About Ovarian Cancer
Ovarian cancer is cancer that begins in the ovaries, the reproductive glands in women that produce eggs. Over 20,000 women are expected to be diagnosed with ovarian cancer this year.
The ovaries have three main types of cells, which can each develop into a different tumor type. These tumors can be benign (not cancer), borderline (low potential for cancer), or malignant (cancer).
- Epithelial ovarian tumors – These tumors begin in the cells that cover the ovary’s outer surface and are the most common tumor type. About 85-90% of ovarian cancers are malignant epithelial
- Germ cell tumors – These tumors start in the cells that produce the eggs. Most of these tumors are benign. Less than 2% of ovarian cancers are germ cell tumors.
- Ovarian stromal tumors – The least common tumor type accounting for less than 1% of ovarian These tumors grow in the connective tissue cells that hold the ovary together and make female hormones.
Diagnosing Ovarian Cancer
Ovarian cancer is hard to detect in the early stages, when it is most treatable. It’s important to consult a physician if you experience potential symptoms of ovarian cancer, even though these symptoms could be caused by something else:
- Pain or swelling in the belly
- Bloating
- Trouble eating or feeling full too quickly
- Urinating more frequently
If ovarian cancer is suspected, the following tests may be used to confirm a diagnosis and staging (how advanced the cancer is).
- Pelvic exam – The doctor will feel for a lump on an ovary during a routine pelvic exam.
- Imaging tests – Ultrasound, CT scan, MRI, PET scan, X-ray and other imaging tests can be used to detect a pelvic mass, although these tests cannot confirm if that mass is cancer.
- Laparoscopy – A thin, lighted tube is used to look at the ovaries and other tissues in the This can help your physician confirm the stage of cancer and plan for surgery.
- Blood tests – Some germ cell tumors and stromal tumors can cause changes in the level of different substances in the blood.
- Biopsy – This is the only way to confirm if cancer is A sample of the growth/mass is removed and examined under a microscope.
Treating Ovarian Cancer
Surgery – This is the main treatment option for most ovarian cancers. Both ovaries, the uterus, fallopian tubes and any other tissue affected by cancer may be removed. Surgery as the first step in treatment allows your doctor to more accurately stage the cancer to determine if additional treatment is needed. The goal of surgery may be to remove the entire tumor, or to debulk it (remove as much as possible if cancer has already spread).
Chemotherapy – Drugs are administered through an IV or in pill form which enter the bloodstream and spread throughout the body to kill cancer cells. This is generally used after surgery to kill small amounts of remaining cancer cells, or before surgery to first shrink the tumor.
Radiation – Radiation therapy uses high-dose X-rays to destroy cancer cells. This is rarely used as the main treatment option for ovarian cancer. It’s mostly used to treat areas where the cancer has spread outside the ovaries.
Hormone therapy – Drugs with hormones or hormone-blocking capabilities are used to treat some types of ovarian stromal tumors.
Targeted therapy – These drugs are designed to seek out and kill specific cancer cells without harming healthy cells in the process. PARP inhibitors are a common type of targeted therapy used to treat patients with the BRCA gene.
Genetic Testing
If you are diagnosed with epithelial ovarian cancer, your doctor may recommend genetic testing through our Genetic Risk Evaluation and Testing (GREAT) program to see if you have an inherited gene mutation, such as BRCA1 or BRCA2. This can help you understand your risk for developing other cancers, as well as your family’s risk of developing cancer. This can also help your doctor decide on the best course of treatment as certain therapies are designed for patients with specific gene mutations. Learn more about Southern Cancer Center’s genetics program here: www.southerncancercenter.com/genetic-testing-and-counseling
Clinical Trials
Through US Oncology Research, one of the largest community-based oncology research programs in the US, Southern Cancer Center’s patients have access to the latest advancements in cancer treatment. Your doctor may recommend that you participate in a clinical trial depending on your type and stage of ovarian cancer. Learn more about our clinical trials program here: www.southerncancercenter.com/research
At Southern Cancer Center, we know that you are facing a hard battle, and we are here to support you every step of the way. Our physicians have the experience and knowledge to treat even the toughest cases of ovarian cancer, and we are committed to keeping you and your family involved in every treatment decision. Call us at 251-625-6896 or visit www.southerncancercenter.com to schedule an appointment.