Overview A cancerous or malignant growth that originates in a woman's ovary is called ovarian cancer. Malignant tumors that arise from the surface of the ovary usually grow outward and have an irregular shape, like cauliflower.
The ovaries are two small, solid, almond-sized structures that sit on either side of a woman's uterus. Some of the cells in the ovary produce and store eggs (ova) until they are released into the fallopian tubes and travel to the uterus during the menstrual cycle (ovulation). Other cells in the ovary make the female hormones estrogen and progesterone.
Tumor Types Abnormal growths can develop in the ovaries. If the growths, or tumors, are benign (noncancerous), they will not spread beyond the ovary and usually do not present a serious problem. If the tumors are malignant (cancerous), they can spread to other parts of the body (metastasize) and can become life-threatening.
Ovarian cancers can grow from any of the cells that make up the ovary. There are three main forms of ovarian cancer: epithelial (cells that line the ovary’s surfaces), stromal (connective tissue), and germ cell (cells that produce eggs). A sub-type of epithelial cancers called "borderline" ovarian tumors also occurs, but is uncommon. If the tumors are malignant (cancerous), they can metastasize and become life threatening.
Epithelial ovarian carcinomas Epithelial ovarian carcinomas (EOC) begin on the surface of the ovary. EOC is the most common type of ovarian cancer, and accounts for 90 percent of all ovarian cancers. Epithelial tumors most often occur in women around the age of 60, but they can develop anytime between the ages of 20 and 90 years. Based upon how they look under the microscope, there are five forms of EOCs. These forms are called serous, mucinous, endometrioid, clear cell, and undifferentiated. Serous is the most common type. Mucinous is a less favorable type, and clear cell is the most serious, as this cell type seems to be especially aggressive.
Borderline ovarian tumors (Low Malignant Potential) These tumors are on the surface of the ovary. When examined closely by a pathologist they are not clearly cancerous. These "carcinomas of low malignant potential" (LMP) account for approximately 15% of all epithelial ovarian carcinomas. Tumors of low malignant potential usually occur in women less than 40 years and have a favorable prognosis regardless of stage. These tumors are not very aggressive, are usually discovered early, and seldom spread to other parts of the body (they are not invasive.). Even if the tumor is advanced and has metastasized, 80 to 90 percent of the patients will survive. Stromal tumors Stromal tumors begin either in the connective tissue that holds the ovary together or in the cells that make estrogen and progesterone. Most occur in women over the age of 50, although they can also appear in younger women. Stromal tumors usually do not spread to other parts of the body, and thus patients usually have a good prognosis. However, if they do spread, they can be very difficult to treat. Stromal tumors are relatively uncommon and account for 6 to 10 percent of all ovarian cancers. The three types of stromal tumors are granulosa cell tumors, granulosa-theca tumors, and Sertoli-Leydig cell tumors.
Germ cell tumors Germ cell tumors develop in the cells that produce eggs. They most often occur in teenagers and young women. They tend to be very sensitive to chemotherapy, and about 90 percent of patients with germ cell tumors are cured. Germ cell tumors account for 3 percent of all ovarian cancers. The four types of germ cell tumors are dysgerminomas, endodermal sinus tumors, choriocarcinomas, and immature teratomas.
Symptoms Ovarian cancer usually doesn't cause any signs or symptoms until late in the disease when it has already spread to surrounding organs. Symptoms are often vague and persistent, may increase over time and may be similar to those found with many other conditions. These subtle, nonspecific symptoms are frequently ignored or treated with medicine to relieve discomfort and not attributed to a cancerous process.
The ovaries are located within the abdominal cavity where they are difficult to feel. These cancers may grow to a size of about 10 to 12 centimeters (4-5 inches) before spreading to adjacent organs and producing symptoms. In ovarian cancer, a woman's abdomen may become swollen from a build-up of fluid, called ascites. Abdominal distention, pressure and increase in abdominal girth are the most common physical signs of ovarian cancer.
Ovarian Cancer Symptoms:
• Weight gain or loss; fatigue. • Gas; bloating; indigestion; feeling of early fullness with only small amounts of food; loss of appetite. • Nausea or vomiting; constipation; diarrhea. • Shortness of breath from fluid build-up in the linings of the lungs in advanced ovarian cancer; this is more common on the right side. • A sense of pressure in the pelvis as if always needing to urinate or defecate; painful urination may also be experienced. • Abnormal vaginal bleeding between menstrual cycles or after menopause; pain during intercourse. • Pain or discomfort in the abdomen, pelvis, legs or back.
Treatment The type of treatment selected will depend upon tumor grade and stage as well as your general health. Three types of treatment are commonly used for ovarian cancer: surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation.
