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Ovarian cancerPublished by BUPA's health information team, healthinfo@bupa.com, December 2007. This factsheet is for women who have ovarian cancer, or anyone who would like information about it. According to Cancer Research UK, each year nearly 7,000 women in the UK are diagnosed with ovarian cancer. It's the fourth most common cancer in women (after breast, lung and bowel). Ovarian cancer is the most common in women over 50, and the highest rates occur in women over 65.
Cancer - a general overview animation About ovarian cancerThe ovaries are two small organs that are part of the female reproductive system. Eggs mature inside the ovaries. In women of childbearing age, one ovary releases an egg into the fallopian tube every month, where it may be fertilised with sperm. If it's not fertilised, the egg passes into the womb (uterus) and is lost when the uterus sheds its lining as a monthly period. The ovaries also produce the female hormones, oestrogen and progesterone. After the menopause, the ovaries produce less of these hormones and no longer release an egg each month. This is why periods stop after the menopause. Ovarian cancer is a lump created by the abnormal and uncontrolled growth of cells. Cancer grows and can sometimes spread to other parts of your body through the bloodstream or the lymphatic system (part of your immune system, which protects your body from infection). The spread of cancer is called metastasis.
Types of ovarian cancerThere are two main types of ovarian cancer. The most common type is called epithelial ovarian cancer, which affects the lining of the ovaries. Ninety percent of ovarian cancers are epithelial. There are several different types of epithelial ovarian cancer, but they all grow in a similar way and are treated the same. Non-epithelial ovarian cancer is much less common. This type includes germ-cell cancers, which form from the cells in the ovary that make the eggs. SymptomsMany women don't have symptoms in the early stages of ovarian cancer. If there are symptoms, they may be hard to define but can include pain or a bloated feeling in the lower abdomen. Other symptoms can include:
CausesThe exact cause of ovarian cancer isn't known. It's more common in women who live in developed countries. Other factors that are thought to make ovarian cancer more likely include:
More research is needed to find out whether the risk of ovarian cancer is increased by:
Studies have shown that ovarian cancer may be less common in women who:
DiagnosisIf you notice any of the symptoms, you should visit your GP. But it's important to remember that many other problems, such as ovarian cysts (fluid-filled sacs) and non-cancerous growths can cause similar symptoms. Your doctor may do a blood test for a protein called CA125, which can be high in some cancers. They may also carry out an internal examination to check your womb and ovaries. Your doctor may recommend further tests and refer you to a gynaecologist (a doctor specialising in women's health). The tests may include an ultrasound, CT scan or MRI scan to view the inside of your pelvis. You may also have a laparoscopy. This involves inserting a thin fibre-optic tube (laparoscope) into the abdomen via a small cut just below the bellybutton (navel). This allows the doctor to look at your ovaries and surrounding organs. The procedure is carried out under general anaesthetic. The doctor may take a sample of tissue (a biopsy) to be examined in a laboratory. If fluid has built up in your abdomen, it can be drawn out (aspirated) through a needle and examined to see whether cancer cells are present. This is known as abdominal fluid aspiration. TreatmentTreatment depends on the exact type of ovarian cancer and how far it has spread. Your specialist will discuss with you the available treatment options. SurgeryAlmost all women with ovarian cancer will need surgery for the best chance of successful treatment. The extent of surgery depends on the specific type of cancer and how far it has spread. If it hasn't spread beyond the ovary, it may be possible to remove only the single affected ovary and fallopian tube. If the cancer has already spread beyond the ovary, then both ovaries and the womb, together with nearby lymph nodes and any surrounding tissues that the cancer may have spread to, need to be removed. This is called a total hysterectomy and oophrectomy. Other types of surgery for more advanced ovarian cancer are used after surgery to remove, or "debulk", as much of the tumour as possible. ChemotherapyAfter surgery, women with ovarian cancer will be offered chemotherapy to destroy any remaining cancer cells. Chemotherapy is used when the cancer couldn't be completely removed by surgery, or if there is a risk that it might come back. Women with ovarian cancer in very early stages don't usually need chemotherapy. Chemotherapy involves taking drugs that disrupt the growth of cancer cells. The drugs most commonly used to treat ovarian cancer are carboplatin and paclitaxel (Taxol), either taken alone or both together. Chemotherapy can have side-effects, including tiredness and feeling or being sick. If ovarian cancer comes back (relapses), you may be treated with the same drug, or an alternative, depending on the timing of the relapse and whether the cancer has developed resistance to previous drugs. Your doctor may give you information on clinical trials that are being run to test new treatments for ovarian cancer. Further information
Sources
Related topicsThis information was published by BUPA's health information team and is based on reputable sources of medical evidence. It has been peer reviewed by BUPA doctors. The content is intended for general information only and does not replace the need for personal advice from a qualified health professional. Publication date: December 2007. Expected review date: December 2009.
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