Ovarian cancer
Posted by admins on March 9, 2011 under Diseases and Conditions | 
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Ovarian cancer
There are three types of ovarian cancer; the common epithelial type (90%) that arises from the cells on the outside of the ovary, the germ cell type that arises from the cells which produce eggs and the rare stromal type arising from supporting tissues within the ovary.
Incidence and mortality
More than 1200 women are diagnosed with ovarian cancer each year. The risk of being diagnosed before age 85 is 1 in 77. Each year, 888 women die of ovarian cancer.
Screening
There are no proven screening tests although ultrasound through the vagina and a blood test, Ca125 are being investigated.
Symptoms and diagnosis
There may be no symptoms or symptoms may be non-specific and include:
- persistent abdominal pain
- pelvic or back pain
- cramps, swelling, bloating
- symptoms of urinary frequency or changed bowel habits with constipation or diarrhea and/or nausea
- fullness after food, weight loss, loss of appetite
- tiredness
- painful intercourse or vaginal bleeding
Staging
Ovarian cancer often presents when it has spread. A common staging system is the FIGO (International Federation of Gynaecology and Obstetrics) system which records the extent by whether it remains in the ovary, spreads to other pelvic structures or has spread into the lining of the abdomen with or without fluid (ascites). CT scans and blood tests CA125 are used.
Causes Read more of this article »