Cancer of the ovary that mainly affects women over 40 years old and is usually diagnosed at a late stage as there are few signs and symptoms in the early stages of the disease.
There are four main types:
Epithelial ovarian cancer
Affects surface of ovary from the layer of cells (the epithelial layer) lining the ovaries and fallopian tubes
It is most common type of ovarian cancer
Germ cell tumour
Cancer of cell that make the female eggs
Common form of ovarian cancer in those between 10-30 years of age.
Stromal tumour
Cancer of cells that hold ovaries together.
It is aggressive in the young and non- aggressive in adults pending on which cells are affected.
Small cell carcinoma of the ovary (rare)
This condition can lead to:
Ascites
An increased or high level of fluid collection within the peritoneum (the sac that contains the intestines within the abdominal cavity- the outside lining of the organs- this space has peritoneal fluid which helps to reduce friction between the belly and the organs during digestion).
The blood volume is reduced and the kidney then responds and try to retain salt and water in the body, this causes further swelling.
Ascites can also be caused by cancer, heart failure, kidney failure, inflammation of the pancreas (pancreatitis), and tuberculosis affecting the lining of the abdomen.
Symptoms include:
Increased abdominal swelling and belly size
Ankle swelling
Shortness of breath
Feeling full after eating small amounts of food
Appetite loss
Varices
Described as enlarged veins. Blood that is meant for the portal system, is diverted to and gathers in other veins as it makes its way to the heart these include along the oesophagus, stomach , intestines, rectum and/or anus.
This can put pressure on blood vessels and they can rupture and bleed.
Anyone with the above condition and bleeds from any orifice must seek urgent medical attention
Cervical screening does not detect ovarian cancer
Cause
Unknown
Family history of ovarian cancer:
Known cancer genes within the family (BRCA1 carries 65-85% breast cancer risk and 40-50 cancer risk, BRCA2 carries 40-85% breast cancer risk and 10-25% ovarian risk)
Please talk to your healthcare professional (i.e. Medical Doctor/Pharmacist) for further advice
Detailed Information
Please copy and paste any key words from the title: Ovarian Cancer in the following respective 'Medtick References and/or Sources' to find out more about the disease (this also may include diagnosis tests and generic medical treatments).
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