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Ovarian cancer may start in the ovary’s germ system, its stroma, or its epithelium. Germ cells are the cells that become eggs. Stromal cells make up the substance of the ovary. Epithelial cells are the outer layer of the ovary. Ovarian cancer is a type of cancer that attacks one or both of your ovaries.
These cancer cells can form tumors and if left untreated can spread to other parts of your body. Early-stage ovarian cancer may not have any symptoms. That can make it very difficult to detect. However, some symptoms may include:
- Frequent bloating
- Quickly feeling full when eating
- Urgent and frequent need to urinate
- Pain or discomfort in the abdomen or pelvis
- Indigestion, constipation, and fatigue
- Pain during sex
- Changes in weight
- Vaginal bleeding
- Changes in the menstrual cycle
Ovarian Cancer Staging and Treatment
- Stage 1 Ovarian Cancer
Stage 1 ovarian cancer is when cancer has been found in one or both ovaries. Most women with Stage 1 ovarian cancer have an excellent prognosis.
Treatment for Stage 1 Ovarian Cancer
In general, women with Stage 1 ovarian cancer undergo a total abdominal hysterectomy, removing both ovaries and fallopian tubes. If the cancer is low grade, no further treatment may be needed, and if the cancer is high grade, combination chemotherapy may be required.
- Stage 2 Ovarian Cancer
Stage 2 ovarian cancer means the cancer is found in one or both ovaries and has spread into other areas of the pelvis. Most women diagnosed with Stage 2 ovarian cancer have a five-year survival rate of approximately 70%.
Treatment for Stage 2 Ovarian Cancer
After the surgical procedure, treatment may be one of the following; combination chemotherapy with or without radiation therapy or combination chemotherapy.
- Stage 3 Ovarian Cancer
Stage 3 ovarian cancer means that the cancer is found in one or both ovaries and has spread outside the pelvis to other parts of the abdomen and nearby lymph nodes.
Treatment for Stage 3 Ovarian Cancer
Treatment for Stage III ovarian cancer is the same as for Stage II ovarian cancer. Surgery is followed by combination chemotherapy and possibly additional surgery to remove any remaining cancer that may remain.
- Stage 4 Ovarian Cancer
This is when cancer has spread beyond the abdomen to other parts of the body, such as the lungs or tissue inside the liver. Cancer cells in the fluid around the lungs are also considered Stage 4 ovarian cancer.
Treatment for Stage 4 Ovarian Cancer
As much of the tumor as possible will be removed during surgery, then chemotherapy will be used to treat stage 4 ovarian cancer.
If you have a family history of breast and ovarian cancers, bring this up with your doctor. Discuss things with your medical provider to determine what this may mean for your own risk of cancer. If a family member or someone you know has ovarian cancer, ensure to provide the proper care during the treatment process.
