ovarian cancer symptoms and signs

ovarian cancer symptoms and signs

Ovarian Cancer Symptoms and Early Warning Signs

Medical Author: Melissa Conrad Stöppler, MD
Medical Editors: Dennis Lee, MD and William C. Shiel Jr., MD, FACP, FACR

Cancer of the ovary (ovarian cancer) is the ninth most common cancer in women in the U.S. with almost 22,000 women newly diagnosed each year. Ovarian cancer is the fifth leading cause of cancer deaths in women. It frequently does not result in symptoms until the cancer has spread extensively beyond the ovary.

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.

Ovarian cancer facts

Ovarian cancer facts Medically Written by Melissa Conrad Stöppler, MD

    Most ovarian growths in women under age 30 are benign, fluid-filled cysts.
    There are several types of ovarian cancer.
    The exact causes of ovarian cancer are unknown.
    Risk factors that increase the chance of developing ovarian cancer include a family history of cancer, being over 55 years of age, and never being pregnant.
    The ovarian cancer symptoms and signs can be vague but may include abdominal swelling, pressure, or pain, frequent urination or urinary urgency, back pain, leg pain, unusual vaginal bleeding, and feeling full quickly.
    There are no routine screening tests for ovarian cancer.
    A physical examination (including pelvic exam), ultrasound, X-rays, the CA 125 blood test, and biopsy of the ovary may be needed to detect and diagnose ovarian cancer and determine staging.
    The treatment, prognosis, and survival rate for ovarian cancer depend on the stage of the disease and the age and health of the woman.