Ovarian Cancer is the fifth leading cause of cancer death in women in the United States. Ovarian cancer is a malignancy of the almond-shaped organs in the female reproductive system that produce eggs and certain hormones. Ovarian Cancer is more common in white women than Black women, and primarily affects older women who have already gone through menopause. About half of women diagnosed with ovarian cancer are 63 or older.

If the cancer isn't identified at an early stage, it can spread to the abdomen and pelvis, including other parts of the female reproductive system. Ovarian cancer has four stages, with stage 4 being considered advanced and indicating that the cancer has spread to distant organs:

Stage 1: Limited to 1 or both ovaries

Stage 2: In 1 or both ovaries and has spread elsewhere in the pelvis

Stage 3: In 1 or both ovaries and the lining of the lymph nodes of the abdomen

Stage 4: Has metastasized or spread to distant organs

The 3 Types of Ovarian Cancer:

Ovarian epithelial cancer begins in the tissue covering the ovary, in the lining of the fallopian tube, or in the peritoneum. Epithelial ovarian cancer is the most common type of ovarian cancer. This cancer develops in the epithelial tissue, a thin lining that covers the outside of an ovary.

Cancer may also form in the lining of a fallopian tube. Or it can begin in the peritoneum, the tissue that covers your abdominal organs. Medical experts consider fallopian tube cancers and primary peritoneal cancers to be epithelial ovarian cancers. The diseases share many similarities, including treatments.

 

Ovarian germ cell tumors start in the eggs, also known as germ cells. An ovarian germ cell tumor is a growth in a woman's ovaries. Most of these tumors aren’t cancer. Instead, they are “benign” growths. Cancerous germ cell tumors are rare. They make up only 2% of all ovarian cancers. If you have this type of cancer, there's a good chance your doctors can cure it. And most women who get these tumors can have children after they're treated.

Ovarian low malignant potential tumors begin in the tissue covering the ovary. Abnormal cells are present that may become cancer, but usually do not. Ovarian low malignant potential tumors have abnormal cells that may become cancer, but usually do not. This disease usually remains in the ovary. When disease is found in one ovary, the other ovary should also be checked carefully for signs of disease.

How is Ovarian Cancer Diagnosed?

Tests and procedures used to diagnose ovarian cancer include:

Pelvic exam:

During a pelvic exam, your doctor inserts gloved fingers into your vagina and simultaneously presses a hand on your abdomen in order to feel (palpate) your pelvic organs. The doctor also visually examines your external genitalia, vagina and cervix.

Imaging tests:

Ultrasound or CT scans of your abdomen and pelvis, may help determine the size, shape and structure of your ovaries.

Blood tests:

Blood tests might include organ function tests that can help determine your overall health.Your doctor might also test your blood for tumor markers that indicate ovarian cancer. For example, a cancer antigen (CA) 125 test can detect a protein that's often found on the surface of ovarian cancer cells. These tests can't tell your doctor whether you have cancer, but they may provide clues about your diagnosis and prognosis.

Surgery:

Sometimes your doctor can't be certain of your diagnosis until you undergo surgery to remove an ovary and have it tested for signs of cancer.

Genetic testing: Your doctor may recommend testing a sample of your blood to look for gene changes that increase the risk of ovarian cancer. Knowing you have an inherited change in your DNA helps your doctor make decisions about your treatment plan. You may wish to share the information with your blood relatives, such as your siblings and your children, since they also may have a risk of having those same gene changes.

Can Ovarian Cancer Be Found Early? Is There Anything I Can Do?

Regular women’s health exams: A pelvic exam can be useful because it can find some female cancers at an early stage, but most early ovarian tumors are difficult or impossible to feel. Pelvic exams may, however, help find other cancers or female conditions. Women should discuss the need for these exams with their doctor. Screening tests used for cervical cancer, such as a Pap test or HPV (human papillomavirus) test aren’t effective tests for ovarian cancer. Rarely, ovarian cancers are found through Pap tests, but usually they are at an advanced stage.

Alert your doctor of any unusual symptoms: Ovarian cancer may cause several signs and symptoms. Women are more likely to have symptoms if the disease has spread, but even early-stage ovarian cancer can cause them. The most common symptoms include: bloating, pelvic or abdominal (belly) pain, trouble eating or feeling full quickly, urinary symptoms such as urgency (always feeling like you have to go) or frequency (having to go often).

Ovarian Cancer Research Alliance (OCRA)

Ovarian Cancer Research Alliance (OCRA) is the largest global organization dedicated to fighting ovarian cancer. OCRA advances research to prevent, treat, and defeat ovarian cancer; supports women and their families before, during, and beyond diagnosis; and works with all levels of government to ensure ovarian cancer is a priority. You can donate to them here. They have already invested over $122M in research and have had 350+ grantees funded since inception. Compared to the 1970’s, there’s been a 535% increase in ovarian cancer survival rates.

Sources:

  Siteman Cancer Institute: https://siteman.wustl.edu/subtle-signs-of-ovarian-cancer-women-should-look-out-for/#:~:text=Ovarian%20cancer%20is%20an%20overgrowth,are%20age%2063%20or%20older.  

  Kansas University Cancer Center: https://www.kucancercenter.org/news-room/blog/2020/08/what-is-ovarian-cancer-symptoms-treatment  

  aacr.org https://www.aacr.org/patients-caregivers/awareness-months/ovarian-cancer-awareness-month/  

  Cleveland Clinic:https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/22250-epithelial-ovarian-cancer  

  Web MD:https://www.webmd.com/ovarian-cancer/ovarian-germ-cell-tumors  

  Cancer.gov https://www.cancer.gov/types/ovarian/patient/ovarian-low-malignant-treatment-pdq  

  Mayo Clinic https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/ovarian-cancer/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20375946  

  Cancer.org https://www.cancer.org/cancer/types/ovarian-cancer/detection-diagnosis-staging/detection.html  

  OCRA Hope Research Organization https://ocrahope.org/