What You Need to Know about Ovarian Cancer

Ovarian cancer is a cancerous growth in the ovary. A cancerous growth means that there is mass of malignant substance growing in the affected area... The fallopian tube is considered to be the common area where ovarian cancer occurs. Next to breast cancer, ovarian cancer is the second leading cause of death among women due to gynecologic infections.

The Silent Killer

In most medical journals and publications, ovarian cancer is known as the silent killer because the symptoms its causes are often inconclusive and may vary from case to case, which causes delay in prognosis wherein the disease is discovered only in the later stages.
Despite the variation in symptoms, the following are the most common complaints of those who suffer from ovarian cancer:

1. Abdominal pain
2. Back pain
3. Urinary urgency
4. Constipation
5. Tiredness
6. Pelvic pain
7. Vaginal bleeding
8. Weight loss

Despite the long list of the symptoms manifested by those who suffer from ovarian cancer, it does not totally contribute to an early and accurate detection of the disease because the abovementioned symptoms are also commonly encountered by women suffering from other less serious maladies... Women who suffer from ovarian cancer report that the symptoms they feel are persistent wherein the frequency and the number of symptoms represent a key factor in diagnosing the disease.

>> Ovarian Cancer – Pain Alleviation Methods

Drinking Tea May Guard Against Ovarian Cancer

Consuming two or more cups of tea a day over a period of time may reduce the risk of ovarian cancer dramatically, suggests a new study published in the Archives of Internal Medicine. And each additional cup of tea per day appears to provide significantly more protection, investigators found.

Because tea is the second most-consumed beverage in the world, its potential health benefits could have important implications for human health and disease prevention, says the Tea Council of the USA.

"An abundance of research suggests that tea may play a role in the reduction of risk of cardiovascular disease and various types of cancer," notes Joe Simrany, president of the trade organization. "These new findings suggest that drinking tea regularly may help to reduce the risk of ovarian cancer as well. This is good news and points to yet another area where tea may have a positive effect on health."

46 Percent Lower Ovarian Cancer Risk
Researchers at Sweden's National Institute of Environmental Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, examined the association between tea consumption and risk of ovarian cancer in 61,057 women 40 to 76 years of age who took part in the population-based Swedish Mammography Cohort.

The participants completed a validated 67-item food frequency questionnaire at enrollment between 1987 and 1990, and were followed for cancer incidence through December 2004.

At baseline, 68 percent of the participants reported drinking tea -- primarily black tea -- at least once a month. During 15.1 years of follow-up, 301 women were diagnosed as having epithelial ovarian cancer. The researchers found tea consumption of two or more cups of tea per day had a significant inverse association with risk of ovarian cancer.

Specifically, women who drank two or more cups of tea per day experienced a 46 percent lower risk of ovarian cancer, compared with women who drank no tea. Each additional cup of tea was associated with an 18 percent decreased risk of ovarian cancer.

Additional Health Benefits

A multitude of research studies suggest that drinking tea may contribute to overall health. Potential benefits include the following:

• Reduced risk of heart attack and stroke, and improved blood vessel function
• Less risk of certain cancers, including colorectal and skin cancers;
• Decreased levels of oxidative DNA damage and increases in antioxidant levels in the bloodstream; and
• Oral health benefits -- researchers believe certain compounds in tea may inhibit bacteria that cause bad breath and plaque, and the fluoride content in tea supports healthy tooth enamel.

>> What You Need to Know about Ovarian Cancer

Support Groups and Counseling For Ovarian Cancer

If you are living with ovarian cancer, it presents many new challenges for you and for your family and friends :

• You will probably have many worries about how the ovarian cancer will affect you and your ability to "live a normal life," that is, to care for your family and home, to hold your job, and to continue the friendships and activities you enjoy.
• Many people feel anxious and depressed. Some people feel angry and resentful; others feel helpless and defeated.

