Ovarian Cancer

Alternative Treatments

Alternative Treatments Alternatives to Hysterectomy Surgery The proliferation of hysterectomies has led to numerous questions regarding both its necessity and the overwhelming repercussions it poses to women. As more than 600,000 women in the United States undergo this procedure each year, the general public and medical community has voiced concern over the essential question of whether a hysterectomy is always needed in these types of cases. While it certainly may be a necessity in some cases and…

Basics of Undergoing a Hysterectomy

Basics of Undergoing a Hysterectomy What You Need to Know As with undergoing any major medical procedure, being well informed is a top priority when considering a hysterectomy. The second most common surgery for women after C-sections, hysterectomies are performed frequently throughout the world. In America, it is estimated that one out of every three women may undergo this procedure before the age of 60. Although safe, a hysterectomy does entail some risks and can certainly impact the lives of…

Before a Hysterectomy

Before a Hysterectomy Questions to Ask Before Hysterectomy Surgery As a hysterectomy can certainly be a stressful experience, taking steps to understand the procedure, what to expect, and whether it is right for you should always be a priority. From weighing all of your available options and alternative treatments to considering the ways in which this procedure can affect your life physically and emotionally, it becomes clear that there is much to think about before making a decision. At Hysterectomy.com,…

Life After a Hysterectomy

Life After a Hysterectomy Navigating the Healing Process A serious medical procedure that poses risks and physical side effects, hysterectomy surgery also entails a number of emotional implications that have the ability to impact your life in numerous, profound, and deeply personal ways. As you prepare for life after hysterectomy or as you begin to navigate the new changes after surgery, ensuring that you know what to expect and that you have access to the information and support you need is important…

Recovering From Hysterectomy Surgery

Recovering From Hysterectomy Surgery After the Procedure While the type of hysterectomy surgery performed and the underlying condition at hand will always impact your recovery after a hysterectomy surgery, there are some general effects and challenges all women can expect after this procedure. As always, personally reviewing what you can expect with your doctor will ensure that you have information that relates specifically to your situation. After Surgery Depending on the procedure you undergo,…

How to Avoid a Hysterectomy Surgery

How to Avoid a Hysterectomy Surgery Prevention, Intervention & Understanding Your Options Hysterectomy surgery is often a matter of personal choice. Although some conditions may dictate treatment and make a hysterectomy a medical necessity, many women now have a number of options to choose from when it comes to finding safe and effective treatments for their particular condition. If you are interested in exploring ways in which your medical condition can be safely resolved without a hysterectomy,…

Hysterectomy Surgery Risks

Hysterectomy Surgery Risks Knowing What to Expect When considering hysterectomy surgery, understanding the benefits and risks is essential to making a well-informed decision. Although every woman should assess whether or not hysterectomy is the right choice on an individual basis, it is important to understand that all types of hysterectomy surgeries will entail some inherent risks. On a general basis, a hysterectomy will pose similar risks and complications associated with any major surgery,…

Types of Hysterectomy Surgeries

Types of Hysterectomy Surgeries Understanding Your Options For any woman who has been informed by their doctor that their condition can be treated with a hysterectomy, the removal of the uterus, it is important to understand that options are available. Taking preemptive measures to research, collect information, engage in discussions with your doctor, and explore all available means and methods is crucial to making an informed decision that is right for you. As hysterectomy surgeries vary in…

Reasons for a Hysterectomy

Reasons for a Hysterectomy Conditions & Disorders Strong social opinions muddled by a numerous misconceptions have made hysterectomy a procedure shrouded in misinformation and uncertainty. Once used as a standard in the treatment of numerous female reproductive conditions, increased awareness about various medical conditions as well as advances in medical science and viable treatment alternatives have contributed to our collective knowledge about hysterectomy. In general terms, hysterectomy…

Overview and Statistics

Ovarian cancer is the growth of cancerous, malignant cells originating in the ovaries. Malignant cancer cells can metastasize, or spread, either to other organs in the pelvis and abdominal region or through the bloodstream or lymph nodes to other parts of the body. According to statistics published by the American Cancer Society and the Surveillance, Epidemiology and End Results (SEER) Program of the National Cancer Institute, an estimated 22,240 new cases of ovarian cancer will be diagnosed in the United States in 2013, more than 60% of which are expected to be fatal.

