Ovarian Cancer
Ovarian cancer is a malignant tumour in one or both ovaries. While there are many types of ovarian cancer, the three most common types of ovarian cancer are:
• The common epithelial type (90% of cases) that arises from the cells on the outside of the ovary
• The germ cell type (around 4% of cases) that arises from the cells with produce eggs
• The rare stromal type arising from supporting tissues within the ovary
Signs & Symptoms
There are no obvious signs of ovarian cancer, however you have have one or more of the following:
• Abdominal bloating
• Difficulty eating or feeling full quickly
• Frequent or urgent urination
• Back, abdominal or pelvic pain
• Constipation or diarrhoea
• Menstrual irregularities
• Fatigue
• Indigestion
• Pain during intercourse
• Unexplained weight loss / gain
Causes
• Age (risk increases for women over 50)
• Family history of ovarian, breast or bowel cancer
• Changes in the genes BRCA1 or BRCA2
• Being of Ashkenazi Jewish descent
• Early onset of periods (before 12 years) and late onset of menopause
• Women who have not had children or had their first child after age 35
• Using oestrogen only hormone replacement therapy or fertility treatment
Diagnosis
If you are experiencing possible symptoms of ovarian cancer your doctor may suggest several tests or scans to look for cysts, tumors or other changes. These may include:
• Physical examination - the doctor will check your abdomen for any lumps and do an internal vaginal examination
• Blood tests - check for a common tumour marker for ovarian cancer, CA125
• Pelvic ultrasound - uses echoes from soundwaves to create a picture of your ovaries an uterus
• CT scan - uses x-rays to take images of the inside of the body to check for cancer
• PET scan - highlight abnormal tissues in the body
• Colonoscopy - a bowel examination to ensure that symptoms are not caused by a bowel problem
Treatment
Treatment depends on the extent of the cancer. Surgery is used to determine the extent of disease, and if localised, is the main treatment. If the cancer has spread, an attempt is made to remove as much of it as possible.
• Chemotherapy - uses anti-cancer drugs to destroy cancer cells. Most women will have chemotherapy after surgery to destroy any remaining cancer cells
• Radiation therapy - can be used to treat the pelvic or other sites of cancer that have spread. It may be used on its own or after chemotherapy
• Palliative care - in some cases of ovarian cancer, your medical team may talk to you about palliative care. Palliative care aims to improve the quality of life by alleviating symptoms of cancer
Treatment Team
Depending on your treatment, your treatment team may consist of a number of different health professionals, such as:
• GP - oversees general health and liaises with specialists to coordinate treatment
• Gynaecological oncologist - diagnoses and treats cancers of the female reproductive system
• Radiation oncologist - prescribes and coordinates radiation therapy treatment
• Medical oncologist - prescribes and coordinates the course of chemotherapy
• Radiologist - interprets diagnostic scans (including CT, MRI and PET scans)
• Gynaecological pathologist - examines tissue removed from the abdomen or ovaries
• Cancer nurse - assists with treatment and provides information and support throughout your treatment
• Other allied health care professionals - such as social workers, pharmacists, counsellors, Naturopaths