General facts on ovarian cancer

Ovarian cancer usually occurs as the abnormal and uncontrollable growth of cells in the ovaries, sometimes forming a tumor. The ovaries, which are an important part of the female reproductive system, are located in the abdomen, one on either side. It has been observed in a few cases that ovarian cancer can spread through the whole body, whereas most cases are restricted to the cancer being spread to the intestines, stomach and liver. Ovarian cancer is known to occur in many types. However, most of the cases pertain to cells in the outer lining of the ovary walls.

Some of the later stage symptoms of ovarian cancer involve heavy bleeding in the vaginal area. However, the occurrence of the milder and possibly unrelated symptoms pertaining to the digestive system need to be checked for the possibilities of ovarian cancer through medical expert opinion. Although not common in women below 50, fertility drug users, talc users and those who have gone through hormone replacement therapies (HRT) are advised to check for ovarian cancer should any of the symptoms are visible. Since late symptoms can be more serious and adverse checking the disease early on is always recommended.

There may be a number of possible reasons why a woman may possess bigger risks of contracting ovarian cancer. One of them is believed to be not bearing a child ever her life. It has been found by medical studies that more the number of children a mother bares, lesser are the chances of her contracting ovarian cancer. It has also been found that women with a history of breast or colon cancer also possess higher risks of contracting the disease. Any of the mentioned symptoms in such women should be reported to medical experts with immediate effect as later stage symptoms can be severe. Obesity is another issue concerning ovarian cancer patients as obesity poses greater threats of death in ovarian cancer cases.

A number of ways are used to diagnose ovarian cancer and they are:

• Ultrasound technology - Like diagnosing most of the cancers, the ultrasound uses echoing of waves to examine the presence of patterns of the ovary cells. The ones with tumors, fluid filled cysts, damaged or dysfunctional tissues are recognized by ultrasound as it produces markedly different patterns from those produced for a healthy pair of ovaries.
• Pelvic examination - This includes the feeling of the uterus, ovaries, the vagina, fallopian tubes, rectum and bladders to check if any of the parts have developed any abnormal growth, change or damage. Most medical experts are able to carry out this method to perfection and as a patient you would prefer someone who is professional and experienced in the process.
• Blood tests - Blood tests are conducted to check for the levels of a component called the CA-125. Women with ovarian cancer and cancers of other parts are usually expected to have the component in higher proportions than women who are safe from similar diseases. This indication can be used to diagnose ovarian cancer easily if a heavy occurring of the typical symptoms is experienced by the patients.
• CAT scan - The CAT scan is a computer aided technology that provides detailed information through pictures about the various organs in ones body through a connected X-ray device. This allows medical experts to opine on the growth of cells in cases of ovarian cancer.
• Biopsy - This is the examination of a removed tissue from the patients body. A diagnosis of ovarian cancer would imply that removal of the ovaries and the uterus is necessary as the removal of cancer in entirety increases the chances of a patient's survival.

The treatment recommended for ovarian cancer will depend on the type of ovarian cancer you have contracted. The treatment also depends on the stage and fatality factor of the disease. Most treatments include surgeries, chemotherapy and radiations.