For most people with cancer, talking about their feelings and concerns helps :

• Your friends and family members can be very supportive. They may be hesitant to offer support until they see how you are coping. Do not wait for them to bring it up. If you want to talk about your concerns, let them know.
• Some people do not want to "burden" their loved ones, or they prefer talking about their concerns with a more neutral professional. A social worker, counselor, or member of the clergy can be helpful if you want to discuss your feelings and concerns about having ovarian cancer. Your gynecologist or oncologist should be able to recommend someone.
• Talking to other people who have cancer has profoundly helped many people. Sharing your concerns with others who have been through the same thing can be remarkably reassuring. Support groups of people with cancer may be available through the medical center where you are receiving your treatment. The American Cancer Society also has information about support groups all over the United States.

>> Drinking Tea May Guard Against Ovarian Cancer

Nutrition and Physical Activity, Follow Care and Complementary Medicine for Ovarian Cancer

Nutrition and Physical Activity

It is important for woman with ovarian cancer to take care of themselves taking care of yourself includes eating well and staying as active as you can you need the right amount of calories to maintain a good weight. You also need enough protein to keep up your strength. Eating well may help you feel better and have more energy.

Sometimes, especially during or soon after treatment, you may not feel like eating. You may be uncomfortable or tired. You may find that foods do not taste as good as they used to. In addition, the side effects of treatment (such as poor appetite, nausea, vomiting, or mouth sores) can make it hard to eat well. Your doctor, a registered dietitian, or another health care provider can suggest ways to deal with these problems.

Many women find they fell better when they stay active. Walking, yoga, swimming, and other activities can keep you strong and increase your energy. Whatever physical activity you choose, be sure to talk to your doctor before you start. Also, if your activity causes you pain or other problems, be sure to let your doctor o nurse know about it.

Follow-up care

You will need regular checkups after treatment for ovarian cancer. Even when there are no longer any signs of cancer. The disease sometimes returns because undetected cancer cells remained somewhere in your body after treatment.

Complementary medicine

It’s natural to want to help yourself feel better. Some people with cancer say that complementary medicine helps them feel better. An approach is called complementary medicine when it is used along with standard cancer treatment. Acupuncture, massage therapy, herbal products, vitamins or special diets, and meditation are examples of such approaches.

Talk with your doctor id you are thinking about trying anything new. Things that seem safe, such as certain herbal teas, may change the way our ovarian cancer treatment works. The changes could be harmful, and certain complementary approaches could be harmful even if used alone

>> Support Groups and Counseling For Ovarian Cancer

To know more about Chemotherapy for Ovarian Cancer

Chemotherapy

Chemotherapy uses anticancer drugs to kill cancer cells. Most women gave chemotherapy for ovarian cancer after surgery. Some women have chemotherapy before surgery.

Usually, more than one drug can given. Drugs for ovarian cancer can be given in different ways:

• By vein (IV) : the drugs can be given through a thin tube inserted into a vein.
• By vein and directly into the abdomen : some women get IV chemotherapy (IP) chemotherapy, the drugs are given through a thin tube inserted into the abdomen.
• By mouth : some drugs for ovarian cancer can be given by mouth.

Chemotherapy is given in cycles. Each treatment period is followed by a rest period. The length of the rest period and the number of cycles depend on the anticancer drugs used.

You may have your treatment in a clinic, at the doctor’s or at home. Some women may need to stay in the hospital during treatment.

This side effects of chemotherapy depend mainly on which drugs aregiven and how much. The drugs can harm normal cells that divide rapidly :

• Blood cells : these cells fight infection, help blood to clot, and carry oxygen to all parts of your body. When drugs affect your blood cells, you are more likely to get infections, bruise or bleed easily, and feel very weak and tired. Your health care team checks you for low levels, your health care team can suggest medicines that can help your body make new blood cells.
• Cells in hair roots : some drugs can cause hair loss. Your hair will grow back, but it may be somewhat different in color and texture.
• Cells that line the digestive tract : some drugs can cause poor appetite nausea and vomiting, diarrhea or mouth and lip sores. Ask your health care team about medicines that help with these problems.

