Ovarian Tumors

Is cancer that is found in the Ovaries
Are typically viewed as common however most are benign.

Some malignant tumors cause reproductive tract cancer.

The ovarian and reproductive tracts are very complex.

This leads to a variety of ovarian tumors and patterns

Typical lifetime risk is 1.5% – 7 % depending on no risk factors to two or more family members affected.

Hereditary factors such as mutation in genes associated are BRCA1 and BRCA2

BRCA1 has an associated risk of 45% and BRCA2 risk is 25%

Surgery is often recommended after 35 or when child bearing is complete

***Most often no symptoms are experience by the individual

Symptoms:

   -    Abdominal pain
   -    Back pain
   -    Mass or nodule
   -    Abnormal vaginal bleeding
   -    Ascites
   -    Urinary urgency
   -    Decrease or loss of appetite
   -    Indigestion
   -    Constipation
   -    Bloating
   -    Weight loss

Three types are recognized:
1. Epithelial Tumors – 85% – these occur in the tissue termed epithelial that cover the outer layer of the ovaries
2. Germ Cell Tumors – occur in the cells whose function is to produce eggs and is often seen in women of younger age
3. Stromal Tumors – are found in ovarian tissue referred to as connective tissue where estrogen and progesterone are produced

CT, Ultrasound, X-ray, Biopsies may be appropriate

Staging

Stage I  –  Remains in one or both ovaries
Stage II  -  Extends into pelvic region
Stage III  –  Extends into pelvic region and beyond such as small bowel
Stage IV  –  Distant spread to other organs such as liver liver

Cancer spreading to other locations can be seen with malignant forms

Typically 75% of women diagnosed with ovarian cancer have advanced disease and often have spreading of cancer.

Treatment
   -    Surgical removal is often necessary
   -    Chemotherapy