Ovarian cancer, or cancer of the ovaries, is the fifth most common cause of cancer-related death among females in the United States. . The ovaries are a pair of small organs located low in the tummy that are connected to the womb and store a woman's supply of eggs. Ovarian cancer mainly affects women who have been through the menopause (usually over the age of 50), but it can sometimes affect younger women.

Most ovarian cancers start in the epithelium, or outer lining, of the ovary. In the early stages, there may be few or no symptoms. If symptoms do occur, they can resemble those of other conditions, such as premenstrual syndrome, irritable bowel syndrome, or a temporary bladder problem. However, in ovarian cancer, the symptoms will persist and worsen. Early symptoms may includeTrusted Source:

• Pain or pressure in the pelvis
• Unexpected vaginal bleeding
• Pain in the back or abdomen
• Bloating
• Feeling full rapidly when eating
• Changes in urination patterns, such as more frequent urination
• Changes in bowel habits, such as constipation

If any of these symptoms last for 2 weeks or more, a person should see a doctor. The symptoms can change if the cancer spreads to other parts of the body.

Types of Ovarian Cancer:

The ovaries are made up of three types of cells. Each cell can develop into a different type of tumor:

• Epithelial tumors form in the layer of tissue on the outside of the ovaries. About 90 percent of ovarian cancers are epithelial tumors.
• Stromal tumors grow in the hormone-producing cells. Seven percent of ovarian cancers are stromal tumors.
• Germ cell tumors develop in the egg-producing cells. Germ cell tumors are rare.

Diagnosis:

A pelvic exam can help your doctor discover irregularities, but small ovarian tumors are very difficult to feel. As the tumor grows, it presses against the bladder and rectum. Your doctor may be able to detect irregularities during a rectovaginal pelvic examination. Your doctor may also do the following tests:

• Transvaginal ultrasound (TVUS).
• Abdominal and pelvic CT scan.
• MRI scan.
• Blood test
• Biopsy

It’s important to note that, although all of these tests can help guide your doctor toward a diagnosis, a biopsy is the only way your doctor can confirm whether you have ovarian cancer.

What are the stages of ovarian cancer?

Your doctor determines the stage based on how far the cancer has spread. There are four stages, and each stage has substages:

STAGE 1- Stage 1 ovarian cancer has three substages:
Stage 1A- The cancer is limited, or localized, to one ovary.
Stage 1B- The cancer is in both ovaries.
Stage 1C- There are also cancer cells on the outside of the ovary.

STAGE 2- Stage 2 has three substages:
Stage 2A- The cancer has spread to the uterus or fallopian tubes.
Stage 2B- The cancer has spread to the bladder or rectum.

STAGE 3- Stage 3 ovarian cancer has three sub-stages:
Stage 3A- The cancer has spread microscopically beyond the pelvis to the lining of the abdomen and the lymph nodes in the abdomen.
Stage 3B- The cancer cells have spread beyond the pelvis to the lining of the abdomen and are visible to naked eye but measure less than 2 cm.
Stage 3C- Deposits of cancer at least 3/4 of an inch are seen on the abdomen or outside the spleen or liver. However, the cancer isn’t inside the spleen or liver.

STAGE 4- Stage 4 is when the tumor has metastasized, or spread, beyond the pelvis, abdomen, and lymph nodes to the liver or lungs. There are two substages in stage 4:
Stage 4A- The cancerous cells are in the fluid around the lungs.
Stage 4B- The most advanced stage, the cells have reached the inside of other internal organs like spleen, liver, etc.

Treatment:

Treatment will depend on many factors, including:

• The type, stage, and grade of the cancer
• The individual’s age and overall health
• Their personal preferences
• Accessibility and affordability of treatment

The main treatments are:

• Surgery to remove as much of the cancer as possible – this will often involve removing both ovaries, the womb and the tubes connecting them to each other (fallopian tubes)
• Chemotherapy– this is usually used after surgery to kill any remaining cancer cells, but is occasionally used before surgery to shrink the cancer
• Targeted therapy is a type of treatment that uses drugs (like Bevacizumab sold under the trade name Avastin) or other treatments to identify and target specific cancer cells without harming normal cells.
• Radiation therapy: This technique uses X-rays to kills cancer cells. One way to do this is by introducing a radioactive liquid into the peritoneum. This may help people with advanced ovarian cancer.

Treatment will aim to cure the cancer whenever possible. If the cancer has spread too far to be cured, the aim is to relieve symptoms and control the cancer for as long as possible.