1 and BRCA2. These particular genes are human genes that produce tumor suppressor proteins (National Cancer Institute, 2015). There are several genetic
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During the second stage of ovarian cancer the disease has spread from the ovary or ovaries to the pelvic organs, such as the fallopian tubes, uterus, bladder, colon or rectum. In the third stage, the cancer has now spread from the ovary or ovaries and has passed the pelvis to the abdomen or nearby lymph nodes, cancer cells are also present in the abdominal lining being slightly smaller or larger than 2 cm.The fourth stage of ovarian cancer indicates that the disease has spread from the ovary or ovaries to other parts of the body, such as the liver or lungs (Staging, C., & Staging, O, 2016). There are currently five methods of treatment for women affected with ovarian cancer which include: Surgery, Chemotherapy, Hormone therapy, Targeted therapy, and Radiation therapy (Cancer.org, …show more content…
This can also cause an increased risk for these types of cancers (Conditions Archives, 2016). When a woman is diagnosed with ovarian cancer she should speak with her doctor and also a genetic counselor to find out which specific genetic test best suits her diagnosis. The majority of breast and ovarian cancers are sporadic, which means that the cancer occurs by chance with no known cause. Genetic testing is recommended for people who have family history of breast or ovarian cancers which may suggest hereditary breast and ovarian cancer (Mayo.org.
During the second stage of ovarian cancer the disease has spread from the ovary or ovaries to the pelvic organs, such as the fallopian tubes, uterus, bladder, colon or rectum. In the third stage, the cancer has now spread from the ovary or ovaries and has passed the pelvis to the abdomen or nearby lymph nodes, cancer cells are also present in the abdominal lining being slightly smaller or larger than 2 cm.The fourth stage of ovarian cancer indicates that the disease has spread from the ovary or ovaries to other parts of the body, such as the liver or lungs (Staging, C., & Staging, O, 2016). There are currently five methods of treatment for women affected with ovarian cancer which include: Surgery, Chemotherapy, Hormone therapy, Targeted therapy, and Radiation therapy (Cancer.org, …show more content…
This can also cause an increased risk for these types of cancers (Conditions Archives, 2016). When a woman is diagnosed with ovarian cancer she should speak with her doctor and also a genetic counselor to find out which specific genetic test best suits her diagnosis. The majority of breast and ovarian cancers are sporadic, which means that the cancer occurs by chance with no known cause. Genetic testing is recommended for people who have family history of breast or ovarian cancers which may suggest hereditary breast and ovarian cancer (Mayo.org.