Some drugs used to treat ovarian cancer can cause hearing loss, kidney damage, joint pain, and tingling or numbness in the hands or feet. Most of these side effects usually go away after treatment ends.

>> Nutrition and Physical Activity, Follow Care and Complementary Medicine for Ovarian Cancer

To know more about Surgery and Radiation for Ovarian Cancer

Traditional treatments include surgery, radiation, and chemotherapy (which carries their own risks and down sides). Prevention and Early Detection are the most effective measures in the fight against the disease. It is strongly recommended that proper screening and physical examination for cancerous growth be done regularly because early recognition is crucial for successful treatment and recovery.

Perhaps you want to know in every treatments that is available :

Surgery

The surgeon makes a ling cut in the wall of the abdomen. This type of surgery is called a laparotomy. If ovarian cancer is found, the surgeon removes :

• Both ovaries andfallopian tubes (salpingo-oophorectomy)
• The uterus (hysterectomy)
• The omentum (the thin, fatty pad of tissue that covers the intestines)
• Nearby lymph nodes
• Samples of tissue from the pelvis and abdomen

If the cancer has spread, the surgeon removes as much cancer as possible. This is called “debulking” surgery

If you have early stage I ovarian cancer, the extent of surgery may depend on whether you want to get pregnant and have children. Some women with very early ovarian cancer may decide with their doctor to have only one ovary, one fallopian tube, and the omentum removed.

You may be uncomfortable for the first few days after surgery. Medicine can help control your pain relief with your doctor or nurse. After surgery, your doctor can adjust the plan id you need more pain relief.

The time it takes to heal after surgery is different for each woman. You will spend several weeks before you return to normal activities.

If you have not gone through menopause yet, surgery may cause hot flashes. Vaginal dryness, and night sweats. These symptoms are caused by the sudden loss of female hormones. Talk with your doctor or nurse about your symptoms is that you can develop a treatment plan together. There are drugs and life style changes that can help and most symptoms go away or lessen with time

Radiation Therapy

Radiation therapy (also called radiotherapy) uses high-energy rays to kill cancer cells. A large machine directs radiation at the body.

Radiation therapy is rarely used in the initial treatment of ovarian cancer, but it may be used to relieve pain and other problems caused by the disease. The treatment is given at a hospital or clinic. Each treatment takes only a few minutes.

Side effects depend mainly on the amount of radiation given and the part of your body that is treated. Radiation therapy to your abdomen and pelvis may cause nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, or bloody stools, also, your skin in the treated area may become red, dry, and ender. Although the side effects can e distressing, your doctor can usually treat or control them. Also, they gradually do away after treatment ends.

>> To know more about Chemotherapy for Ovarian Cancer

Treatment for Ovarian Cancer

Many women with ovarian cancer want to take an active part in making decisions about their medical care. It is natural to want to learn all you can about your disease and treatment choices. Knowing more about ovarian cancer helps many women cope.

Shock and stress after the diagnosis can make it hard to think of everything you want to ask doctor. Your doctor may refer you to a gynecologic oncologist, a surgeon who specializes in treating ovarian cancer. Or you may ask for referral. Other types of doctors who help treat women with ovarian cancer include gynecologists, medical oncologists, and gynecologists, and radiation oncologists. You may have a team of doctors and nurses.

Before starting treatment, you might want a second opinion about your diagnosis and treatment plan.

It may take some time and effort to gather medical records and arrange to see another doctor. In most cases, a brief delay in starting treatment will not make treatment less effective. To make sure, you should discuss this delay with your doctor. Sometimes women with ovarian cancer need treatment right away.

The treatment Methods

Your doctor can describe your treatment choices and the expected results. Most women have surgery and chemotherapy . rarely, radiation therapy is used.

