Ovarian Cancer

What is Ovarian Cancer?

Ovarian cancer is a disease where some of the cells in the ovary undergo changes and develop into cancerous cells. Ovarian cancer can take four different forms, and they are named after the parts of the ovary that are affected. Some people choose to shorten the designated name of Ovarian Cancer to,'OvCa', which is pronounced as,'of-car.'

Types of ovarian cancer

Epithelial ovarian cancer

Epithelial Ovarian Cancer is a form of cancer that develops in the epithelium, or the outer cells that cover the ovary. Of the different forms of Ovarian cancer, nine out of ten are epithelial.

Germ cell and sex-cord stromal cell ovarian cancer

Germ cell and Sex-cord Stromal Cell Ovarian cancers are very common forms of Ovarian cancer. Germ cell cancers form in the cells which mature into eggs. This form of cancer normally only affects women who are under the age of thirty. Sex-cord Stromal Cell cancer forms in the cells and is released in female hormones; this form of cancer can occur in women of any age. Both of these forms of cancers respond well to treatments; they are very often curable. In cases where these forms of cancer effect one ovary only there may remain the potential for a woman to have children after receiving treatment.

Borderline tumors

There exists a form of tumors known as, 'Borderline tumors,' that are a part of a group of Epithelial tumors, which are not as aggressive as other forms of Ovarian cancer; they are sometimes referred to with words such as, 'low malignant potential,' in descriptions. Women with Borderline tumors have a generally good outlook despite the timing of their diagnosis - early or late.

Diagnosis

There are a number of tests that can be performed, should Ovarian cancer be suspected; they can help a doctor make a diagnosis. Unfortunately, none of the tests can be relied upon on their own, so the importance of receiving both a blood test and an ultrasound in order to give your doctor accurate results cannot be emphasized enough.

Physical Examination

A physical examination for Ovarian cancer involves an internal pelvic exam, where the doctor looks for lumps or any masses in the patient's pelvis and lower abdomen.

Blood Tests

There is a protein, or tumor marker, in the blood that can be tested for; it is known as, 'CA 125.' The protein, when higher than normal, is often a sign of Ovarian cancer in women. Sometimes women also have other tumor markers called, 'CEA,' or, 'Inhibin.' The type of marker found in the blood depends on the type of tumor; however, there are some tumors that do not have any form of markers whatsoever. Blood testing is one way to look for and help in diagnosing cancers. Blood testing is also a way to check on the progression of cancer.

Ultrasound and other imaging tests

Another means of assisting in the diagnostic process is through the use of a trans-vaginal ultrasound, or 'TVU.' A TVU is an ultrasound probe that is inserted into the vagina which can then relay images of the ovaries to a radiologist. A TVU gives images of the ovaries in much greater clarity than an ultrasound or external ultrasound, which is why it is an incredibly important diagnostic tool in the fight against these forms of cancer.

In the fight against Ovarian and other cancers it is wise to pursue routine chest and abdominal x-rays, as well as an ultrasound of the lower abdomen. You may consider having an x-ray don of your bowel to ensure that any symptoms you are experiencing are not due to a bowel problem. The bowel x-ray is called a,'barium enema,' and while it is not painful it may be temporarily uncomfortable.

Further Information Regarding Ovarian Cancer

Angiogenesis Poor Survival in patients with Ovarian Cancer
Researchers from The University of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center have found that increased angiogenesis, or blood vessel formation, and vascular endothelial growth factor expression are associated with poor survival in women with sex cord-stromal ovarian tumors. This data was presented in a poster session today at the Society of Gynecologic Oncologists' 40th Annual Meeting on Women's Cancer.