Posts Tagged ‘Ovarian Cancer’

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Understanding Ovarian Cancer

Comments: 0September 22nd, 2011 by admin



Ovarian Cancer is a women’s disease and it is on the rise. We as women have to take care of ourselves every single day. Even though no matter how much health food we eat and how much we exercise unfortunately, sometimes it’s not enough.

Ovaries are reproductive glands that produce the egg. There is one ovary on each side of the uterus in the pelvis. The egg travels through the fallopian tube and fertilizes into a baby. Ovarian Cancer begins in the ovaries. Many tumors can develop in the ovaries. Most of these are non cancerous, they can be removed by removing part of the ovary, the tumor or the ovary itself. If it is a cancerous tumor it can spread throughout the body and can be more complicated.

Your ovaries have three kinds of tissue:

-Epithelial cells that cover the ovary.
-Germs cells which are found in the ovary and develop into eggs that are released into the fallopian tube that are released every month.
-Stromal cells which develops most of the female’s hormones estrogen and progesterone.

Tumors are named depending on which cells the tumor came from. It could be benign (no cancerous) and cancerous. There three ways to tell what kind of tumor it is by checking all three of tissues.

-The Epithelial tumor covers most of the ovary. Most tumors that are found turn out to be this tumor.
-The Germ cell tumor comes from part where the eggs develop in the ovary.
-Stromal cell tumor comes from the connective tissue that holds the ovaries together.

Epithelial tumors usually do not spread and or lead to serious illness. Malignant tumors are cancerous and can spread to certain parts of the body. Noncanerous tumors are different from malignant cancer they do not grow into the connective tissue and to the stomach. The benign tumor can develop at a young age and even though it can be life-threatening, in most cases it is not. Epithelial ovarian cancer is called carcinomas. 85%-90% of ovarian cancer is epithelial. Here are the different types of ovarian cancer.

Fallopian tube cancer- Is very rare; it usually carries the same symptoms as ovarian cancer. It starts in the tube which carries the egg from the ovary to the uterus. The survival rate is about the same also.

Germ Cell Tumor- The germ cells form the eggs. Some tumors of this sort can be benign. Sometimes it can be life-threatening, only 5% of germ cell tumors are ovarian cancer.

Teratoma- Are germ cell cancers, they are the most common cancers. They usually affect women in their forties and teens, it is called a dermoid cyst, because it looks like skin. It can have different types of tissues like bones, hair and teeth. It can be removed by surgery.

Dysgerminoma- Is a common cancer as well. It affects women in their twenties and teens. It usually is cancerous; some do not grow or grow to fast. About 75% of patients have surgery to remove the ovary if it has spread.

Stromal Tumors- Are mostly found in women in their fifties. These tumors make up about 5%-7% of ovarian cancer. 5% of young girls develop this tumor. The symptoms are abnormal vagina bleeding, something like a period occurring after menopause. This happens because the tumor may cause female hormones; it can also cause breast development and early menstruation in girls.

Ovarian Cysts- Are a build up of fluid in the ovaries. They are usually not life-threatening in women that are ovulating and not going through menopause. If it produces while you are going through menopause and in a girl who has not started having her periods being concerned maybe an option. Your doctor will want to do a check-up after your cycle if you have a cyst. The doctor might want to wait a few months to see if it will go away. The only way to tell if the cyst is malignant, they will have to take it out and examine it. Some cancers can be treated with surgery, chemotherapy, and medications.

Be healthy, know your body and get regular check-ups.

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Ovarian Cancer Back Pain

Comments: 0August 21st, 2011 by admin

Well, many women in America are diagnosed with pre-ovarian cancer. Pre-ovarian cancer back pain is a common symptom of the disease which is many-a-time treated as a normal back pain mistakenly in the initial stage of cancer. Yes, your doctor can miss it, so you need to be cautious if suffering from chronic and stubborn back pain problem.
Just look at some statistics now. According to a recent study, close to 30,000 women of US will be diagnosed with ovarian cancer in the year 2006. It is also stated that between 15,000 to 16,000 deaths due to ovarian cancer are likely to happen this year. It accounts for 5 % of all the types of cancer deaths.

