Cancer occurs when cells in an area of the body grow abnormally. Ovarian cancer is the seventh most common cancer among women. There are three types of ovarian cancer:
(1) epithelial ovarian cancer
(2) germ cell cancer and
(3) stromal cell cancer.Epithelial ovarian cancer is the most common and accounts for 85 percent to 89 percent of ovarian cancers.
It forms on the surface of the ovary in the epithelial cells.
It ranks fourth in cancer deaths among women and causes more deaths than any other cancer of the female reproductive system.
On the other hand, germ cell cancer is an uncommon form of ovarian cancer, accounting for only about five percent of ovarian cancers. Germ cell cancers start in the cells that form the eggs in the ovaries. This cancer is usually found in adolescent girls and young women, and usually affects only one ovary.Equally rare, stromal cell cancer starts in the cells that produce female hormones and hold the ovarian tissues together.
Hereditary Breast and Ovarian Cancer syndrome(HBOC) is an inherited condition caused by mutations in the BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes.
Epithelial Ovarian Cancer: Risk increases with age, especially around the time of menopause. A family history of epithelial ovarian cancer, fallopian tube cancer, peritoneal cancer, premenopausal breast cancer and/or male breast cancer is a very important risk factor. Some families affected by colon and endometrial cancer may also have an increased risk.
Historically ovarian cancer was called the “silent killer” because symptoms were not thought to develop until the chance of cure was poor. However, recent studies have shown this term is untrue and that the following symptoms are much more likely to occur in women with ovarian cancer than women in the general population.
When a woman experiences concerning symptoms, a pelvic exam, including a recto-vaginal exam, and a general physical exam should be performed. If the exam is abnormal, women should undergo a trans-vaginal or pelvic ultrasound to evaluate the ovaries.
Working with your Treatment Team
During your treatment, you will come in contact with many healthcare professionals. These people make up your treatment team. They will work with each other and with you to provide the special care you need. Your treatment team may include some of the healthcare professionals listed below.
