What is Ovarian Cancer?
Ovarian cancer is not a single disease. There are over 30 types and sub-types of ovarian malignancies, each with their own histopathologic (diseased tissue) appearance and biological behavior.
Ovarian cancers can start in different kinds of tissues that compose the ovary, but they most often start in the most superficial layer. The tumors can form weak strands that shed from the tumor and enter the abdominal cavity, forming other tumors.
This cancer develops slowly and provokes few symptoms. There are no screening examinations that enable early detection. Most ovarian tumors are benign and look like cysts with liquid. Sometimes malignant tumors can occur.
Ovarian cancer affects one or both ovaries. It is uncommon, but often goes undetected until advanced stages, making it the leading cause of death from gynecological cancers worldwide.
Stages of Ovarian Cancer
- Stage I: Cancer found in one or both ovaries (earliest stage).
- Stage II: Cancer found in the pelvic region.
- Stage III: Cancer has spread to areas of the abdomen.
- Stage IV: Cancer has spread beyond the abdomen to other parts of the body, such as the lungs (most advanced stage).
Grade of Ovarian Tumors
- Low-grade tumors: Look most like normal ovarian tissue.
- High-grade tumors: Look least like normal ovarian tissue.
The stage and grade of ovarian cancer help guide treatment decisions.
Risk Factors for Ovarian Cancer
- Age older than 55.
- Family history of breast, ovarian, colon, or endometrial cancer.
- Personal history of breast cancer.
- Mutations in BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes.
- Never having had children.
- Infertility.
- Endometriosis.
- Lynch syndrome.
Another important risk factor is a strong family history of ovarian and breast cancer. Hereditary Breast and Ovarian Cancer (HBOC) syndrome is an inherited risk of breast, ovarian, and other cancers. HBOC syndrome is most commonly linked to mutations in the BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes. As many as 24 in 100 cases of ovarian cancer are due to mutations in these genes.
How is Ovarian Cancer Diagnosed?
Pelvic Examination
A doctor manually examines the ovaries and surrounding organs for lumps or abnormalities. However, early-stage ovarian cancer is often hard to detect this way.
Imaging Tests
Ultrasound (transvaginal or abdominal), CT scans, or MRI scans are used to visualize the ovaries and detect tumors, cysts, or fluid buildup.
CA-125 Blood Test
This test checks for elevated levels of CA-125, a protein that can be higher in women with ovarian cancer. However, it’s not definitive on its own.
Biopsy or Surgery
If cancer is suspected, tissue samples are taken during surgery (like a laparoscopy or laparotomy) to confirm diagnosis and determine the stage.
Genetic Testing
Tests for BRCA1, BRCA2, and other genetic mutations may be done to assess inherited cancer risk and guide treatment.
Ovarian Cancer Symptoms to Watch For
If you have any of the following symptoms, especially if you have them for more than 12 days per month:
- Bloating or an increase in abdominal size
- Pelvic or abdominal pain
- Difficulty eating or feeling full quickly
- Urinary symptoms (frequency and urgency)
Other symptoms can include vaginal bleeding, especially after menopause, and a change in bowel habits. Having these symptoms does not mean that you have ovarian cancer, but it is a good idea to find out what is causing them.
Treatment Depends On
- Type of ovarian cancer
- Stage of the cancer
- Whether you wish to have children
- Whether you have a gene fault
- Your general health and fitness
Ovarian Cancer Prevention
Ovarian cancer prevention focuses on reducing risk factors and increasing early detection. Regular pelvic exams and discussing family history with your doctor are important. Women with BRCA gene mutations may consider genetic counseling or testing. Using oral contraceptives for several years can also lower the risk. Awareness of personal health and symptoms is a key preventive strategy.
Maintaining a healthy weight and balanced diet supports ovarian health. Avoiding hormone replacement therapy unless necessary can also reduce risk. Tubal ligation or hysterectomy, in some cases, lowers the chance of ovarian cancer. Those at high genetic risk may opt for preventive (prophylactic) surgery. Consulting your healthcare provider helps tailor personalized prevention plans.
Unfortunately, no guaranteed method prevents ovarian cancer completely. However, lifestyle choices and medical interventions can significantly reduce the odds. Staying informed about symptoms like bloating, pelvic pain, or frequent urination is vital. Routine gynecological checkups can catch early warning signs. Empower yourself with education and proactive healthcare decisions.
faqs
Ovarian cancer is a type of cancer that begins in the ovaries — the female reproductive glands that produce eggs. It often goes undetected until it has spread, which makes early detection critical.
Ovarian cancer is known as a “silent killer” because early symptoms are vague. Common signs include:
- Bloating
- Pelvic or abdominal pain
- Feeling full quickly or difficulty eating
- Frequent or urgent urination
⚠️ These symptoms can be mistaken for less serious conditions, so persistence is key — if symptoms last more than 2 weeks, talk to your doctor.
The exact cause is unknown, but risk factors include:
- Family history of ovarian or breast cancer
- BRCA1 or BRCA2 gene mutations
- Age (most cases occur after menopause)
- Never having been pregnant
- Hormone replacement therapy
There’s currently no reliable screening test for early ovarian cancer for the general population. Regular pelvic exams help, but they often don’t detect early-stage disease.
Diagnosis may involve:
- Pelvic exams
- Ultrasounds or CT scans
- Blood tests (especially CA-125)
- Biopsy or surgery to confirm cancer
Treatment usually includes:
- Surgery (to remove the tumor or ovaries)
- Chemotherapy
- Targeted therapy or immunotherapy (in some cases)
Early-stage cancer may only require surgery, while later stages often need a combination of treatments.
Survival depends on the stage at diagnosis:
- Early-stage (Stage I): 90% 5-year survival rate
- Advanced-stage: Drops significantly — around 30% for Stage III and IV
👉 Early detection improves outcomes dramatically.
You can’t fully prevent it, but risk may be reduced by:
- Taking birth control pills (with a doctor's guidance)
- Removing ovaries in high-risk women (preventive surgery)
- Genetic counseling if there’s a family history
- Women over 50
- Women with a personal or family history of breast, ovarian, or colorectal cancer
- Those with BRCA gene mutations
Speak to your doctor. If you have symptoms or a family history of ovarian or breast cancer, you may be referred to a gynecologic oncologist or genetic counselor.
