Ovarian cancer is a cancer that forms in or on an ovary. It results in abnormal cells that have the ability to invade or spread to other parts of the body When this process begins, there may be no or only vague symptoms. Symptoms become more noticeable as the cancer progresses.These symptoms may include bloating, pelvic pain, abdominal swelling, and loss of appetite, among others. Common areas to which the cancer may spread include the lining of the abdomen, lymph nodes, lungs, and liver.

The risk of ovarian cancer increases in women who have ovulated more over their lifetime. This includes those who have never had children, those who begin ovulation at a younger age and those who reach menopause at an older age. Other risk factors include hormone therapy after menopause, fertility medication, and obesity.Factors that decrease risk include hormonal birth control, tubal ligation, and breast feeding. About 10% of cases are related to inherited genetic risk; women with mutations in the genes BRCA1 or BRCA2 have about a 50% chance of developing the disease. Ovarian carcinoma is the most common type of ovarian cancer, comprising more than 95% of cases There are five main subtypes of ovarian carcinoma, of which high-grade serous carcinoma (HGSC) is the most common. These ovarian tumors are believed to start in the cells covering the ovaries, though some may form at the Fallopian tubes Less common types of ovarian cancer include germ cell tumors^]and sex cord stromal tumors A diagnosis of ovarian cancer is confirmed through a biopsy of tissue, usually removed during surgery.

Screening is not recommended in women who are at average risk, as evidence does not support a reduction in death and the high rate of false positive tests may lead to unneeded surgery, which is accompanied by its own risks. Those at very high risk may have their ovaries removed as a preventive measure If caught and treated in an early stage, ovarian cancer is often curable.Treatment usually includes some combination of surgery, radiation therapy, and chemotherapy Outcomes depend on the extent of the disease, the subtype of cancer present, and other medical conditions. The overall five-year survival rate in the United States is 49%. Outcomes are worse in the developing world

Signs and Symptoms

Early symptoms

Early signs and symptoms of ovarian cancer may be absent or subtle. In most cases, symptoms exist for several months before being recognized and diagnosed. Symptoms can be misdiagnosed as irritable bowel syndrome. The early stages of ovarian cancer tend to be painless. Symptoms can vary based on the subtype. Ovarian borderline tumors, also known as low malignant potential (LMP) ovarian tumors, do not cause an increase in CA125 levels and are not identifiable with an ultrasound. The typical symptoms of an LMP tumor can include abdominal distension or pelvic pain. Particularly large masses tend to be benign or borderline

Later symptoms

The growing mass may cause pain if ovarian torsion develops. Symptoms can be caused by a mass pressing on the other abdominopelvic organs or from metastases If these symptoms start to occur more often or more severely than usual, especially after no significant history of such symptoms, ovarian cancer is considered. Metastases may cause a Sister Mary Joseph nodule. Rarely, teratomas can cause growing teratoma syndrome or peritoneal gliomatosis. Some experience menometrorrhagia and abnormal vaginal bleeding after menopause in most cases. Other common symptoms include hirsutism, abdominal pain, virilization, and an adnexal mass

Journal of Cancer Diagnosis is an open access peer-reviewed journal dealing with articles on different aspects of Physical exam, Laboratory tests, Imaging tests, Biopsy, Breast Cancer Diagnosis, Mammogram and breast ultrasound, Biopsy, Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), Tumour biomarkers, Lung Cancer Diagnosis, Imaging tests, Sputum cytology, Tissue biopsy, Ovarian Cancer Diagnosis, Imaging tests, Blood test, Surgery, Tumour markers, tide specific antigen (TPS), Neuron specific enolase (NSE), Carcino Embryonic antigen (CEA), Liver Cancer Diagnosis, etc.

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