Posts Tagged ‘Ovaries’

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Ovarian Cancer Stages – What Do They Mean?

Comments: 0November 14th, 2011 by admin



Ovarian Cancer is not as widely publicized as breast cancer, so many people are left searching online and through books for more information on symptoms, survival rates, warning signs, and stages. This article will break down the staging and explain what each different one means.

Stage 1: This of course is the earliest form of cancer. In this stage, cancer is found in one or both ovaries. It is further divided into the following sub-stages.

1A: 1 ovary involved, no ascites (fluid in the abdomen), no tumor on external surface.

1B: Both ovaries involved, no ascites, no tumor on external surface.

1C: Cancer is present in either one or both ovaries but with tumor on the surface, ascites, malignant cells in fluid or lining of abdomen.

Stage 2: This stage is also considered early. Most diagnoses are made in stages 3 and 4. One or both ovaries are involved, but cancer has spread to other pelvic regions.

2A: Extension to uterus and/or tubes.

2B: One or both ovaries and extension to other pelvic organs.

2C: Same as 2A or 2B but with addition of tumor on the surface of one or both ovaries, capsule rupture, or ascites.

Stage 3: Cancer tumor involving one or both ovaries with extension to the abdomen.

3A: One or both ovaries and extension to small area of abdomen.

3B: Metastasis or extension to the peritoneum, or abdominal cavity lining.

3C: Cancer in one or both ovaries, extension to peritoneum, involvement of lymph nodes.

Stage 4: Most advanced stage of disease. Distant metastases to other parts of the body beyond the abdomen such as liver and lungs.

Ovarian cancer diagnosis is usually made in the latter stages due to the disease’s nonspecific symptoms. Studies have shown that only about 20% are diagnosed at stage I, 5% stage II, 58% stage III, and 17% stage IV. Routine checkups and being alert for early signs and symptoms are key.

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What is Endometriosis?

Comments: 0June 27th, 2011 by admin



Women often hear about endometriosis as a condition that can happen to women of reproductive ages. Naturally, they would ask “what is endometriosis?” The uterus has an inner lining called endometrium. This endometrium is a very important part of the uterus for this is where the egg cell would implant itself after fertilization. If fertilization does not happen, it sloughs off during a woman’s menstrual cycle. In endometriosis, the endometrium grows in other parts of the body other than the uterus. It can be found on the ovaries, fallopian tubes, or on the superficial lining of the pelvic cavity.

When delving into the question of “what is endometriosis,” do understand that the condition is benign. It can affect 3% to 18% of women in the United States that are within their reproductive years. Endometriosis occurs in some women when they start experiencing menstrual periods. The condition also stops when the woman reaches menopausal stage. It is not understood what causes endometriosis and why some women can go through life without experiencing the condition. Some do not seek treatment because the signs and symptoms of endometriosis can be masked by the same signs and symptoms during menstruation. These symptoms can include:

- Painful menstrual cycle that increases in severity through time

- Pain during and/or after intercourse

- Pain during bowel movement

- Dull, heavy feeling along the pelvic area and lower back that can occur anytime, without warning. In some women, the condition is experienced throughout the day.

To answer “what is endometriosis,” it is one of the common causes of pelvic pain or discomfort in women. It is also among the leading reasons why women have to undergo laparoscopic surgery. There are medications prescribed to limit the pain brought about by endometriosis and may even prevent its growth. NSAID’s are generally given to lessen the pain and inflammation around the pelvic area. Birth control pills are also prescribed to help prevent proliferation of endometrial implants, but they are only given to women who have no plans of getting pregnant. If NSAID’s and birth control pills do not work, some hormonal therapy is prescribed to limit the proliferation and even shrink the size of endometrial implants.

