What is Ovarian Cancer?
The ovaries are a pair of organs in the reproductive systems of people assigned female at birth. They are located in the pelvis, one on each side of the uterus (the hollow, pear-shaped organ where a fetus grows). Each ovary is about the size and shape of an almond and naturally becomes smaller after menopause. The ovaries produce eggs and female hormones (chemicals that control the way certain cells or organs function). Eggs are transferred to the uterus through fallopian tubes.
Ovarian cancer forms in the tissues of the ovary or the fallopian tube. Most ovarian cancers are called epithelial carcinomas and begin either in the cells from the fallopian tube or from the surface of the ovary. Cancers that arise from the peritoneum, a membrane that lines the abdomen are called "peritoneal cancers" and are treated identically to ovarian cancer and fallopian tube cancer. Malignant germ cell tumors are a type of ovarian cancer that is much less common and begins in egg cells.
Risk factors
Risk factors for ovarian cancer can include:
- A family history of ovarian cancer. Genetic risk can be transmitted between generations through genes from either or both the mother or father. Known gene mutations that confer increased risk of ovarian cancer and other cancers include BRCA gene mutations, Lynch syndrome genes, and other gene mutations that are less common.
- Hormone replacement therapy
- Late onset of menopause
- Infertility
- Never giving birth
Signs and Symptoms
The signs and symptoms for ovarian cancer can include:
- Pain or swelling in the abdomen and/or pelvic area
- Gastrointestinal problems, such as gas, bloating, diarrhea, and/or constipation
- Urinary symptoms, such as pain with urination and urinary tract infections
- Shortness of breath
Diagnostic Tests
- Physical exam, including a pelvic exam
- Ultrasound exam, either abdominal or transvaginal (transvaginal ultrasound is able to see the ovaries much better than an abdominal ultrasound)
- CA-125 assay blood test
- Biopsy (surgery)
- CT (CAT) scan, PET, and/or MRI
Learn details about how we diagnose ovarian cancer.
Treatments
Treatment options include:
- Surgery
- Chemotherapy
- Hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC)
- Targeted therapy (for certain cases)
- Radiation therapy (for rare cases)
Learn details about how we treat ovarian cancer.
Factors Affecting Treatment Options and Recovery
Your prognosis and treatment options depend on the following:
- The stage of your cancer and whether your cancer can be operated on by a gynecologic oncology surgeon
- The pathologic subtype of ovarian cancer
- Your age and general health
- Whether the cancer has just been diagnosed or has come back (recurred)
- The genetics of your tumor