Cancer treatment can affect cancer cells in the pelvis, in the abdomen, or throughout the body

• Local therapy : Surgery and Radiation therapy are local therapies. They remove or destroy ovarian cancer in the pelvis. When ovarian cancer has spread to other parts of the body, local therapy may be used to control the disease in those specific areas
• Intraperitoneal chemotherapy : chemotherapy can be given directly into abdomen and pelvis through a thin tube. The drugs destroy or control cancer in the abdomen and pelvis.
• Systemic chemotherapy : when chemotherapy is taken by mouth or injected into a vein, the drugs enter the bloodstream and destroy or control cancer throughout the body.

You may want to know how treatment may change your normal activities. Because cancer treatments often damage healthy cells and tissues, side effects depend mainly on the type and extent of the treatment. Side effects may not be the same for each woman, and they may change from one treatment session to the next. Before treatment starts, your health care team will explain possible side effects and suggest ways to help your manage them.

>> To know more about Surgery and Radiation for Ovarian Cancer

The stages of Ovarian Cancer

Ovarian cancers are classified in stages I through IV.

Stages I, II, and III are further described by the letters A, B, or C depending on the location of the tumor, the presence of metastasis, and other factors. Stage IV cancer is not subdivided.

• Stage I of Ovarian Cancer - limited to one or both ovaries
  IA - involves one ovary; capsule intact; no tumor on ovarian surface; no malignant cells in ascites or peritoneal washings
  IB - involves both ovaries; capsule intact; no tumor on ovarian surface; negative washings
  IC - tumor limited to ovaries with any of the following: capsule ruptured, tumor on ovarian surface, positive washings
• Stage II of Ovarian Cancer - pelvic extension or implants
  IIA - extension or implants onto uterus or fallopian tube; negative washings
  IIB - extension or implants onto other pelvic structures; negative washings
  IIC - pelvic extension or implants with positive peritoneal washings
• Stage III of Ovarian Cancer - microscopic peritoneal implants outside of the pelvis; or limited to the pelvis with extension to the small bowel or omentum
  IIIA - microscopic peritoneal metastases beyond pelvis
  IIIB - macroscopic peritoneal metastases beyond pelvis less than 2 cm in size
  IIIC - peritoneal metastases beyond pelvis > 2 cm or lymph node metastases
• Stage IV of Ovarian Cancer - distant metastases to the liver or outside the peritoneal cavity
  Para-aortic lymph node metastases are considered regional lymph nodes (Stage IIIC).

>> Treatment for Ovarian Cancer

Test to detect Ovarian Cancer

To plan the best treatment for Ovarian Cancer, your doctor needs to know the grade of the tumor (see diagnosis) and the extent (stage) of the Ovarian Cancer disease.

The stage is based on whether the tumor has invaded nearby tissues tissues, whether the cancer has spread, and if so, to what parts of the body.

Usually doctor may order test to find out whether the cancer has spread:

• CT Scan : doctors often use CT scans to make pictures of organs and tissues in the pelvis or abdomen. An X-ray machine linked to a computer takes several pictures. You may receive contrast material by mouth and by injection into your arm or hand. The contrast material helps the organs or tissues show up more clearly. Abdominal fluid or a tumor may show up on the CT scan
• Chest x-ray : x-rays of the chest can show tumors or fluid.
• Barium enema x-ray : your doctor may order a series of x-rays of the lower intestine. You are given an enema with a barium solution. The barium outlines the intestine on the x-rays. Areas blocked by cancer may show up on the x-rays.
• Colonoscopy : your doctor inserts a long, lighted tube into the rectum and colon. This exam can elp tell if cancer has spread to the colon or rectum.

>> The stages of Ovarian Cancer

Risk factors for Ovarian Cancer

Doctors cannot always explain why one woman can develops ovarian cancer and another does not. However, we do know that woman certain risk factors may be more likely than others to develop ovarian cancer. A risk factor is something that may increase the chance of developing a disease.

