|
Ovarian Cancer
Description
There are many types of ovarian cancer, and cure and treatment success depends on how early ovarian cancer is detected. Ninety-five percent of women will live longer than five years, if ovarian cancer is detected before it has spread beyond the ovaries. Presently, only 25% of ovarian cancer cases in the U.S. are diagnosed in the early stages, because there is no simple screening test for ovarian cancer. Also, once symptoms develop and a woman seeks medical care, the cancer is often advanced. In advanced stages, 5-year survival rates drop to 28%. Ovarian cancer is the fifth leading cause of cancer deaths among women.
Symptoms
None in the early stages
Family history of ovarian cancer should alert a woman that she should be followed closely.
Abdominal pressure or bloating
Changes in bowel or bladder patterns
Nausea, feeling full early when eating, constipation, and gas
Excessive fatigue
Weight loss
Bowel obstruction
Diagnosis
Pelvic examination reveals an enlarged ovary
Ultrasound
Computed tomography (CT)
Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)
Blood tests (CA-125, CEA)
Laparoscopy
Exploratory laparotomy
Treatment
Surgery to remove all visible cancer and involved structures
Chemotherapy
Radiation therapy
Supportive care
|
|
|
|
|
|
|