Ovarian Cancer

Ovarian cancer is exactly what the name suggests, the uncontrolled development of cells in and around the ovarian region. This can only affect women, as men do not have ovaries.

Ovarian cancer caused by asbestos

Medical studies and testing are still being conducted to confirm the link between asbestos exposure and the development of ovarian cancer. Some earlier studies have shown that in almost one quarter of people tested that have been known to have been exposed to asbestos developed ovarian cancer  after a certain period of time. This could mean that the two are actually linked, and that asbestos does increase the risk of developing ovarian cancer.

Ovarian cancer symptoms

Women, older or younger, may experience the following symptoms when suffering from ovarian cancer:

  • Difficulty eating and swallowing, feeling full after eating much less than you normally do
  • Pain in the back or legs
  • Urinary issues
  • Sexual intercourse causes pain
  • Pelvic or abdominal pain (constant)

These, including other uncommon symptoms might be signs of ovarian cancer.

Ovarian cancer stages

Newer studies have revealed that ovarian cancer was not staged correctly because the staging system used was not developed specifically for this type of cancer. The following are the updated stages and supposedly correct of ovarian cancer:

  • Stage I – in this stage the cancer is limited to one or both ovaries
  • Stage II – the cancer spreads to the pelvic area, maybe even some nearby organs
  • Stage III – the cancer will further extend to other organs
  • Stage IV – Metastases are beginning to appear all over the body

Ovarian cancer treatment

This type of cancer can only be treated by traditional treatment methods, such as surgery, chemotherapy and radio therapy. Small tumors can be removed by surgery and the remaining cancerous tissue is killed using the other two methods. The treatment cycle largely depends on the stage of the disease when discovered and on the physical strength of the patient.

Ovarian cancer survival rate

The prognosis of ovarian cancer depends on numerous factors, and it is not a very accurate one. Most patients that are diagnosed early survive ovarian cancer, but those that are diagnosed late only reach about 6 to 12 months. These are details that need to be discussed with your physician.
 

Please feel free to ask us anything regarding ovarian cancer. Valuable information can only be received that way, and, it is totally and completely free.