Ovarian Cancer
Also known as: Cancer of the Ovary, Epithelial Ovarian Cancer
Ovarian cancer is a group of cancers originating in or near the ovaries, fallopian tubes, or peritoneum, with epithelial ovarian cancer being the most common type. It is often called the 'silent killer' because early symptoms are vague and easily attributed to other conditions, leading to diagnosis at an advanced stage in about 60% of cases. It is the fifth leading cause of cancer death among women in the United States.
Symptoms
Causes
- Acquired genetic mutations in ovarian or fallopian tube cells
- Inherited BRCA1 or BRCA2 gene mutations
- Lynch syndrome (hereditary nonpolyposis colorectal cancer)
- Chronic ovulation without interruption (no pregnancies, no oral contraceptive use)
Risk Factors
- BRCA1/BRCA2 mutation carriers
- Family history of ovarian, breast, or colon cancer
- Age over 50 (most cases diagnosed after menopause)
- Never having been pregnant (nulliparity)
- Endometriosis
- Hormone replacement therapy after menopause
Diagnosis
- Pelvic examination
- Transvaginal ultrasound
- CA-125 blood test (elevated in many ovarian cancers, but nonspecific)
- CT scan or MRI for staging
- Surgical biopsy and pathological staging (definitive diagnosis)
Treatment
- Cytoreductive (debulking) surgery to remove as much tumor as possible
- Platinum-based chemotherapy (carboplatin + paclitaxel)
- PARP inhibitors (olaparib, niraparib) for BRCA-mutated tumors
- Bevacizumab (anti-angiogenic therapy)
- Intraperitoneal chemotherapy for advanced disease
- Clinical trials for recurrent disease
Prevention
- Oral contraceptive use (reduces risk by 30–50% with 5+ years of use)
- Risk-reducing bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy for high-risk BRCA carriers
- Genetic counseling and testing for those with strong family history
- Breastfeeding and pregnancy may offer some protection
When to See a Doctor
- Persistent bloating, pelvic pain, or urinary changes lasting more than 2 weeks
- Family history of ovarian or breast cancer, especially BRCA mutations
- Pelvic mass found on examination or imaging
- Postmenopausal bleeding
Frequently Asked Questions
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