The ovaries
The ovaries make up part of the female
reproductive system, each ovary is about the shape and
size of an almond.
Every month an egg is released from one of the
ovaries and passes through the fallopian tube to the womb (uterus).
If a sperm does not fertilize the egg, it passes out of the body and is shed,
along with the lining of the womb. This is known as your period.
The ovaries also produce the female sex hormones, oestrogen and progesterone.
These hormones control the development of the female body.
What is ovarian cancer?
Ovarian cancer is a cancer that arises in one
or both of the ovaries. The cancer develops when the cells in the ovary grow rapidly and in an uncontrolled manner. A cluster
of cells growing in an uncontrolled way are called a tumour.
Cancer cells can sometimes break away from the original tumour to
form new tumours in other parts of the body.
What causes ovarian cancer?
The exact cause of ovarian cancer is not known.
However, it is more common in women who have not had children and
who smoke. There is strong evidence that women who regularly take
the contraceptive pill will have a reduced risk of developing cancer
of the ovaries and the longer the pill is taken for the greater
the protection.
Am I at risk of getting ovarian cancer?
Ovarian cancer is most common in women over the age
of 50. On very rare occasions, ovarian cancer
can run in families (hereditary).
You may also have a higher risk of getting ovarian cancer if you
have already been diagnosed with breast
cancer or bowel
cancer.
What are the symptoms of ovarian cancer?
Ovarian cancer may grow for some time before
it is large enough to cause any symptoms. The tumour is sometimes
found by chance during an abdominal or vaginal examination for an
unrelated problem.
Some of the symptoms you may experience include:
- Swelling or pain in the abdomen.
- Loss of appetite and feeling full even after
a light meal.
- The need to urinate frequently.
- Nausea and a bloated feeling.
- Persistent constipation or diarrhoea.
- Uncomfortable sex.
- Abnormal vaginal bleeding (a rare symptom).
Some ovarian cancers produce the male hormone testosterone and as a result you would notice many physical changes such as an
increase in body/facial hair, a deeper voice, more of a masculine
body and your periods may stop.
If you are suffering from any of these symptoms,
you should make an appointment to visit your doctor. These symptoms
are common to many other minor illnesses and the majority of women
with these symptoms will not have cancer.
How is ovarian cancer diagnosed?
Ovarian cancer can be hard to diagnose. If your
doctor suspects you might have cancer of the ovaries he/she may
perform a blood test. From there, you will be sent to the hospital
for further tests, this will include an internal vaginal examination
to check for any lumps and an ultrasound.
A laparotomy is usually required to make the
final diagnosis of ovarian cancer, this will involve a small operation.
The doctor will look at the ovaries through a thin mini telescope
(laparoscope) and will take a small sample of tissue (biopsy)
for examination. As this operation involves a cut being made in
the lower abdomen (to insert the laparoscope) you will need to have
1 or 2 stitches. If the doctor believes there is a strong possibility
the cause of your symptoms is ovarian cancer, then this may be the
only test you need to have.
What treatment is available for ovarian cancer?
As with most cancers the method of treatment
depends on the type and size of the cancer and your general health.
To remove the cancer, surgery will generally be recommended. This
will normally involve the removal of the ovaries, a hysterectomy
(removal of the womb) and you may also need to have your fallopian
tubes removed. The aim of the surgery is to remove as
much of the cancer as possible.
Chemotherapy may also be given before and after surgery. Radiotherapy is a less common form of ovarian cancer treatment.
Your doctor will discuss all methods of treatment
with you.
Related topics
Breast
cancer
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