What encourages this silent killer to go on mercilessly? What are the doctors doing? How is that, that by the time this disease is detected, it is too late! Why it could not be detected at the first stage?

There is dispute among the researchers. British doctors did not make the correct survey when they arrived at the conclusion that symptoms came to the fore at the late stages of the ovarian cancer. So, when they detected the cancer, it was too late.

But, contrary were the findings of the University of California researchers. They concluded that some definite symptoms could be detected four months before and some even before one year. Hence, better treatment was possible.

“The most common symptom is back pain, followed by fatigue, bloating, constipation, abdominal pain and urinary urgency. These symptoms tend to occur very frequently and become more severe with time. Most women with ovarian cancer have at least two of these symptoms.”

-American Cancer Society

Most of the back pain treatments are frustrating. They provide temporary relief here and there. So, you get fed up with the treatment that does not work.

Can Ovarian Cancer be found early? Why ovarian cancer? Every disease tends to cause some symptoms- some specific and some vague. In case of ovarian cancer, it could be abdominal swelling, vaginal bleeding on a high scale, pressure in the pelvic region, leg pain, problems related to digestion–gas trouble, continuous bloating, chronic indigestion and recurring stomach pain and most importantly, the back pain! So, if you take disease by disease treatment, without knowing about the root cause- ovarian cancer will take control slowly, steadily but firmly. After some months, your doctor will find the situation out of control as it is a belated diagnosis!

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Early Symptoms of Ovarain Cancer

Comments: 0March 30th, 2011 by admin



Experts believe ovarian cancer symptoms are rarely exhibited early at the most treatable of stages, when the survival rate is as high as 95 percent. A recent study has concluded that the majority of women with early stage ovarian cancer, 89 percent of the woman feel that they have experienced abdominal or gastrointestinal symptoms prior to their doctors diagnosis.

The causes of ovarian cancer are unclear, but genetic and endocrine factors raise the risk. The most significant link is a positive family history, which is present in 10% of women with the disease. Three hereditary syndromes in which ovarian cancer occurs more commonly affect certain families with a history of early breast and ovarian malignancies and hereditary nonpolyposis colorectal cancer.

These ovarian cancer warning signs are often non-specific, the most common sign is abdominal pain but only 50 percent of woman with ovarian cancer present this.

Combination of the following symptoms and signs may suggest ovarian cancer and should prompt pelvic examination and urgent pelvic ultrasound:

* Pain

* Swollen abdomen

* Palpable mass

* Change in bowel or bladder function

* Back pain

* Loss of appetite and weight loss

* Post-menopausal bleeding

Five Questions to ask yourself:

Do you have a family history of breast or ovarian cancer?

Only 10 percent of ovarian cancers are caused by an inherited genetic mutation, but first degree relatives with breast or ovarian cancer will increase an individuals risk of the diasease.

Are you still having periods?

Ultrasound scans and Ca125 blood tests must be interpreted with the knowledge of a woman’s menopausal status. Bleeding after the menopause will have a malignant cause in about 10 percent of cases. Exclude endometrial, cervical, vaginal or ovarian malignancy.

Are you urinating more frequently?

An enlarging ovary may press on the bladder. This may happen when the disease is confined to the ovary -stage one. When signs such as abdominal swelling occur, it generally represents stage three ovarian cancer

Have you had a change in bowel habit?

This may be due to an ovarian mass.

Are you suffering from vomiting, nausea or weight loss?

Once ovarian cancer has spread to the abdomen, an omental cake often forms which presses on the stomach.

