Ovarian Cancer

CancerGuru Types of Cancer Ovarian

Overview

Ovarian cancer begins in the ovaries, which are small organs in the female reproductive system where eggs are made. It can be hard to detect because symptoms usually do not show up until the cancer has spread. Treatment often includes surgery, chemotherapy, and other cancer therapies.

What is Ovarian Cancer?

Ovarian cancer happens when abnormal cells in the ovaries or fallopian tubes grow too fast and form a tumor. These cells can spread and damage healthy tissue in the body. The ovaries are two small organs on either side of the uterus that produce eggs and female hormones like estrogen and progesterone. Although each ovary is about the size of an almond, cancer that starts here can grow quickly and be hard to detect in the early stages.

This type of cancer usually develops in the tissues of an ovary but may also begin in the fallopian tubes. It can be difficult to catch early because symptoms often appear only after the cancer has spread. Doctors treat ovarian cancer with surgery to remove the tumor and chemotherapy to kill cancer cells. In some cases, other treatments may be added depending on how far the cancer has progressed.

Types of Ovarian Cancer

The type of cell where ovarian cancer starts helps determine the kind of cancer you have and guides your doctor in choosing the right treatment. There are a few main types of ovarian cancer:

Epithelial Ovarian Cancer: This is the most common type of ovarian cancer. It includes several subtypes, such as serous carcinoma and mucinous carcinoma.
Stromal Tumors: These are rare tumors that often get diagnosed earlier than other types of ovarian cancer.
Germ Cell Tumors: These uncommon cancers usually develop at a younger age.

Risk Factors

Several factors may raise your risk of developing ovarian cancer. Some are linked to your age or family history, while others are related to lifestyle or health conditions. Understanding these risks can help you talk with your doctor about your health and possible screening options.

Older Age: The chance of getting ovarian cancer increases as you age. Most cases are diagnosed in people over the age of 50.
Inherited Gene Changes: Some gene changes passed down from your parents, such as BRCA1 and BRCA2, can raise your risk of ovarian and breast cancer. Other gene changes, like those related to Lynch syndrome, BRIP1, RAD51C, and RAD51D, may also play a role.
Family History: If close relatives, such as your mother, sister, or daughter, have had ovarian cancer, your risk may be higher.
Being Overweight or Obese: Having extra body weight has been linked to a greater chance of developing ovarian cancer.
Hormone Replacement Therapy: Using hormone therapy after menopause, especially for a long time, may slightly increase your risk.
Endometriosis: This condition causes tissue like the lining of the uterus to grow outside of it, which may raise the risk of ovarian cancer.
Menstruation Timing: Starting your period early or going through menopause late means longer exposure to hormones, which may increase risk.
Never Being Pregnant: People who have never been pregnant may have a slightly higher chance of developing ovarian cancer.

Symptoms

Ovarian cancer can grow and spread in the abdomen before causing any clear signs, which makes it hard to catch early. Many symptoms can be mistaken for common issues, so it's important to pay attention to any changes in your body. Possible symptoms include:

Pelvic or abdominal pain, bloating, or discomfort
Changes in appetite or feeling full quickly
Unusual vaginal bleeding or discharge, especially after menopause or between periods

Changes in bowel habits, like diarrhea or constipation
A swollen or larger abdomen
Needing to urinate more often

If you notice any of these symptoms and they don’t go away, it’s a good idea to see a healthcare provider.

Causes

The risk of ovarian cancer goes up as you get older. In the UK, more than half of all cases are found in women aged 65 and above. But anyone with ovaries can develop ovarian cancer.

You may have a higher risk if you:

Inherited a gene change, like BRCA1, BRCA2, or one linked to Lynch syndrome
Have had breast or bowel cancer
Had radiotherapy for another cancer
Have endometriosis or diabetes
Started your periods early, went through menopause after age 55, or have never had a baby, these factors may mean you’ve ovulated more over your lifetime

Have never used hormonal contraception, like the pill or an implant
Are taking hormone replacement therapy (HRT)
Are overweight
Smoke

Even if you’ve had your ovaries removed, it’s still possible to get ovarian cancer. That’s because it can also start in the fallopian tubes or the lining of the abdomen (peritoneum).

