Test Your Knowledge

Ovarian cancer is an overgrowth of malignant, abnormal cells in one or both of a woman’s ovaries. The ovaries are female reproductive organs that produce eggs and hormones called estrogen and progesterone. Unlike healthy cells, which divide and grow in an organized manner, cancer cells continue to divide until they form a mass called a tumor.

The ovaries contain three types of tissue:

• Germ cells (reproductive cells)
• Stromal cells (supporting cells that make hormones)
• Epithelial cells (surface cells)

Although ovarian cancer can originate in any of these cells, most cases begin in the epithelial cells. Other related conditions include primary peritoneal carcinoma (a type of cancer) and ovarian cysts, which are rarely cancerous.

According to the American Cancer Society, ovarian cancer is the eighth leading cancer among women (excluding non-melanoma skin cancers). The exact cause of this disease is not known. However, risk factors such as advanced age, a history of breast cancer, family history of ovarian cancer and obesity may increase a woman’s likelihood of developing the disease. Early ovarian cancers tend to cause vague symptoms or no symptoms at all. The most common symptom of this disease is back pain. However, guidelines were developed recently to help identify early symptoms.

Patients with an increased risk of developing epithelial ovarian cancer may choose to have screening tests and examinations to help identify the disease. There are no screening tests for detecting germ cell tumors or stromal tumors.

Individuals believed to have ovarian cancer will typically be referred to a gynecologic oncologist, a physician who specializes in treating women’s reproductive cancers. Tests such as an ultrasound and a biopsy may be performed. Common treatments for ovarian cancer include surgery (e.g., oophorectomy), radiation therapy and chemotherapy. When ovarian cancer is detected and treated early, there is a very good chance of survival. Many cases are not detected until later stages, reducing a woman’s chance of survival. Researchers are investigating a variety of new ways to prevent, detect and treat this disease.