The risk of ovarian cancer can create a sense of doom and family members may feel like they’re sitting on a time bomb. Encourage them to express their fears and help ease their anxieties by clarifying misconceptions. Teach them to tune into their bodies and investigate any signs and symptoms, however minor. They can also live healthier. Encourage them to follow a low-fat diet and to avoid exposure to talc, asbestos, and other potential carcinogens. There’s no conclusive evidence that these precoutions can prevent ovarian cancer. But they can’t hurt either.

There are a few steps that you can take to reduce the risk of ovarian cancer. Oral contraceptives taken in combination for a period longer than five years could reduce your risk. Hysterectomy surgery or a tubal ligation may also be protective. And breast feeding and pregnancy are known to provide some protection. Women who tend to use powder should mainly use cornstarch based products.

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3 Potential Ovarian Cancer Treatments

Comments: 0January 8th, 2011 by admin



Ovarian cancer is a condition that develops when the ovary cells start to grow in a rapid and uncontrollable way. This then leads to the formation of a cancerous tumour which can have a number of undesirable side effects including constipation and stomach pain. It is most prevalent in women aged 50 years and older and is very rare in young women. Fortunately, it is very treatable if caught early. In this article I will be discussing three of the possible ovary cancer treatments.

1) SURGERY:- Most ovarian cancers require surgery. If the cancer is contained within one ovary then the surgeon may be able to remove just that ovary and the connected fallopian tube. Following this type of surgery you will still be able to conceive as you will have one ovary and one fallopian tube remaining. However, if the ovary cancer has become more advanced then the you will need to have the womb, both ovaries and both fallopian tubes removed in a surgical procedure called a hysterectomy. Following a hysterectomy you will not be able to conceive and will enter the menopause immediately.

2) CHEMOTHERAPY:- This type of treatment involves using anti-cancer medication to shrink or kill the ovarian tumour. Chemotherapy is not as effective as surgery but is generally used to reduce the chances of the ovary cancer coming back after surgery. Unfortunately there are a number of side effects associated with this type of treatments including hair loss and vomiting. However, these side effects are only temporary and subside once the course of chemotherapy ends.

3) RADIOTHERAPY:- This type of treatment involves aiming high energy radiation beams at the ovarian tumour. Like chemotherapy, radiotherapy is not as effective as surgery but it is useful following surgery to reduce the chances of the ovarian cancer coming back. There are a number of side effects associated with radiotherapy including skin reactions and tiredness but these should disappear once the treatment ends.

I hope this article has given you an insight into the possible ovarian cancer treatments. If you have any reason to believe that you have contracted this condition then go and see your doctor right away. They will then be able to discuss your concerns, provide you with proper testing and if necessary go through the above treatments with you. Ovary cancer is a terrible disease but if caught in the early stages it can be treated very effectively.

Whilst every intention has been made to make this article accurate and informative, it is intended for general information only. Ovarian cancer is a very serious, life threatening condition and you should discuss any concerns, treatments or lifestyle changes fully with your doctor.

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Ovarian Cancer – Early Symptoms?

Comments: 0November 29th, 2010 by admin



Ovarian cancer is the fifth leading cause of cancer death in women. It has been known for a long time as the “silent killer”. It earned this name because of the supposed lack of symptoms when cancer of the ovary is in early stages, when it is still highly curable. Recent evidence suggests that early symptoms are often present but overlooked.

There are approximately 22,000 new cases, and over 15,000 deaths from ovarian cancer yearly. Most, but not all, cases of ovarian cancer occur in the post-menopausal years. In three out of four patients, cancer of the ovary is usually discovered during late stages when it has spread inside the abdomen to other organs. At that point, the cure rates are low. Symptoms may include abdominal bloating or pain, feeling full early, or pelvic pressure.

Unfortunately, early stage cancer may not cause many symptoms, or they may be vague and overlooked. Over the past five years, research has shown that some of these symptoms may actually occur earlier and are simply ignored by either the patient or the physician. The trouble is that these general symptoms are most often not related to cancer and are simply intestinal disturbances due to something you ate or a viral infection. If you have abdominal or pelvic symptoms that are new, seem unusual, persist for several weeks, or are worsening, tell your doctor. This is especially important if you have a family history of cancer, especially breast or ovarian cancer.