Diagnosis

Even though researchers have been studying ovarian cancer for many years, there’s still no reliable screening test for it. Because of this, it’s often hard to find cancer in its early stages. If your doctor thinks you might have ovarian cancer, they’ll first ask about your symptoms and do a pelvic exam. During this exam, they’ll feel for any unusual lumps or enlarged organs.

They may also recommend more tests, such as:

Imaging Tests

Doctors might use different imaging tools, including:

Pelvic ultrasound
MRI (magnetic resonance imaging)
CT scan (computed tomography)
PET scan (positron emission tomography)

Blood Tests

These tests check for a substance in your blood called CA-125. High CA-125 levels can point to cancer, but they aren’t always accurate. Some people with cancer have normal levels, and some people without cancer have high levels. That’s why doctors use blood tests along with other tests.

Surgery

Sometimes, doctors can confirm ovarian cancer during surgery. If they see unusual growths, they may remove them during the same operation.

Laparoscopy

This is a type of surgery where the doctor makes a small cut in your belly and inserts a thin tube with a camera (called a laparoscope). Using this tool, and a few more small instruments, they can check how far the cancer has spread, take tissue samples, and sometimes even remove tumors.

Treatments

Even after years of research, there’s still no reliable test to screen for ovarian cancer. Because of this, it’s often hard to catch it in the early stages. Treatment usually includes both surgery and chemotherapy. In some cases, other treatments may also be used.

Surgery: There are different types of surgery depending on how far the cancer has spread:

Removing one ovary: If the cancer is only in one ovary, doctors may remove that ovary and its fallopian tube. This option may still allow you to have children.
Removing both ovaries: If both ovaries have cancer but the rest of the body looks clear, doctors might remove both ovaries and fallopian tubes. The uterus stays in place, so pregnancy using frozen embryos or donor eggs may still be possible.
Removing ovaries and uterus: If cancer has spread more or if you don’t plan to have children, doctors may remove the ovaries, fallopian tubes, uterus, nearby lymph nodes, and a layer of tissue in the belly called the omentum.
Surgery for advanced cancer: If the cancer has spread widely, doctors may try to remove as much of it as possible. Chemotherapy may be given before or after surgery in this case.

Chemotherapy: is the only treatment prescribed for leukemia. It defines a process or method by using chemicals to destroy or limit the growth of cancer cells. These drugs may be taken orally, injected into a vein or under the skin, or inserted as a suppository. As a rule, two or even more agents are combined in their usage, although some can be administered as a single agent.
Chemotherapy: This treatment uses drugs to kill fast-growing cells, including cancer. The drugs may be given through a vein or taken by mouth. Chemotherapy is often used after surgery to get rid of any remaining cancer cells. It can also be given before surgery to shrink the cancer. In some cases, heated chemotherapy drugs are placed directly into the belly during surgery. The drugs stay there for a short time before being drained, and then surgery continues.
Targeted therapy: These treatments go after specific weaknesses in cancer cells. By targeting those weak spots, the drugs can help kill the cancer. Your doctor may test your cancer to find out which targeted drugs might work best.
Hormone therapy: Some ovarian cancers grow when exposed to estrogen. Hormone therapy uses drugs to block estrogen and may help slow or stop the cancer. This type of treatment is sometimes used for slow-growing cancers or if the cancer returns later.
Immunotherapy: This treatment helps your immune system find and attack cancer cells. Some cancer cells can hide from the immune system, but immunotherapy works by stopping that. Immunotherapy may be an option in certain cases of ovarian cancer.

Side Effects of Treatment

Treatments for ovarian cancer can be effective, but they often cause side effects. These side effects depend on the type of treatment you receive, such as surgery, chemotherapy, hormone therapy, targeted therapy, or immunotherapy.