The problem with these hormonal therapies is that they induce a state somewhat similar to menopause where your menstrual cycle is completely halted. Side effects of these drugs are similar to the discomforts experienced by women in menopausal age, and they even increase the risk of osteoporosis. Hormonal replacement therapy for endometriosis includes gonadotropin-releasing hormone analogs (GnRH analogs), Progestin, and Danazol. These medications must only be taken with the recommendation of the doctor and must be taken according to physician’s instructions.

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3 Possible Ovarian Cancer Symptoms

Comments: 0March 25th, 2011 by admin



Ovarian cancer is a disease that affects the female reproductive organs. It starts when the process of cell division goes wrong in the ovaries and they start to multiply in a rapid and out of control way. This leads to a cancerous growth which then causes a tumour to form. It is not known exactly what causes this type of cancer but age, ovulation and family history are all thought to have an influence. If a tumour does form it often starts to press on the surrounding cells causing pain, discomfort and other undesirable symptoms in these areas. In this article I will be discussing three of these ovarian cancer symptoms in greater detail.

1) BLOATING OF THE STOMACH:- If you contract ovary cancer and the tumour grows large enough it may cause the stomach to physically bloat. Whilst bloating is not necessarily a sign of ovarian cancer it is a cause for concern if it cannot be explained. Therefore, if you notice that your stomach has become bloated and can think of no logical reason why go see your doctor straight away. They will be able to perform some tests and let you know what is causing your stomach to swell.

2) IRREGULAR PERIODS:- Normally the ovaries release an egg once a month. If this egg is not fertilised it passes out of the body during a woman’s monthly period. However, if a cancerous tumour has developed it may block the ovaries making it difficult for eggs to be released. This may then have an impact on your periods. Therefore, if your periods seem to change for no apparent reason go see your doctor right away. Again there are many factors that can cause your periods to be irregular but your doctor will be able to let you know if it is related to ovarian cancer.

3) PAIN IN YOUR LOWER ABDOMEN OR SIDES:- If the tumour gets big enough it can start to place pressure on the ovaries. This can lead to pain in your lower abdomen or sides. Many women confuse these symptoms with PMS pains. However, if you start to experience them when you are not currently on your period you should go see your doctor immediately. The pains may not be related to ovarian cancer but your doctor will be able to perform the tests and let you know for sure.

I hope this article has given you a better insight in to some of the potential warning signs for ovarian cancer. Whilst your first instinct may be to brush these symptoms of as the result PMS, you should step back and think for a second before doing this. If there is no logical reason behind these symptoms then the chances are something is not right. They may be nothing to do with ovary cancer but it is far better to see your doctor and get a conclusive, professional opinion on the matter.

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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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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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 of the Ovary and HE4 – A Promising Screening Test

Comments: 0June 15th, 2010 by admin



Four years ago, Seattle researchers identified a protein, known as Human Epididymis Protein 4 (HE4), as being highly effective in distinguishing cancer of the ovary from benign ovarian masses and cysts. Since then additional studies have supported these initial findings, including one just published in the December 2007 edition of the journal Gynecologic Oncology.

The only commercially available test to date, that also detects proteins elaborated by ovarian cancer, is CA-125. It is most useful for following patients with known ovarian cancer, to assess how well patients are responding to treatment and to detect recurrence after treatment. The problem with CA125 as a screening test is that is it very often elevated in the presence of normal ovaries or benign ovarian cysts and tumors. In addition, CA125 is not elevated very often in early cancer of the ovary, when it is still highly curable. These two issues, render it almost useless for screening.

Just like CA125, HE4 protein breaks free from ovarian cancer cells and finds itself into the bloodstream where it can be detected. The HE4 test, which is patented by Japanese based Fujirebio Diagnostics Inc., is inching closer to FDA approval. Because expression of HE4 by normal ovarian tissue or benign ovarian masses is very low, it has far better potential as a screening test than CA125.

The latest study, headed by Dr. RG Moore, showed that HE4 was the single best marker for Stage I, or early, cancer of the ovary. An additional finding in the study was that combining HE4 and CA125 was better. Statistical analysis showed that this combination had a 76.4% sensitivity and 95% specificity, making the combination more accurate than either test alone.

