Ovarian Cancer

What is ovarian cancer?

• Ovarian cancer is a tumor (lump) in one or both ovaries. Normally, cells divide or split in a planned way, making more cells only when needed. Cancer cells grow and divide without control or order, often making too much tissue (tumor). Cancer cells can travel through the blood stream or lymphatic system. It is called metastasis when cancer cells spread to other areas of the body.
  
  
• The ovaries are a pair of organs in the lower abdomen. Each ovary is about the size of an almond. They are attached to each side of the uterus (womb). Ovaries produce eggs and hormones, such as estrogen and progesterone. These hormones are important in helping the body work correctly.

What causes ovarian cancer?

There is no known cause of ovarian cancer. The following may place you at higher risk for getting ovarian cancer:

• You have no children or you had your first child after you were 30 years old.
  
  
• You or your mother, sister, or daughter had cancers of the ovary, bowel, breast, or lining of the uterus.
  
  
• You have used fertility medicine to try to get pregnant.
  
  
• You use talc or asbestos in your genital area. These are sometimes used in sanitary napkins, douches, and condoms.

What are the signs and symptoms of ovarian cancer?

You may have one or more of the following signs and symptoms:

• Early stage:
  
  
  • Abnormal bleeding from the vagina, especially after menopause.
    
    
  • Diarrhea (loose stools) or constipation (hard dry stools).
    
    
  • Feeling full or bloated, even after only a light meal. You may also feel pain or discomfort in the back or abdomen (stomach).
    
    
  • Passing urine frequently.
  
  
• Late stage:
  
  
  • Ascites (collection of fluid in the abdomen).
    
    
  • Loss of appetite for food.
    
    
  • Nausea (upset stomach) or vomiting (throwing up).
    
    
  • Swelling in one area of the abdomen or pelvic area.
    
    
  • Weight gain or loss.

How is ovarian cancer diagnosed?

Ask your caregiver for more information about tests that may be used to diagnose ovarian cancer. You may need one or more of the following tests:

• Cancer antigen-125 test: This is a blood test that measures the level of a chemical called CA-125. Ask your caregiver to talk to you about the results of this test.
  
  
• Computerized tomography scan: This is also called a CT or CAT scan. A special x-ray machine uses a computer to take pictures of your abdomen (stomach), including your ovaries. Before taking the pictures, you may be given dye through an IV in your vein. The dye helps cancer show up better in the pictures. Tell your caregiver if you are allergic to shellfish (lobster, crab, or shrimp) as you may also be allergic to this dye.
  
  
• Ultrasonography: This test uses sound waves to take pictures of your liver, kidneys, uterus, ovaries, fallopian tubes, or other organs.

How is ovarian cancer treated?

Ovarian cancer is treated depending upon the size of the tumor and stage of the cancer. You may have one or more of the following treatments:

• Surgery: Removing one or both ovaries surgically is the main treatment for ovarian cancer.
  
  
• Chemotherapy: This medicine is also called chemo, and is used to kill cancer cells.
  
  
• Radiation: X-rays or gamma rays are used to kill cancer cells and to shrink the tumor or tumors.

Where can I find support and more information?

Ovarian cancer is a life-changing disease for you and your family. Accepting that you have ovarian cancer is hard. You and those close to you may feel scared, angry, or sad. These are normal feelings. Talk to your caregivers, family, or friends about your feelings. You may also want to join a cancer support group. This is a group of people who also have cancer. Contact the following for more information:

• American Cancer Society
  250 Williams Street
  Atlanta , GA 30303
  Phone: 1- 800 - 227-2345
  Web Address: http://www.cancer.org
  

• National Cancer Institute
  6116 Executive Boulevard, Room 3036A
  Bethesda , MD 20892-8322
  Phone: 1- 800 - 422-6237
  Web Address: http://www.cancer.gov
  

Care Agreement

You have the right to help plan your care. Learn about your health condition and how it may be treated. Discuss treatment options with your caregivers to decide what care you want to receive. You always have the right to refuse treatment.

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The above information is an educational aid only. It is not intended as medical advice for individual conditions or treatments. Talk to your doctor, nurse or pharmacist before following any medical regimen to see if it is safe and effective for you.

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