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Ovarian Cancer

Definition

Ovarian Cancer affects the ovaries. The ovaries are a woman's reproductive organs which produce steroid hormones as well as eggs, called ova. Ovarian cancer usually occurs after menopause. In fact, 50% of ovarian tumors occur in women aged 40 to 60 and 40% over age 60. Like other cancers, ovarian cancer is a disease of body cells.

Getting Diagnosed / Treatment

Most of patients with ovarian cancer are treated in the U-M Comprehensive Cancer Center's Gynecologic Oncology Clinic. Gynecologic Oncology Clinic. Read about:

How does ovarian cancer occur?

Cancerous tumors in the ovaries can not only invade and destroy surrounding normal tissues, their cells can metastasize, which means they break away and spread to other parts of the body. Generally, it will involve the abdominal cavity. Women who have never had children are twice as likely to develop this cancer as those who have given birth. There are usually no obvious symptoms of ovarian cancer until late in its development. If there is a symptom of ovarian cancer present, it will most likely be an enlarged abdomen caused by the accumulation of fluid.

How is ovarian cancer treated?

Surgery and drug therapy are the primary treatment options for ovarian cancer. Surgery usually involves removing both ovaries, the fallopian tubes and the uterus as well as any cancer deposits in the abdominal cavity.

How can I get more information about ovarian cancer?

Call the Cancer AnswerLine at 800-865-1125 and speak directly to a cancer nurse or visit their web page.

 

Updated 1/2006

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University of Michigan Comprehensive Cancer Center
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This site is part of the U-M Health System. The information presented is not a tool for self diagnosis or a substitute for professional care. © 2008 U-M Comprehensive Cancer Center