Ovarian Cancer
By Emma Zubrod
Ovarian cancer is cancer that forms in the tissues of the ovary.
Stages of ovarian cancer
- Stage I. Ovarian cancer is confined to one or both ovaries.
- Stage II. Ovarian cancer has spread to other locations in the pelvis, such as the uterus or fallopian tubes.
- Stage III. Ovarian cancer has spread beyond the pelvis or to the lymph nodes within the abdomen.
- Stage IV. Ovarian cancer has spread to organs beyond the abdomen, such as the liver or the lungs.
Do you have ovarian cancer?
In 2012 there were 21,990n reported cases of ovarian cancer in the US and around 15,460 deaths.
What are some symptoms?
- Abnormal vaginal bleeding or discharge
- Pelvic pain or pressure
- Bloating
- Changes in bathroom habits
There are many tests that can conform ovarian cancer. Here are several common ones:
- Pelvic examination
- Ultrasound
- Surgery to remove samples of tissues for testing
- CA 125 blood test
The cause of ovarian cancer is still unknown.
How do you treat ovarian cancer?
When treating ovarian cancer, stages are important. There are three main ways to treat ovarian cancer. The most common method is surgically removing the cancer. Two more ways are using drugs to kill the cancer cells and using radiation treatment.
How do you prevent ovarian cancer?
It's not completely certain what causes ovarian cancer, so there is no real way to prevent it.