What happens after you talk with and are examined by your doctor depends upon what is found and your age. It may be necessary to undergo ultrasound, computerized tomography (CT) or other imaging studies as well as the CA-125 blood test.

Unfortunately good screening tools are lacking, but the next best thing is early diagnosis. Knowing your body and answering its call to action is very important. Equally important is to insist that your symptoms are explained fully by appropriate examination and testing. If not, it may be time for a second opinion with a gynecologist or gynecologic oncologist.

Incoming search terms for the article:

ovarian cancer screening

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5 Useful Ovarian Cancer Tests

Comments: 0October 7th, 2010 by admin



Ovarian cancer is contracted by around 7,000 women in the UK each year. It generally affects older women and develops when the cells of the ovary start to grow in a rapid and out of control way. There are a number of symptoms associated with ovarian cancer including a bloated stomach, irregular periods and abdominal pain. If you notice any of these symptoms then you should go see your doctor right away. They will then be able to perform the necessary tests. In this article I will be discussing five of these tests.

1) PHYSICAL EXAM:- The first ovarian cancer test your doctor will recommend is a physical exam. This will be performed by either your doctor or a gynaecologist and will involve them placing one or two gloved fingers in to the vagina. They will then put their other hand on the lower abdomen to feel the position, shape and size of the ovaries. If this test reveals any abnormalities your doctor will then suggest further testing.

2) BLOOD TEST:- Certain types of ovarian cancer produce a protein called CA125. Therefore, a blood test that reveals higher than normal levels of this protein may be an indicator for this type of cancer. However, there are other conditions such pelvic inflammatory disease that can cause blood levels of CA125 to be elevated so whilst this test can indicate ovary cancer it is not a certainty.

3) ULTRASOUND SCAN:- This test involves using sound waves to build an image of your ovaries. This image can then be investigated to see if your ovaries look normal. It can also reveal whether any lumps found are fluid or solid. If any sold lumps are found they may be cancerous and will require further investigation.

4) LAPAROSCOPY:- This ovarian cancer test involves a small incision being made in the abdominal wall whilst you are under general anaesthetic. An instrument called a laparoscope (a thin, flexible tube with a camera on the end) is then inserted in to this incision and this transmits an image of your ovaries on to a screen. Your doctor can then look at this image for any abnormalities which could potentially be cancerous. Most laparoscopes can also be used to take a tissue sample and these tissues can then be tested in a laboratory to see if they are cancerous.

5) ABDOMINAL FLUID ASPIRATION:- A swollen stomach is a potential sign of ovary cancer. If your stomach does become swollen then this fluid will need to be removed. To do this your doctor will give you a local anaesthetic, insert a long, thin needle in to your abdomen and drain the fluid in to a container. This fluid can then be examined in the laboratory for the presence of cancer cells.

I hope this article has given you a greater understanding of the possible tests for ovarian cancer. This type of cancer is much more treatable in the early stages so if you have any reason to believe you may be suffering from this disease go and ask your doctor about testing. They will then be able to recommend the most suitable test and determine whether you have contracted ovary cancer.

Whilst every intention has been made to make this article accurate and informative, it is intended for general information only. Ovarian cancer is a very serious, life threatening condition and you should discuss any concerns, treatments or lifestyle changes fully with your doctor.

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Stages of Ovarian Cancer – Know the 4 Stages and Its Implication to Health

Comments: 0September 18th, 2010 by admin



To know the best possible treatment for ovarian cancer, the doctor needs to identify the stage of the tumor based on whether it has already invaded the other tissues or if the cancer has spread to some parts of the body. Sample of tissue from the pelvis and abdomen are taken to further evaluate the rate of the tumor. Medical tests are CT scan (x-ray machine that takes picture of tissues and organs), Chest X-ray (to see fluid or tumors), Barium enema x-ray (on the lower intestine to see if the areas are blocked by cancer) and Colonoscopy (elongated and lighted tube in the colon and rectum to know if the cancer has spread out on this portion).

