Ovarian cancer (tumor)

General or Other | - Others | Ovarian cancer (tumor) (Disease)


Description

Ovarian cancer actually represents a group of different tumors that arise from diverse types of tissue contained within the ovary. The most common type of ovarian cancer arises from the epithelial cells (the outside layer of cells) of the surface of the ovary. Other, rare types of ovarian cancer develop from the egg-forming germ cells or from the supporting tissue (stroma) of the organ.

Benign (noncancerous) tumors and cysts are also found in the ovary and are much more common than ovarian cancers. Symptoms may include heavy feeling in pelvis, pain in lower abdomen, bleeding from the vagina, weight gain or loss, abnormal periods, unexplained back pain that gets worse, gas, nausea, vomiting, or loss of appetite.

Causes and Risk factors

Ovarian cancer usually happens in women over age 50, but it can also affect younger women. Its cause is unknown. Ovarian cancer is hard to detect early. The sooner ovarian cancer is found and treated, the better chance for recovery. But ovarian cancer is hard to detect early. Many times, women with ovarian cancer have no symptoms or just mild symptoms until the disease is in an advanced stage and hard to treat.

Diagnosis and Treatment

Treatment is usually surgery followed by treatment with medicines called chemotherapy. ...