What is Ovarian Cancer?

The ovaries are part of a woman's reproductive system. The reproductive system is made up of the vagina, womb or uterus (which includes the cervix), fallopian tubes and ovaries. The Ovaries produce the hormones estrogen, progesterone and testosterone, as well as release eggs during a woman's reproductive years.

Types

There are more than 30 types and subtypes of ovarian malignancies. Because of this, most experts group ovarian cancers within three major categories, according to the kind of cells from which they were formed.

Epithelial ovarian tumors: The most common form of ovarian cancer. It originates in the layer of cells that cover the ovary and the entire abdominal cavity. Epithelial tumors are further subdivided into three categories, benign, borderline and invasive carcinoma
Germ Cell tumors: Among the least common ovarian tumors, it occurs primarily in children and teens. Cancer begins in the egg-producing cells inside the ovaries. Like surface epithelial tumors, germ cell tumors can also be benign or malignant; there is no intermediate group.

Sex Cord-Stromal: Ovarian cancer that originates in the connective tissue of the ovaries, which also produce the female sex hormones. It's the least common type of ovarian tumors. They derive from the stromal component of the ovary. Since hormone production occurs in the stroma, tumors derived from this part of the ovary can be associated with abnormal production of sex steroid hormones.

Risk factors

The exact cause of ovarian cancer is not known. Having one or more of these risk factors does not necessarily mean that you will develop ovarian cancer.
History: Women with a mother, sister, grandmother or aunt who has had ovarian cancer have a higher risk of developing it.

• No children: The greater number of pregnancies, the lower the risk for developing ovarian cancer. Women who breastfeed further reduce their risk.
  
  
• History of breast, colorectal or endometrial cancer: Women who have been diagnosed with one of these cancers have a higher risk of developing ovarian cancer.
  
  
• Race: Ovarian cancer occurs more frequently in white women than in African American women.
  
  Hormone replacement therapy in post menopausal women: this slightly increases the risk for ovarian cancer.
  
  
• Hormone Replacement Therapy in post-menopausal women: Studies have shown a link between HRT and ovarian cancer.
  
  
• Smoking and Diet Factors
  

Symptoms

Symptoms of ovarian cancer are not specific to the disease and they often mimic those of other more-common conditions, including digestive and bladder problems. Ovarian cancer symptoms tend to be persistent and worsen with time. In most cases, symptoms are not apparent in the early stages of the disease. Signs and symptoms of ovarian cancer may include:

• Pain in lower abdomen
  
• Full feeling in the abdomen; Bloating
  
• Constipation
  
• Pain during sex
  
• Balk pain
  
• Swollen abdomen
  
• Loss of appetite
  
• Shortness of breath
  
• Tiredness