Ovarian Cancer
Ovarian cancer is cancer that begins in the ovaries. In women, the ovaries produce eggs (ova) for reproduction. The eggs travel through the fallopian tubes into the uterus where the fertilized egg implants and develops into a fetus. Cancer can also begin in the fallopian tubes. The ovaries are also the main source of the female hormones estrogen and progesterone. One ovary is located on each side of the uterus in the pelvis.
Types of Ovarian Tumors
Many types of tumors can start growing in the ovaries. Some are benign (non-cancerous) and never spread beyond the ovary. Women with these types of tumors can be treated successfully by removing one ovary or the part of the ovary that contains the tumor. Other types of ovarian tumors are malignant (cancerous) and can spread to other parts of the body. Their treatment is more complex and is discussed later in this document. In general, ovarian tumors are named according to the kind of cells the tumor started from and whether the tumor is benign or cancerous. There are 3 main types of ovarian tumors:
- Germ cell tumors start from the cells that produce the ova (eggs).
- Stromal tumors start from connective tissue cells that hold the ovary together and produce the female hormones estrogen and progesterone.
- Epithelial tumors start from the cells that cover the outer surface of the ovary.
We do not yet know exactly what causes most ovarian cancers, but we do know some factors that make a woman more likely to develop epithelial ovarian cancer, the most common type of ovarian cancer. Much less is known about risk factors for germ cell and stromal tumors of the ovaries. See the risk factor section of this document for more information.
Researchers have made great progress in understanding how certain mutations (changes) in DNA can cause normal cells to become cancerous. DNA is the chemical that carries the instructions for nearly everything our cells do. We usually resemble our parents because they are the source of our DNA. However, DNA affects more than our outward appearance. Some genes (parts of our DNA) contain instructions for controlling when our cells grow and divide. Certain genes that promote cell division are called oncogenes. Others that slow down cell division, cause cells to die at the appropriate time, or help repair DNA damage are called tumor suppressor genes. We know that DNA mutations (defects) that turn on oncogenes or turn off tumor suppressor genes can cause cancer.
How Is Ovarian Cancer Treated?
After the diagnostic tests are done, your cancer care team will recommend 1 or more treatment options. Consider the options without feeling rushed. If there is anything you do not understand, ask to have it explained. The choice of treatment depends largely on the type of cancer and the stage of the disease. In patients who did not have surgery as their first treatment, the exact stage may not be known. Treatment then is based on other available information. Other factors that could play a part in choosing the best treatment plan might include your general state of health, whether you plan to have children, and other personal considerations. Age alone is not a determining factor since several studies have shown that older women tolerate ovarian cancer treatments well. Be sure you understand all the risks and side effects of the various therapies before making a decision about treatment. The main treatments for ovarian cancer are surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation therapy. In some cases 2 or even all of these treatments will be recommended.
Credit: National Institute of Health.