Ovarian Cancer

Ovarian cancer starts in your ovaries — small organs in the female reproductive system where eggs form. Ovarian cancer is sometimes difficult to detect because symptoms often don’t develop until later stages. Healthcare providers treat ovarian cancer with surgery, chemotherapy and other cancer treatments.

Types of Ovarian Cancer

• Epithelial Tumors: These begin in the layer of tissue that covers the outside of the ovaries and are the most common type.

• Stromal Tumors: These start in the ovarian tissue that contains hormone-producing cells.

• Germ Cell Tumors: These start in the egg-producing cells and are more common in younger women.

Symptoms

• Abdominal Bloating or Swelling: Persistent bloating.

• Pelvic or Abdominal Pain: Discomfort in the lower abdomen or pelvic area.

• Difficulty Eating or Feeling Full Quickly: Loss of appetite.

• Urinary Symptoms: Urgency or frequency.

• Fatigue: Feeling unusually tired.

• Changes in Bowel Habits: Constipation or diarrhea.

• Menstrual Irregularities: Changes in the menstrual cycle.

Treatment

• Surgery: Often the first step, involves removing the ovaries, fallopian tubes, uterus, and possibly nearby lymph nodes and fatty tissue.

• Chemotherapy: Often used after surgery to kill any remaining cancer cells. It may also be used before surgery to shrink tumors.

• Targeted Therapy: Drugs that specifically target cancer cells, often used for certain types of ovarian cancer.

• Radiation Therapy: Less commonly used but can be an option in certain cases.

• Hormone Therapy: Sometimes used for specific types of ovarian cancer.