According to data, ovarian cancer mortality rates have shown little improvement throughout the years, especially in comparison to other forms of cancer. This is largely due to the lack of early detection and diagnostic tests, as well as the general elusiveness of ovarian cancer. Ovarian Cancer is the 10th most common cancer affecting women, and the fifth leading cause of cancer-related deaths among women.

Causes, Symptoms & Diagnosis

There is no definitive cause for ovarian cancer. While it is not clear what causes this disease, medical science has discovered that cancer generally begins when healthy cells acquire a mutation that causes abnormal cells to grow and spread rapidly. As these cancerous cells multiply and accumulate, they form a tumor, which can metastasize throughout the body. Depending on the type of cell from which the cancerous tumors originate, ovarian cancer may be classified as epithelial tumors (the most common), germ cell carcinoma tumors, or stromal carcinoma tumors.

Epithelial - These are cancerous cells that develop in the epithelium, the layer of tissue covering the ovaries. Epithelial tumors account for roughly 90% of ovarian cancers and are most common among postmenopausal women.

Germ cell carcinoma - These are cancerous cells that begin in egg-producing cells. Germ cell carcinoma tumors make up approximately five percent of ovarian cancer cases and are most often found in younger women.

Stromal carcinoma - These are cancerous cells that originate in the ovarian tissue that produce the female hormones estrogen and progesterone.

While ovarian cancer was once referred to as a "silent killer" characterized by a lack of signs and symptoms, modern medical science has found particular links to certain symptoms, including:

Abdominal pressure, swelling, or bloating

Abdominal or pelvic pain

Difficulty eating, including indigestion or nausea

Urgent or frequent urination

In early stages, signs and symptoms may not be apparent at all or may only be mild in nature. Such symptoms are also common to many other less-serious medical conditions and disorders, further complicating accurate diagnoses. While such adverse symptoms are always relevant and should always be brought to the attention of a medical professional, they are not a definitive diagnostic tool. Symptom awareness is vital to early detection and diagnosis, as most women with ovarian cancer do experience symptoms. Medical professionals can explore the underlying cause of these signs by ruling out other conditions and by conducting various tests, including pelvic examinations, ultrasounds, and blood tests, among others.

Women who notice these and other abnormal symptoms should consult a medical professional, particularly a gynecologist. Preemptive medical screening can increase the chances of early detection at the earliest stage of the disease. The fact remains, however, that ovarian cancer lacks definitive screening tools, such as pap tests for cervical cancer and mammograms for breast cancer.

Ovarian Cancer Stages

Ovarian cancer is staged according to how far the cancer has spread. The stage of cancer helps medical professionals determine the prognosis and available treatment options. The stages are as follows:

Stage I - cancer is found in one or both ovaries

Stage II - cancer is found in one or both ovaries and has spread to other structures in the pelvis

Stage III - cancer has spread to the abdominal lining beyond the pelvis, or to lymph nodes

Stage IV - cancer has spread from one or both ovaries to organs such as the liver or lungs

Treatment Options

Various treatment options are available and should always be fully explored and evaluated with the assistance of a doctor. Surgical options focus primarily on tumor debulking, or the removal of tumors and cancerous cells. As ovarian cancer spreads throughout reproductive organs, the ovaries, fallopian tubes, nearby lymph nodes, and uterus may be removed. Hysterectomy, the removal of the uterus, is a common surgical approach to treating patients with ovarian cancer. Surgeries may also be complemented with chemotherapy, drug treatment, radiation therapy, and other options or clinical trials.

As ovarian cancer is a common reason for a hysterectomy, all women who have been diagnosed with this disease should fully explore their available options, including ways in which this invasive, serious procedure can potentially be avoided. Hysterectomy.com is a comprehensive resource that aims to educate women and the general public about hysterectomy surgery, alternatives, and about the importance of awareness, detection, early diagnosis and intervention. If you wish to find more information regarding hysterectomy and ovarian cancer, please fill out a contact form.

Ovarian Cancer

Overview and Statistics

Causes, Symptoms & Diagnosis

Ovarian Cancer Stages

Treatment Options

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