Here are the stages of ovarian cancer:

Stage 1 is the lowest level in which cancer cells are found on the inside of one or both ovaries and it is quite difficult to detect because it looks like normal ovarian cells. The first option for treatment is to remove the tumor.

Stage 1a- cancer is inside one ovary Stage 1b- cancer inside both ovaries Stage 1c- in one or both ovaries and the cancer cells in fluid inside abdomen must be taken before or during the surgical procedure

In Stage 2, cancer cells already spread from one or both ovaries affecting other tissues in the pelvis such as fallopian tube and uterus. The surgeon will attempt to lessen the tumor as much as possible. After the surgery, chemotherapy will follow for the procedure and may take up to 6 cycles.

Stage 2a – cancer has developed into the womb or the fallopian tube Stage 2b- cancer has spread into the pelvis ( bladder or rectum) Stage 2c- cancer has full-grown into other tissues in the pelvis

For Stage 3, cancer cells are found outside the abdomen and pelvis (inside the liver or in the lungs). Also found in the lymph nodes, groin or behind the womb. The goal for surgery is to shrink the tumor larger than 1cm and make it disappear. If the cancer has spread to intestines, this organ must be removed as well.

Stage 3a – cancer growths can be found in the lining of the abdomen Stage 3b – noticeable tumor expansion on the lining of the abdomen about 2cm or less in size. Stage 3c – tumor develops larger than 2cm on the lymph nodes in upper abdomen, behind the womb or groin.

The most advanced and detrimental is stage 4 wherein the cancer cells totally spread to distant sites of other body organs including the lungs, liver and other parts outside the peritoneal cavity. This is incurable and the goal of the treatment it to help the patients to live much longer and ease the pain of their ailment.

The accuracy of the laboratory test and staging of tumor may establish whether the ailment is still curable or not. The doctor must explain to the patient the necessary procedure to perform base on the extent of the tumor.

Incoming search terms for the article:

ovarian cancer stage 3b,ovarian tumor,stage 3a cancer

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Cancer Prevention – Good News For Vegans

Comments: 0July 18th, 2010 by admin



As far as scary words in the English language go, “cancer” is near the top of the list. The good news is that we don’t have to wait around simply hoping that cancer doesn’t affect us and our loved ones. According to scientists in the UK, effective cancer prevention starts with the food on your plate.

The British Journal of Cancer reports optimistic news for vegans. British scientists studied the diets of over 61,000 men and women for 12 years. At the end of 12 years, the scientists recorded how many subjects developed stomach, bladder, ovarian, and lymphatic cancers in the three dietary categories reviewed: vegan, pescetarian, and omnivore. For each type of cancer tested, vegans developed a significantly lower number of cases than did meat eaters.

The National Cancer Institute currently predicts that stomach cancer will be diagnosed in over 21,000 American men and women in 2010 and will cause over 10,000 deaths. The lifetime risk of stomach cancer is 1 in 113.

Of men and women born today, 2.41% can expect to be diagnosed with urinary bladder cancer during their lifetimes. That’s 1 in 41 people. Almost 71,000 American men and women are diagnosed annually with bladder cancer and over 14,000 of these bladder cancer cases prove fatal.

For women born today, 1.4% can expect a diagnosis of ovarian cancer during their lifetimes. The National Cancer Institute estimates that more than 21,000 women will be diagnosed with ovarian cancer and over 14,000 women will die of ovarian cancer in 2010.

The National Cancer Institute predicts that over 70,000 American men and women will be diagnosed with lymphoma in 2010 and that more than 20,000 of these cases will prove fatal.

The position of the American Dietetic Association on vegan diets is that they are associated with fewer cases of cancer as well as fewer cases of type II diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, obesity, and death from heart attacks. Some nutrients that the ADA regards as healthy and particularly high in vegan diets are fruits, vegetables, nuts, soy products, fiber, and phytochemicals (phyto=related to plants).

