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The ovaries are a pair of organs located in a woman's pelvis. There's usually one on each side of the uterus, each about the size and shape of a walnut. The ovaries produce the female hormones estrogen and progesterone (Read about "Endocrine System"), which help regulate a woman's menstrual cycle and produce testosterone, which helps with the sex drive. The ovaries also contain a woman's egg cells. Eggs grow, develop, and mature in the follicles of the ovaries and then are released during ovulation, part of the monthly menstrual cycle that occurs during the childbearing years. The egg is released into the fallopian tube. If the egg is fertilized, it should then attach itself to the endometrium or lining of the uterus. If the woman does not become pregnant, the endometrium sheds and the unfertilized egg is discharged through the cervix and vagina during the woman's next period. Below you'll find information on ovarian cysts and ovarian cancer.
The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) says ovarian cysts are fairly common in women of childbearing age. Ovarian cysts are fluid-filled sacs that can form on the ovary when one or more of the egg-containing follicles mature, but do not release the egg into the fallopian tube. The National Women's Health Information Center (NWHIC) says a woman can develop one cyst or many cysts.
There are several different types of cysts:
Cysts can also twist, bleed, or they can rupture. Most cysts are benign or not cancerous. However, cysts can sometimes be malignant or cancerous. For this reason, your doctor should check all cysts. If a cyst is benign and not causing problems, it may go away on its own and not require any treatment other than observation. If cysts are a recurring problem, hormonal therapy can be used to shrink an existing cyst and/or keep new cysts from forming. A doctor may also suggest removing a cyst, especially if it seems to be growing. The Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ) says surgery may be needed if the cyst is causing symptoms or is more than 2 inches across. If surgery is needed, a benign cyst can often be removed without removing the ovary. Ovarian cystectomy refers to removal of the ovarian cyst. An oophorectomy is a procedure that removes the entire affected ovary.
According to the National Cancer Institute (NCI), about one in every 71 women in the United States will develop ovarian cancer during their lifetime. (Read about "Cancer: What It Is") Most cases occur in women over the age of 50, but this disease can also affect younger women.
There are several types of ovarian cancer. NCI says the most common ovarian cancer begins on the surface of the ovary and is called epithelial carcinoma. Ovarian cancer can also begin in the egg-producing cells or in the supportive tissue surrounding the ovaries, though these types of tumors are considered rare.
The exact causes of ovarian cancer are not known. However, according to the American Cancer Society, studies show that the following factors may indicate a woman has a higher risk:
Research also continues into genetic mutations (Read about "Genetics"), specifically mutations in the genes BRCA1 and BRCA2, which have been linked to an increased risk of developing both breast and ovarian cancer.
NCI says studies are also looking into possible connections between a higher risk of ovarian cancer and other factors. One area being looked into concerns fertility drugs. Here, the results of studies looking into a possible connection between risk of ovarian cancer and use of drugs that cause a woman to ovulate have been mixed, according to NCI; some studies indicate a connection, others find no connection, still other studies are looking into infertility itself as a risk factor. Talcum powder is also under study. Some studies suggest that women who have used talc in the genital area for many years may be at increased risk of developing ovarian cancer. Hormone replacement therapy is another area under examination. Some evidence suggests that women who use HRT after menopause may have a slightly increased risk of developing ovarian cancer.
In addition, ACOG says women who have never had children are more likely to develop ovarian cancer than women who have had children. Some studies have also shown that breastfeeding may decrease a woman's likelihood of developing ovarian cancer.
Ovarian cancer often shows no early warning signs. If symptoms are present, however, ACOG says they can include:
If ovarian cancer is spreading, NCI says it can form new tumors in the abdominal area and on the diaphragm. This can cause fluid to collect in the abdomen, which is what can lead to a condition called ascites. Since bloating and other symptoms can also be caused by other, often less serious conditions, it's essential to check with a doctor if you're concerned.
Because there are often no early warning symptoms, researchers have been trying to find ways to detect ovarian cancer before symptoms develop. One possible indication of ovarian cancer is an elevated level of a "tumor marker" called CA-125, which is often found in higher-than-normal amounts in the blood of women with ovarian cancer. However, not all women with ovarian cancer will have elevated levels. In addition, an elevated level can be present in women who do not have the disease. As a result, this test is not considered a screening test in and of itself. It is used in conjunction with other diagnostic procedures such as transvaginal sonography and a rectovaginal pelvic exam. During a pelvic exam, a doctor will examine the uterus, vagina, ovaries, fallopian tubes, bladder (Read about "The Urinary System") and rectum to find any abnormality in their shape or size. Ultrasound, a barium enema, a CAT or CT scan and/or a biopsy can also be used to ensure a thorough examination. (Read about "Ultrasound Imaging" "CT Scan - Computerized Tomography" "Biopsy")
If ovarian cancer is found, treatment depends on the extent of the cancer. This is called staging.
The following stages are used for ovarian epithelial cancer, according to NCI:
Stage I
In stage I, cancer is found in one or both of the ovaries. Stage I is divided into:
Stage II
In stage II, cancer is found in one or both ovaries and has spread into other areas of the pelvis. Stage II is divided into:
Stage III
In stage III, cancer is found in one or both ovaries and has spread to other parts of the abdomen and/or nearby lymph nodes Stage III is divided into:
Stage IV
In stage IV, cancer is found in one or both ovaries and has metastasized (spread) beyond the abdomen to other parts of the body. Cancer is found in the tissues of the liver.
The following stages are used for ovarian germ cell tumor, according to NCI:
Stage I
Stage I is divided into stage IA, stage IB, and stage IC as follows:
Stage II
Stage II is divided into stage IIA, stage IIB, and stage IIC as follows:
Stage III
Stage III is divided into stage IIIA, stage IIIB, and stage IIIC as follows:
Stage IV
In stage IV, cancer is found in one or both ovaries and has metastasized (spread) not only to the pelvis and abdomen but also to other parts of the body. Cancer cells in the fluid around the lungs is also considered stage IV.
Treatments can include surgery, often to remove the ovaries, the fallopian tubes, the uterus, the cervix and the lymph nodes. The surgery may be done conventionally or robotically. (Read about "Robotic Surgery") This type of surgery is best performed by a surgeon experienced with ovarian cancer, such as a gynecologic oncologist (a gynecologist who is specially trained in the treatment of pelvic cancer). You may want to consider a second opinion to help you decide the best option for you.
In addition, chemotherapy and/or radiation may be needed. (Read about "Radiation Therapy") Radiation therapy uses radiation to kill cancer cells or keep them from growing. The radiation can be delivered externally, from a machine outside the body, or it may be delivered internally, from a radioactive substance that is placed or injected directly into or near the cancer. Chemotherapy is a cancer treatment that uses drugs to stop the growth of cancer cells. Chemotherapy may be taken by mouth or injected into the body.
Targeted therapy may be another option. It uses drugs or other substances to identify and attack specific cancer cells. Some targeted therapies use antibodies that can identify substances on cells that may be helping the cancer grow. Other targeted therapies block DNA repair so as to cause cancer cells to die. (Read about "Cancer Treatments")
More Cancer Information:
For a list of individual types of cancer, see Cancer: What It Is
All Concept Communications material is provided for information only and is neither advice nor a substitute for proper medical care. Consult a qualified healthcare professional who understands your particular history for individual concerns.
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