HE4 is not the only bio-marker that is being investigated as an ovarian cancer screening tool. More than 30 others have been evaluated alone and in combination with CA125 by different investigators. Some of the most promising include: mesothelin, M-CSF, osteopontin, kallikrein(s), and soluble EGF receptor. Keep an eye out for all of these in upcoming breaking news. It is highly likely that we will have an effective screening tool combination for the ovarian cancer, widely known as the “silent killer”, within the next two to three years.

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Have Ovarian Cysts? – Don’t Eat These Foods!

Comments: 0December 15th, 2009 by admin



Ovarian cysts are known to sometimes heal themselves. In essence, your body will resolve its own issues. Not all ovarian cysts are that friendly though. Some are painful and just want to react to anything you do to your body, or put IN your body. If you have ovarian cysts, you might want to steer clear of these foods.

There are ten ‘danger’ foods that women with cysts on their ovaries need to avoid. Oddly, some of these foods are foods that common sense would tell you to avoid anyway.

As with any healthy eating plan, caffeinated and carbonated beverages are a no-no. There drinks with caffeine (like cola and coffee) are know to also aggravate and lead to more discomfort from ovarian cysts. The best idea is to drink more water than any other type of beverage in order to help your body help itself.

Alcohol is another beverage that needs to be moderated, if not avoided completely, when suffering from the symptoms of an ovarian cyst. Alcohol, and the sugar in it, is difficult for the body to process. Anything that is normally hard for your body to handle will make life extra miserable when you have an ovarian cyst.

My ovarian cysts hurt me all the time – especially when I was ovulating. I learned to stay away from any foods that were not good for my body. There were some foods that were difficult (for me) to avoid, but after a few bouts with an aggravated cyst, I learned my lesson.

Now that my cysts are gone, I can ‘slip’ and enjoy some of these foods again without incident.

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Ovulation and Conception

Comments: 0July 26th, 2009 by admin



Trying to conceive is not only a matter of what you do, it’s also a question of “when you do it” and during ovulation is the best time to conceive. This is because the female body is not constantly fertile all the time. Instead, every healthy woman goes through what is known as the fertility cycle, which begins when she starts her period.

A period occurs when the body sheds the lining of the womb that was prepared to accommodate a fertilised ovum (egg). If pregnancy does not occur, this lining is shed in the form of the bleeding that occurs during a period. Once that lining has been shed, the body builds itself up for the next possible pregnancy.

About fourteen days before the next period begins, which is about mid-way during the average cycle, ovulation occurs when an egg is released by the ovaries. If this egg is fertilised through sexual intercourse during this time, it will become embedded in the lining of the womb (which will have regrown by then) and will develop into a pregnancy. Therefore, if you are trying to get pregnant, you should schedule most of your lovemaking to occur during this most fertile time.

Ovulation Calendar

t is not always easy to work out when you are ovulating. Although some women’s periods work like clockwork, that is not true for most people. Therefore, you might need some help. To be more accurate, you use an ovulation calendar.

To use an ovulation calender correctly you need to be familiar with your own body, and many young women, for a variety of reasons, are not, or their periods are so irregular so you need to understand the symptoms of ovulation.

Ovulation Signs

To discover when your ovulation days fall, there are certain physical signs that you can look for:

Raised basal temperature. When you ovulate, your temperature rises 0.4 degrees or more, and this stays constant until the end of your cycle, when you menstruate again. Start taking your temperature with a sensitive thermometer from the first day of your period onwards, and after a couple of cycles you will be able to chart your ovulation period. Changes in the shape of your cervix. If you have never had a baby before, this might not be so easy to find, but by inserting a finger carefully into the vagina you can feel it there. At ovulation, it is softer and wetter than usual. Changes in cervical mucus. At this time, your cervical mucus becomes thinner, clearer, and more slippery than at any other time in your cycle. Other symptoms – some women actually feel a slight pain at ovulation. In time, you may feel it too as you get to know your body. Others, though rare, even experience slight breakthrough bleeding.

