Ovarian cancer
The ovaries are a pair of organs in the female reproductive system. They are located in the
pelvis, one on either side of the uterus (the hollow, pear-shaped organ where a baby grows), and
are each about the size and shape of an almond. The ovaries have two functions: they produce eggs
and female hormones (chemicals that control the way certain cells or organs function).
The ovaries are also the main source of the female hormones estrogen and progesterone. These
hormones influence the development of a woman's breasts, body shape, and body hair. They also
regulate the menstrual cycle and pregnancy.
A malignant tumor that begins in the ovaries is called ovarian cancer. There are several
types of ovarian cancer. Ovarian cancer that begins on the surface of the ovary (epithelial
carcinoma) is the most common type and will be covered here. More rare are ovarian cancer that
begins in the egg-producing cells (germ cell tumors) and cancer that begins in the supportive
tissue surrounding the ovaries (stromal tumors).
Ovarian cancer cells can break away from the ovary and spread to other tissues and organs in
a process called shedding. When ovarian cancer sheds, it tends to seed (form new tumors) on the
peritoneum (the large membrane that lines the abdomen) and on the diaphragm (the thin muscle that
separates the chest from the abdomen). Fluid may collect in the abdomen. This condition is known as
ascites. It may make a woman feel bloated, or her abdomen may look swollen.
Ovarian cancer cells can also enter the bloodstream or lymphatic system (the tissues and
organs that produce and store cells that fight infection and disease). Once in the bloodstream or
lymphatic system, the cancer cells can travel and form new tumors in other parts of the body.
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Risk factors
Factors that may increase or decrease the chance of developing this disease. -
Help from your doctor
A helpful list for your visit. -
Symptoms and detection of ovarian cancer
Signs and symptoms. -
Therapies
Options and considerations after diagnosis.
- About 1 in every 57 women in the United States will develop ovarian cancer.
- Most cases occur in women over the age of 50, but this disease can also affect younger women.
