Ovarian Cancer
What is Ovarian cancer?
Ovarian cancer is a disease that begins when abnormal cells in the ovaries grow out of control. The ovaries are two small organs in the female reproductive system that produce eggs and hormones. There are several types of ovarian cancer, with epithelial ovarian cancer being the most common.
Germ cell tumors and stromal tumors are less common types that start in different parts of the ovary. Each type behaves differently and may require different treatment approaches. Ovarian cancer often goes undetected in early stages because symptoms can be vague or mistaken for other conditions.
Early detection is challenging but important for better outcomes. When found early, treatment is often more effective. Understanding your risk factors and paying attention to persistent symptoms can help you catch changes sooner.
Symptoms
- Bloating or swelling in the abdomen that does not go away
- Pelvic or abdominal pain or discomfort
- Feeling full quickly when eating or loss of appetite
- Frequent or urgent need to urinate
- Changes in bowel habits like constipation
- Unexplained weight loss or weight gain
- Fatigue that does not improve with rest
- Back pain that develops without clear cause
- Abnormal vaginal bleeding or discharge
Many women with early ovarian cancer have no symptoms at all. When symptoms do appear, they are often subtle and easy to dismiss. If you experience these symptoms daily for more than two weeks, talk to your doctor.
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Causes and risk factors
The exact cause of ovarian cancer is not fully understood, but it involves DNA changes that make cells grow abnormally. Age is a significant risk factor, with most cases occurring after menopause. Women who have never been pregnant or who had their first child after age 35 face higher risk. Family history of ovarian, breast, or colon cancer increases your chances, especially if you carry BRCA1 or BRCA2 gene mutations.
Hormone replacement therapy, especially estrogen-only therapy for more than 5 years, may raise risk. Endometriosis has also been linked to certain types of ovarian cancer. Factors that may lower risk include having multiple pregnancies, breastfeeding, using birth control pills, and having your tubes tied. Maintaining a healthy weight and avoiding smoking also support ovarian health.
How it's diagnosed
Diagnosing ovarian cancer typically begins with a pelvic exam and imaging tests like ultrasound or CT scans. Blood tests can measure tumor markers that may be elevated in certain types of ovarian cancer. Rite Aid offers add-on tests including Alpha Fetoprotein, which can be elevated in germ cell ovarian cancers, Anti-Mullerian Hormone, which may be elevated in granulosa cell tumors, and CA 27.29, which can be elevated in some ovarian cancers.
These blood tests are most useful for monitoring treatment response and watching for recurrence rather than initial diagnosis. A definitive diagnosis requires a biopsy, where tissue is removed and examined under a microscope. Your doctor may also order genetic testing if you have a family history of cancer. Getting tested at Rite Aid through Quest Diagnostics locations can help you track relevant tumor markers as part of your monitoring plan.
Treatment options
- Surgery to remove tumors, often including removal of ovaries, fallopian tubes, and uterus
- Chemotherapy to kill cancer cells throughout the body
- Targeted therapy drugs that attack specific cancer cell characteristics
- Hormone therapy to block hormones that fuel certain cancer types
- Eating a nutrient-dense diet with plenty of vegetables, fruits, and lean proteins
- Staying physically active as tolerated to maintain strength and reduce fatigue
- Managing stress through meditation, counseling, or support groups
- Working with a care team including oncologists, surgeons, and nutritionists
- Regular follow-up blood tests and imaging to monitor for recurrence
- Considering clinical trials for access to new treatment options
Need testing for Ovarian cancer? Add it to your panel.
- Simple blood draw at your nearest lab
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Frequently asked questions
Early ovarian cancer often causes no symptoms, which makes it hard to detect. When symptoms do appear, they may include bloating, pelvic pain, feeling full quickly, and urinary urgency. These symptoms become more frequent and persistent as the disease progresses. If you have these symptoms daily for more than two weeks, see your doctor.
Blood tests can measure tumor markers like Alpha Fetoprotein, CA 27.29, and Anti-Mullerian Hormone that may be elevated in certain ovarian cancers. However, these tests are not typically used for initial diagnosis because they can be normal even when cancer is present. They are most useful for monitoring treatment response and checking for recurrence after diagnosis. A tissue biopsy is needed for definitive diagnosis.
Women over age 50, especially after menopause, face the highest risk. Family history of ovarian, breast, or colon cancer increases risk, particularly with BRCA gene mutations. Never having been pregnant, endometriosis, and long-term hormone replacement therapy also raise risk. About 10 to 15 percent of ovarian cancers are linked to inherited gene mutations.
Ovarian cysts are fluid-filled sacs that are usually benign and often go away on their own. They are very common, especially in women of reproductive age. Ovarian cancer involves abnormal cell growth that invades nearby tissue and can spread to other parts of the body. While most cysts are harmless, persistent or complex cysts may need further evaluation to rule out cancer.
Survival rates depend heavily on the stage at diagnosis. When found early and confined to the ovary, the 5-year survival rate is around 90 percent. Unfortunately, most cases are diagnosed at advanced stages when the cancer has spread. Advanced ovarian cancer has lower survival rates, which is why early detection efforts are so important.
While you cannot eliminate all risk, certain lifestyle choices may help. Maintaining a healthy weight and staying physically active support overall health. Using birth control pills for several years may lower risk. Having children and breastfeeding are also associated with reduced risk. Avoiding smoking and limiting alcohol intake support cellular health throughout your body.
A gynecologic oncologist specializes in cancers of the female reproductive system and typically leads treatment. Your care team may also include medical oncologists who manage chemotherapy, radiation oncologists, surgeons, and nurses. Dietitians, genetic counselors, and mental health professionals often play important supporting roles. Working with a specialized team improves outcomes and quality of life during treatment.
There is currently no routine screening test recommended for average-risk women because available tests have not been proven to save lives. Women with strong family history or BRCA mutations may benefit from more frequent monitoring. Your doctor may recommend pelvic exams, transvaginal ultrasounds, or blood tests based on your individual risk. Paying attention to persistent symptoms is your best early warning system.
Genetic testing looks for inherited mutations like BRCA1 and BRCA2 that significantly increase ovarian cancer risk. If you have a family history of breast or ovarian cancer, testing can help guide prevention strategies. Women who test positive may consider preventive surgery or enhanced monitoring. Genetic testing also helps guide treatment decisions if you are diagnosed with ovarian cancer.
Yes, ovarian cancer can recur, especially if it was diagnosed at an advanced stage. Recurrence may happen months or years after initial treatment ends. Regular follow-up with blood tests and imaging helps detect recurrence early. When cancer returns, treatment options may include additional surgery, different chemotherapy drugs, or newer targeted therapies.