What is ovarian cancer?

Ovarian cancer is the abnormal growth of cells in or near your ovaries. The ovaries are two small glands, located on either side of your uterus. They produce female sex hormones and store and release eggs. Ovarian cancer can occur in anyone who has female pelvic organs.

In some cases, ovarian cancer may cause early symptoms. The most common symptoms of ovarian cancer include:

• Frequent bloating.
• Pain in your belly or pelvis.
• Trouble eating, or feeling full quickly.
• Urinary problems, such as an urgent need to urinate or urinating more often than usual.

If you have one or more of these symptoms, and it occurs almost daily for more than 2 or 3 weeks, talk with your doctor.

These symptoms are common for some people. They may not mean that you have ovarian cancer. But the early symptoms of ovarian cancer follow a pattern:

• They start suddenly.
• They feel different than your normal digestive or menstrual problems.
• They happen almost every day and don't go away.

Other symptoms of ovarian cancer include:

• Fatigue.
• Indigestion.
• Back pain.
• Pain with intercourse.
• Constipation.
• Menstrual cycle changes.

But these symptoms are also common in some people who don't have ovarian cancer.

Your doctor may check you for ovarian cancer if a lump is found on an ovary during a pelvic exam or an ultrasound. You will likely also get a physical exam. You will be asked about any symptoms, your medical history, and your family’s history of cancer.

You may also get some tests. They include lab tests. One of these is a blood test called CA-125. Too much CA-125 (cancer antigen 125) in your blood can be a sign of ovarian cancer. Other tests may also include imaging tests, such as an ultrasound or a CT scan.

If these tests show signs of cancer, you will get a biopsy. This involves surgery to remove an ovary. Tissue from the ovary will be looked at under a microscope to see if it has cancer cells.

Treatment for ovarian cancer is based on the stage of the cancer and other things, such as your overall health. The main treatment is:

Surgery.

The most common surgery removes the ovaries and fallopian tubes plus the uterus. The doctor may also remove nearby lymph nodes and check other tissues for signs of cancer.

Other treatments may include:

Chemotherapy.

These medicines kill fast-growing cells, including cancer cells and some normal cells. Chemotherapy is usually given after surgery.

Targeted therapy.

These medicines target cancer cells and may cause less harm to normal cells.

Immunotherapy.

This treatment helps your immune system fight cancer.

Endocrine therapy.

These medicines block hormones that cause certain cancers to grow. This helps slow or stop cancer growth.

In some cases, a clinical trial may be a good choice.

Your doctor will talk with you about your options and then make a treatment plan.

• Take your medicines exactly as prescribed. Call your doctor if you think you are having a problem with your medicine. You may get medicine for nausea and vomiting if you have these side effects.
• Eat healthy food. If you do not feel like eating, try to eat food that has protein and extra calories to keep up your strength and prevent weight loss. Drink liquid meal replacements for extra calories and protein. Try to eat your main meal early. Eating smaller portions more often may help as well.
• Get some physical activity every day, but do not get too tired. Keep doing the hobbies you enjoy as your energy allows.
• Take steps to control your stress and workload. Learn relaxation techniques.
  • Share your feelings. Stress and tension affect our emotions. By expressing your feelings to others, you may be able to understand and cope with them.
  • Consider joining a support group. Talking about a problem with your spouse, a good friend, or other people with similar problems is a good way to reduce tension and stress.
  • Express yourself through art. Try writing, dance, art, or crafts to relieve tension. Some dance, writing, or art groups may be available just for people who have cancer.
  • Be kind to your body and mind. Getting enough sleep, eating a healthy diet, and taking time to do things you enjoy can contribute to an overall feeling of balance in your life and help reduce stress.
  • Get help if you need it. Discuss your concerns with your doctor or counselor.
• If you are vomiting or have diarrhea:
  • Drink plenty of fluids to prevent dehydration. Choose water and other clear liquids. If you have kidney, heart, or liver disease and have to limit fluids, talk with your doctor before you increase the amount of fluids you drink.
  • When you are able to eat, try clear soups, mild foods, and liquids until all symptoms are gone for 12 to 48 hours. Other good choices include dry toast, crackers, cooked cereal, and gelatin dessert, such as Jell-O.
• Take care of your urinary tract to prevent problems such as infection, which can be caused by ovarian cancer and its treatment. Limit drinks with caffeine, drink plenty of fluids, and urinate every 3 or 4 hours.
• If you have not already done so, prepare a list of advance directives. Advance directives are instructions to your doctor and family members about what kind of care you want if you become unable to speak or express yourself.