Pain and soreness after the operation
Tiredness during recovery
Swelling or infection around the surgical area

Changes in bowel or bladder habits
Early menopause (if both ovaries are removed)
Loss of fertility (if ovaries or uterus are removed)

Nausea and vomiting
Hair loss
Fatigue
Increased risk of infection (due to low white blood cell count)

Mouth sores
Loss of appetite
Numbness or tingling in hands and feet (nerve damage)
Changes in taste

Hot flashes
Mood changes
Weight gain

Vaginal dryness
Fatigue
Bone thinning (if taken long-term)

Diarrhea
High blood pressure
Fatigue

Skin rash
Nausea
Low blood counts (fewer red or white blood cells)

Skin rash or itching
Fatigue
Fever

Joint or muscle pain
Diarrhea or stomach pain
In rare cases, the immune system may attack healthy organs

Some side effects go away after treatment ends, but others may last longer or become permanent. Always talk to your healthcare team about what to expect and how to manage side effects during and after treatment.

Support

Living with ovarian cancer can be physically and emotionally challenging. Support is an important part of care, and it comes in many forms. Getting the right help can make a big difference during and after treatment.

Medical Support

Your healthcare team includes doctors, nurses, counselors, and other specialists. They help manage symptoms, side effects, and emotional health. Regular checkups and open communication with your care team are key to staying informed and supported.

Emotional Support

Being diagnosed with cancer can bring up many emotions—fear, sadness, anger, or anxiety. Talking to a mental health professional, joining a support group, or speaking with others who have had ovarian cancer can help you feel less alone.

Family and Friends

Loved ones can offer comfort, help with daily tasks, attend doctor's visits, and just be there when you need someone to talk to. Don’t be afraid to ask for help or share how you’re feeling.

Practical Support

You may need help with transportation, work, childcare, or paying for treatment. Social workers, nonprofit organizations, and cancer centers often assist or can connect you with helpful resources.

Online and Community Resources

There are many support groups and programs, both online and in person, that offer information, connection, and encouragement. These can help share experiences and learn from others.

Research

Scientists and doctors are working hard to better understand ovarian cancer. Research plays a big role in finding new ways to detect, treat, and prevent disease.

Finding Better Screening Tests

One of the biggest challenges is finding ovarian cancer early. Right now, there’s no simple test that works well for early detection. Researchers are studying new blood tests, genetic markers, and imaging tools to help spot the cancer sooner.

Improving Treatment Options

Studies are looking at how to make treatments like chemotherapy, targeted therapy, and immunotherapy more effective. Researchers are also testing new drugs and drug combinations to help people with advanced or recurring ovarian cancer.

Understanding Genetics

Some ovarian cancers are linked to inherited gene changes, like BRCA1 or BRCA2. Research in this area helps doctors identify people at higher risk so they can take steps early. It also helps guide personalized treatment plans. treatment to a person’s unique type of cancer.

Clinical Trials

Clinical trials test new treatments or methods. People with ovarian cancer can choose to join these studies to try the latest options while helping doctors learn more about what works best.

Improving Quality of Life

Research also focuses on reducing side effects, supporting mental health, and improving life during and after treatment. The goal is not just to treat cancer but to help people feel better while doing so.

Ongoing research gives hope for better care, earlier diagnosis, and longer survival. Each study brings us one step closer to better outcomes for those affected by ovarian cancer.

Prevention

There’s no guaranteed way to prevent ovarian cancer, but some steps may help lower your risk:

Taking birth control pills may reduce the risk of ovarian cancer. But these pills can have side effects, so it’s important to talk to your doctor. They can help you decide if this option is safe and suitable for you.

If you have close family members with breast or ovarian cancer, share this with your doctor. They can help you understand your own risk and may refer you to a genetic counselor. Genetic testing can show if you have certain gene changes that raise your chances of getting ovarian cancer.

If you do have a higher genetic risk, you might consider surgery to remove your ovaries. This step is sometimes taken to help prevent cancer, especially for those with a strong family history or known gene changes.

Questions to Ask your Healthcare Provider about Ovarian Cancer

If you've been diagnosed with ovarian cancer, it can help to ask your doctor questions like:

Q1. Where is the tumor located?
Q2. Has the cancer spread, and if so, to where?
Q3. What treatments do you suggest for me?
Q4. How long will the treatment last?
Q5. Can I continue working while getting treated?
Q6. Are there any support programs or resources for ovarian cancer?