About Ovarian Cancer

Introduction

Ovarian cancer grows in the tissue and cells of the ovaries, a pair of reproductive glands that produce eggs in females. According to the National Cancer Institute, almost 25,000 women were diagnosed with cancer ovarian in the United States in 2009, and more than 20,000 women died of the disease. The prognosis for ovarian cancer is excellent when the cancer is caught early. Therefore, women who experience symptoms of cancer ovarian should consult with their doctors sooner rather than later.

Types of Ovarian Cancer

Epithelial - Epithelial tumors are seen in ovarian cancers that appear in the epithelium tissue that covers the outside of the ovaries. This risk of this cancer ovarian increases with age and is seen more often in females older than 60.

Germ Cell - Germ cell tumors are seen in the ovary cells that are egg-producing. This type of cancer ovarian can occur in females of any age but is more common in females under than 30.

Sex Cord Stromal - The Sex cord stromal type of ovarian cancer grows in the connective tissue that holds the ovaries together. This is a rare form of ovarian cancer, and the main symptom is faint abdominal pain.

Primary Peritoneal Carcinoma - Primary peritoneal carcinoma is remarkably similar to epithelial ovarian cancer. It grows on the lining of the pelvis and abdominal cavity, and is usually seen in women who have had their ovaries removed.

Fallopian Tube Cancer - Fallopian tube cancer grows in the fallopian tubes that carry eggs to the uterus from the ovaries.

Teratoma - Teratoma is a germ cell ovarian cancer. It disguises itself as a three layer developing embryo, which sometimes looks like a fetus with bones, hair and teeth. This form of ovarian cancer is most common in women still in their productive years, especially females under 18.

Symptoms and Reducing the Risk

In the past, it was thought that cancer ovarian had no visible symptoms. Regent studies have shown that there are symptoms of cancer ovarian. Symptoms include pelvic pain, bloating, frequent urination, urinary urgency, abdominal pain and stomach fullness. If any of these symptoms come upon a woman suddenly, for no apparent reason, make an appointment with a gynecologist immediately. If not found and treated in the early stages, ovarian cancer can reach nearby organs, spread into the lymphatic system and spread to distant areas of the body.

Studies have indicated that taking oral contraceptives for long periods can reduce the risk of ovarian cancer. This could be because the ovaries are in a dormant state from the contraceptives or because of the increased hormones entering the body. Carotenoids that are found in raw carrots have the ability to reduce the risk of cancer ovarian. Doctors state that eating six or more servings of raw carrots a week could reduce a women’s risk by 50 percent.

Lycopene is a chemical found in tomato sauce and can lower cancer risk. The cooking process of tomato products brings out the lycopene, so the best sources are tomato sauce and tomato paste. Family history is the biggest risk for cancer ovarian. Genetic counseling is recommended for any woman with a family history of ovarian cancer. The pain relievers acetaminophen and ibuprofen have been found to reduce the risk of ovarian cancer. Aspirin has not shown the same risk reducing outcome.

Comments

Most Recent Articles