Studies have found the following risk factors for ovarian cancer :

1. Family history of cancer : Women who have a mother, daughter, or sister with ovarian cancer have an increased risk of the disease. Also, women with a family history of cancer of the breast, uterus, colon, or rectum may also have an increased risk of ovarian cancer. If several women in a family have ovarian or breast cancer, especially at a young age, this is considered a strong family history. If you hae a strong family history of ovarian or breast cancer, you may wish to toal to a genetic counselor. The counselor may suggest genetic testing for you and the women in your family. Genetic tests can sometimes show the presence of specific gene changes that increase the risk of ovarian cancer.
2. Personal history of cancer : Women who had cancer og the breast, uterus, colon, or rectum have a higher risk of ovarian cancer.
3. Age over 50 : Most women are over age 55 when diagnosed with ovarian cancer.
4. Never pregnant : Older women who have never been pregnant have an increased risk of ovarian cancer.
5. Menopausal hormone therapy : Some studies have suggested that women who take estrogen by itself (estrogen without progesterone) for 10 or more years may have an increased risk of ovarian cancer.

Scientists have also studied whether taking certain fertility drugs, using talcum powder, or being obese are risk factors. It is not clear whether these are risk factors, but if they are, they are not strong risk factors.

Having a risk factor does not mean that a woman will get ovarian cancer. Most women who have risk factors do not get ovarian cancer. Most women who have risk factors do not get ovarian cancer. On the other hand, women who do get the disease often have no known risk factors, except for growing older. Women who think they may be at risk of ovarian cancer should talk with their doctor.

>> Test to detect Ovarian Cancer

to know more about Exam and Test For Ovarian Cancer

Perhaps you want to know in every Exam and Test for Ovarian Cancer, The test may include :

• Physical exam : your doctor checks general signs of health. Your doctor may press on your abdomen to check for tumors or an abnormal buildup of fluid (ascites). A sample of fluid can be taken to look for ovarian cancer cells.
• Pelvic exam : your doctor feels he ovaries and nearby organs for lumps or other changes in their shape or size. A pap test is part of a normal pelvic exam, but it is not used to collect ovarian cells. The pap test detects cervical cancer. The pap test is not used to diagnose ovarian cancer.
• Blood test : your doctor may order blood test. The lab may check the level of several substances, including CA-125. CA-125 is a substance found on the surface of ovarian cancer cells and on some normal tissues. A high CA-125 level could be a sign of cancer or other conditions. The CA-125 test is not used alone to diagnose ovarian cancer. this test is approved by the food and drug administration for monitoring a woman’s response to ovarian cancer treatment and for detecting its return afte r treatment.
• Ultrasound : the ultrasound device uses sound waves that people cannot hear. The device aims sound waves at organs inside the pelvis. The waves bounce off organs. A computer creates a picture from echoes. The picture may show an ovarian tumor. For the better view of the ovaries, the device may be inserted into the vagina (transvaginal ultrasound).
• Biopsy : a biopsy is the removal of tissue or fluid to look for cancer cells. Based on the results of the lood tests and ultrasound, your doctor may suggest surgery (a laparotomy) to remove tissue and fluid from the pelvis and abdomen. Surgery is usually needed to diagnose ovarian cancer.

>> Risk factors for Ovarian Cancer

Causes and Screening test for Ovarian Cancer

Causes of Ovarian Cancer

The causes of ovarian cancer remain unknown. Some researchers believe it has to do with the tissue-repair process that follows the monthly release of an egg through a tiny tear in an ovarian follicle (ovulation) during a woman's reproductive years. The formation and division of new cells at the rupture site may set up a situation in which genetic errors occur. Others propose that the increased hormone levels before and during ovulation may stimulate the growth of abnormal cells.

Obesity : Various studies have looked at the relationship of obesity and ovarian cancer. Overall, it does seem that obese women (those with a body mass index of at least 30) do have a higher risk of developing ovarian cancer. A study from the American Cancer Society also found a higher rate of death from ovarian cancer in obese women. The risk was increased by 50% in the heaviest women. The incidence of ovarian cancer increases steadily with age, with most cases found in women 55 to 75 years of age. It occurs with equal frequency in each of the two ovaries.

Screening test for Ovarian Cancer

If you have a symptoms that suggest ovarian cancer, your doctor must find out whether it is due to cancer or to some other cause. You doctor may ask about your personal and family medical history. You may have one or more of the following tests.

