During a screening, your doctor will use the FIGO staging system to determine how much of the cancer has spread. Using these measurements, doctors can decide whether to perform surgery to remove the cancer or use more aggressive treatments. Treatment for ovarian cancer depends on how far it has spread, and your doctor will determine the best course of action.
The main type of ovarian cancer is epithelial, and is the most common cause of cancer mortality in women in the United States. There are many subtypes of ovarian cancer, including squamous cell, endometrioid, and clear cell tumor. The latter two types are rare. These lesions can also spread to other parts of the body. Patients with ovarian cancer are diagnosed with multiple types.
Ovarian cancer is a disease that strikes women in their fifties and sixties. Although ovarian cancer can strike women of any age, it is most prevalent in women 50-60 years of age. A small percentage of ovarian cancer cases can be caused by gene mutations. The Lynch syndrome and the breast cancer gene both increase a woman’s risk for ovarian cancer. There is currently no cure for ovarian cancer, but it can be treated with newer, more effective treatments.
Women with a family history of ovarian cancer may also be at a higher risk of developing this disease. Those of Eastern European or Ashkenazi descent are also at a higher risk of ovarian cancer than those of other ethnic groups. Some other factors that may increase the risk of developing ovarian cancer include a history of menopause, never having children, and giving birth after the age of thirty.
Symptomatic tests for ovarian cancer include a blood test that measures a protein called CA-125, which is elevated in patients with this condition. However, this test is not a screening test because elevated CA-125 levels can be caused by a variety of other conditions. Ultimately, a biopsy is the only way to confirm if you have ovarian cancer. Once your doctor has diagnosed the disease, you’ll need chemotherapy.
Ovarian cancers can take many forms. Some types, like germ cell tumors, develop in egg-producing cells. These tumors make up around 2% of ovarian cancers. While they are rare, they are often curable, and ninety percent of those with germ cell tumors survive five years or longer after diagnosis. So, if you’re wondering which type of ovarian cancer is the best, here are some important facts to know.
A typical ovarian cancer diagnosis will not produce any noticeable symptoms until the disease has spread to other organs. While early stages of the disease are rarely noticeable, you’ll likely notice some symptoms, such as abdominal pain and increased size. You may also notice symptoms in your bowels and your skin, such as changes in your stools. You may also notice leg swelling and a change in your bowel habits. It’s important to see your doctor if you have any of these symptoms, as they can indicate ovarian cancer.
