Ovarian cancer (patient information)
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What is ovarian cancer?
Ovaries are reproductive glands only in women. Its functions are to produce ova for reproduction and maintain the female hormones estrogen and progesterone. Ovarian cancer doesn't have any early symptoms. With the development of the cancer, frequent symptoms include heavy feeling in pelvis, pain in lower abdomen, bleeding from the vagina, weight gain or loss and abnormal periods. Treatments include surgery, radiation, chemotherapy or a combination of them.
How do I know if I have ovarian cancer and what are the symptoms of ovarian cancer?
Early ovarian cancer does not have any symptoms. As the tumor grows larger, people may notice one or more of the following symptoms:
- Heavy feeling in pelvis
- Pain in lower abdomen
- Bleeding from the vagina
- Weight gain or loss, loss of appetite
- Abnormal periods
Other health problems may also cause these symptoms. Only a doctor can tell for sure. A person with any of these symptoms should tell the doctor so that the problems can be diagnosed and treated as early as possible.
Who is at risk for ovarian cancer?
Clinical data has suggested that the development of ovarian cancer is related to several factors.
- Some drugs or treatment protocols: Recent studies show that fertility drugs, androgens and estrogen replacement therapy may increase the risk of ovarian cancer.
- Reproductive history: Clinical survey suggests that women who have had children have a lower risk of ovarian cancer than women who have no children. The risk gets even lower with each pregnancy.
- Personal history of breast cancer: Studies show the person who has the history of breast cancer has higher risk of developing ovarian cancer. The reason may be inherited a mutated BRCA1 or BRCA2 gene.
- Family history of ovarian cancer, breast cancer, or colorectal cancer: Clinical data show the person who has the family history of ovarian cancer, breast cancer, or colorectal cancer has higher risk of developing ovarian cancer. These may also be inherited mutated of some gene.
- Talcum powder: Some surveys show that talcum powder applied directly to the genital area or on sanitary napkins may increase the chance of getting ovaries cancer.
- Life-style: A rich-fat diet and obesity may increase the risk of getting ovarian cancer.
- Age: Clinical data suggest most ovarian cancers develop after menopause.
How to know you have ovarian cancer?
When to seek urgent medical care?
Treatment options
Diseases with similar symptoms
Where to find medical care for ovarian cancer?
Directions to Hospitals Treating ovarian cancer
Prevention of ovarian cancer
What to expect (Outook/Prognosis)?
Copyleft Sources
http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ovariancancer.html