The test may include :

• Physical exam
• Pelvic exam
• Blood test
• Biopsy

Although most women have a laparotomy for diagnosis, some women have a procedure known as laparoscopy. The doctor inserts a thin lighted tube (a laparoscope) through a small incision in the abdomen. Laparoscopy may be used to remove a small, benign cyst or an early ovarian cancer. It may also be used to learn whether cancer has spread.

A pathologist uses a microscope to look for cancer cells in the tissue or fluid. If ovarian cancer cells are found, the pathologist describes the grade of the cells. Grades 1, 2, and 3 describe how abnormal the cancer cells look. Grade 1 cancer cells are not as likely as to grow and spread as grade 3 cells.

>> to know more about Exam and Test For Ovarian Cancer

The Symptoms of Ovarian Cancer

Ovarian cancer is often called "The Silent Killer" because the symptoms are so nonspecific and are often blamed on something else. Thus it is possible to have been experiencing early warning signs of this disease for years and not realize anything is seriously wrong. This is very understandable, as the symptoms, if they are seen at all, most often seem benign at first. However, if you have had one or more of these symptoms for several weeks or months, please consider calling your physician and scheduling a check-up.

Cancer is a scary word and most people would prefer to just assume everything is fine and hope whatever is bothering them simply "goes away." However, consider that ovarian cancer statistics show that 70% to 80% of diagnoses are made in late stages when the prognosis is not so good.

To give yourself the best chance at long-term survival and even a complete cure, these are 8 of the symptoms to watch out for:

1. Abdominal pain
2. Back pain
3. Urinary urgency
4. Constipation
5. Tiredness
6. Pelvic pain
7. Vaginal bleeding
8. Weight loss

Most often these symptoms are not due to cancer, but only doctor can tll for sure. Any woman with these symptoms should tell her doctor.

>> Causes and Screening test for Ovarian Cancer

What is Ovarian Cancer ?

What is the Ovarian?

The ovaries : the ovaries are part of a women’s reproductive system. they are in the pelvis. Each ovary is about the size of an almond, The ovaries make the female hormones – estrogen an progesterone. They also release egg. An egg travels from an ovary through a fallopian tube to the womb (uterus). When a women goes through her “change of life” (menopause), her ovaries stop releasing eggs and make far lower levels of hormones.

What is Cancer?

Cancer begins in cells, the building blocks that make up tissues. Tissues make up the organs of the body. Normally, cells grow and divide to form new cells as the body needs them. When cells grow old, they die and new cells take their place.
Sometimes, this orderly process goes wrong. New cells form when the body does not need them, and old cells do not die when they should. These extra cells can form a mass of tissue called a growth or tumor.

Benign and Malignant Cysts
An ovarian cyst may be found on the surface of an ovary or inside it. A cyst contains fluid. Sometimes it contains solid tissue too. Most ovarian cyst are benign (not cancer).
Most ovarian cysts go away with the time. Sometimes, a doctor will find a cyst that does not go away or that gets larger. He doctor may order test to make sure that the cyst is not cancer.

Ovarian Cancer

Ovarian cancer is a cancerous growth in the ovary. A cancerous growth means that there is mass of malignant substance growing in the affected area. The fallopian tube is considered to be the common area where ovarian cancer occurs. Next to breast cancer, ovarian cancer is the second leading cause of death among women due to gynecologic infections.

Estimated news cases and deaths from ovarian cancer in the united states in 2009, about 14.600 people in the U.S death, in approximately 21.550 new cases of ovarian cancer each year.

Ovarian cancer can invade, shed, or spread to other organs.

When cancer spreads from tis original place to another part of the body, the new tumor has the same kind of abnormal cells and the same name as the original tumor. For example, id ovarian cancer spreads to the liver, the cancer cells in the liver are actually ovarian cancer cells. The disease is metastatic ovarian cancer, not liver cancer. Doctors call the new tumor “distant” or metastatic disease.

>> The Symptoms of Ovarian Cancer