Sex is not a Chore for Conception

Remember: when you are trying to conceive, don’t only schedule sex on ovulation days. This could turn it into a dull chore with only one objective in mind. Although it is obviously better to be together as much as possible at the most fertile times, just think of it as a time to show each other extra love, and continue to be as spontaneous as you can. Hopefully, you will conceive a baby, and if you don’t, at least enjoy the extra closeness and love that you have with your partner.

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Ovarian Cancer Stages

Comments: 0July 24th, 2009 by admin



By the stage of a cancer we try to express how far the disease has spread. It is crucial, as treatment is mostly decided depending on the stage of a cancer. For ovarian cancer, doctors use a simple I-IV staging system called the FIGO (International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics) system.

Stage I means the cancer is confined to the ovaries. In stage IA, the cancer is confined to one ovary, while in IB the cancer is present in both ovaries. In stage IC, in addition to the cancer being present in either one or both of the ovaries, cancer cells may be present on the outer surfaces of one or both ovaries, or in fluid taken from inside the abdomen; or, the outer wall of a cystic ovarian tumor may have burst.

By stage II we mean the cancer has grown outside the ovary or ovaries, but it is inside the pelvis. In stage IIA, the cancer has reached the fallopian tubes or the womb, while IIB means the cancer has grown into other tissues in the pelvis, such as the bladder or rectum. Stage IIC indicates that in addition to stages IIA and IIB, either some cancer is present on the surface of at least one ovary or cancer cells are found in fluid taken from inside the abdomen during surgery, or the ovary ruptures before or during surgery.

Stage III means the cancer has spread outside the pelvis into the abdominal cavity. It is also stage III if cancer is found in the lymph nodes in the upper abdomen, groin or behind the womb. In stage IIIA, cancer can be seen under the microscope in tissue taken from the lining of the abdomen, while in IIIB, small tumor growths are found on the lining of the abdomen. In IIIC, tumor growths larger than 2cm are found on the lining of the abdomen; the lymph nodes in the upper abdomen, groin or behind the womb contain cancer.

Stage IV, the most advanced of all, means the cancer has spread into other body organs such as the liver or lungs.

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Complex Ovarian Cyst

Comments: 0June 17th, 2009 by admin



It is not a common thing for women to have complex ovarian cyst. However, when this happens, the symptoms and the complications that may appear are very serious. Unlike the usual sacs filled with fluid that are found in the ovaries or on their lining, a complex ovarian cyst is characterized by simultaneous presence of both solid and liquid components. These abnormal cysts are divided into three categories.

First of all, there are the epithelial cysts that are produced by the cells that are contained by the human eggs. These cells are capable of forming any tissue in the human body, so dermoid cysts frequently include tissues like teeth, skin or hair. This particular type of cysts does not frequently develop into a cancer. The dimensions of dermoid cysts tend to increase and the sensation of pain that is provoked by them is very acute.

Endometrioma represents the name of the second type of complex ovarian cyst. These appear as the outcome of a process named endometriosis. During this process, the uterine cells start developing in the exterior of the uterus. As uterine tissue may lead to a growth on the surface of the ovaries, there is a chance to form a complex ovarian cyst.

The last category gets formed from ovarian tissue. These cysts are called cystadenomas and are known for frequently containing a fluid or mucous. The dimensions of these ovarian cysts may exceed 12 inches in diameter. As a result, they cause extreme sensations of pain in the abdominal area.

The only chance to get rid of such a cyst is to undergo a surgical intervention called laparotomy. This procedure involves a large incision in the abdomen through which the complex ovarian cyst is removed. Pain may be felt in the area for 7 to 10 days after the operation.

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