Don’t let yourself and your loved ones become a statistic. Join Gobble Green in the movement for disease prevention and make the transition to a vegan diet in 2010.

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Is a Cyst on the Ovary One of the Early Symptoms of Ovarian Cancer? Do Not Wait – Find Out Now!

Comments: 0March 31st, 2010 by admin



Having a cyst on ovary produces very vague signs of illness or problems, unless of course you are fortunate (?) enough to have the stabbing pain in your abdomen or pelvis, (ovary pain) which can sometimes be a meaningful sign that it is time to give your gynecologist a call and schedule a pelvic examination. Unfortunately, pain or pressure in your lower stomach area is one of the early symptoms of ovarian cancer, as well.

Does an ovarian cyst naturally mean you have ovarian cancer? No…absolutely not. Could the cyst actually be malignant…in other words…cancer of the ovaries? Regrettably, yes! Ovarian cyst symptoms need to be treated very seriously, even though the majority of them are nothing to be concerned about. Cysts that do not ever become cancer are functional cysts, and occur many times without any symptoms at all.

A type of cyst on ovary that can be cancerous is a dermoid cyst, but only one to two percent actually are malignant. Cysts on ovaries in fact can be one of the ONLY early symptoms of ovarian cancer that is not a vague, generic sign.

So, what are some of the early symptoms of ovarian cancer, or for that matter…a cyst on ovary?

- pain in the lower abdomen
- irregular menstrual periods/bleeding in between periods
- bloating, or pressure in the abdomen
- difficulty breathing
- gastrointestinal problems…nausea, change in bowel habits, indigestion
- back pain
- feeling full quickly/not hungry
- unexplained weight gain/weight loss
- fatigue
- fever
- urinary problems

Ovarian cancer produces many obscure symptoms that might manifest and can very easily be misinterpreted for a more common illness. There have been studies done though, that have indicated that having MORE than one of these symptoms for a prolonged period…four or five weeks…is definitely a reason to see your doctor.

Because there really are no telltale early symptoms of ovarian cancer, other than some of the above signs…a woman must pay close attention to what she is experiencing. If there is any suspicion whatsoever that a cyst on ovary is present and that the patient feels her doctor is not doing enough, the best solution is to…get a second opinion. It is your life…take charge of it!

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Stage 4 Ovarian Cancer

Comments: 0November 28th, 2009 by admin



Ovarian cancer is a gynecologic sarcoma, which is second most frequently diagnosed. In the United States, females have a 1.4 % to 2.5 % chance of developing ovarian cancer. The International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics (FIGO), has standardized the staging of gynecological cancers. It is the most frequently used prognostic tool. Both surgical and pathological findings are taken into account. The cancer is staged according to whether it is still in the ovary or spread beyond.

Staging is generally done at the time of surgery. Samples of tissues are taken from various parts of the pelvis and abdomen and studied under intense observation. Staging is very important because the prognosis or the course of action to be taken varies at different stages in case of any cancer. It is important that the staging is accurate. It is possible to miss the spread of the ovarian cancer outside the ovary if it is not staged properly.

Stage IV is the last category of the stages of ovarian cancer. Patients in this stage typically exhibit parenchymal liver metastases and extra-abdominal metastases. Thirteen percent of patients alive are in stage IV. The most common areas where the cancer spreads are generally the liver and lungs. One-third of all ovarian cancer patients have pleural effusions and most of them contain malignant cells. The spleen also gets affected may require splenectomy. Only 0.1% of patients show metastases of the brain.

If the tumor is widespread, treatment begins with surgery, which may include total hysterectomy, followed by chemotherapy. If some tumor remnant is left after chemotherapy, further forms of chemotherapy may be needed. It is important for a patient to find out about the staging procedure and the stage. In this way the patient will and can take part in making vital decisions about the required treatment.

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