Ovarian Cancer

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      Ovaries, a term synonymous with the menstrual cycle, are a woman’s reproductive glands. Found on each side of the uterus, it is responsible for storing and releasing eggs each month after a female starts menstruation. The eggs then travel down the fallopian tubes and if fertilized, will implant itself in the uterus, developing into a fetus. Progesterone and estrogen, the female sex hormones, are also produced in the ovaries. They are responsible for the development of female secondary sexual characteristics such as breasts, regulating menstruation and preparing the female body to support a pregnancy.

     Cancer in the ovaries occurs when cells in or near the ovaries, such as those in the fallopian tubes, accumulate mutations.in their genetic code, DNA. Changes in the cell’s DNA, which gives them instructions, can cause uncontrollable growth, creating a clump of cancer cells (tumor). The type of tumor is dependent on which of the 3 kinds of cells in the ovaries are mutated. Epithelial cells line the surface of the ovaries; most ovarian cancers develop from epithelial tumors. As the name implies, germ or egg cells are responsible for the production of eggs. Stromal cells provide structure to the ovaries and produce estrogen and progesterone. Most ovarian tumors are benign or non cancerous; while they may continue to grow, it won’t spread to other parts of the body and are often not life threatening. A small percentage of these tumors may be malignant or cancerous and metastasize (spread) throughout the body. While they can be fatal if left untreated, advancements in surgery and chemotherapy have made it possible for those diagnosed with ovarian cancer to still live a long, normal life.

     While ovarian cancer only makes up 2.5% of cancers in women, it is the 5th leading cause of cancer related deaths in women (American Cancer Society). Early detection is key to preventing progression of this cancer before it becomes life threatening. However, ovarian cancer is hard to diagnose because symptoms often don’t show up until advanced stages of the cancer. Treatment becomes more difficult as the tumor continues to metastasize to surrounding areas of the ovaries . Symptoms may include pain in the lower abdomen, bleeding from the vagina, painful intercourse or abnormal periods. Known as a “silent killer” because of the mild to no symptoms in early stages of this cancer, there is no ovarian cancer screening test available. A pelvic exam may be administered to detect signs of enlarged ovaries. The transvaginal ultrasound (TVU) can help to determine whether there are any tumors on the ovaries by sending back images of the female reproductive system through a tube inserted through the vagina. Taking a biopsy of the tumor tissue is the only way to determine whether the tumor is cancerous. 

     If the tumor is potentially malignant, additional testing may be ordered by a gynecologic oncologist (GO), who specialize in diagnosing and treating ovarian cancers. Treatment usually immediately follows a diagnosis of ovarian cancer. Common treatments include chemotherapy or surgery to remove the ovaries and parts of the uterus and fallopian tubes if the cancer has metastasized. 

     While diagnosis of this disease can be difficult in its early stages, it is not impossible. Treatments for ovarian cancer are constantly advancing; despite their diagnosis, the life expectancies of women battling ovarian cancer have only gone up. Speaking with a doctor or GO about any changes in your body or symptoms you may have is vital to early detection and getting the treatment that’s right for you.

worked cited:

https://www.creative-diagnostics.com/blog/index.php/estrogen-and-progesterone/

Holland, Kimberly. “Ovarian Cancer Is Difficult to Diagnose — Here’s Why.” Healthline, 9 Aug. 2021, www.healthline.com/health/ovarian-cancer/how-a-diagnosis-is-determined#treatment-options.

“Ovarian Cancer.” Symptoms | MedlinePlus, medlineplus.gov/ovariancancer.html. Accessed 6 Aug. 2022.