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Ovarian Cancer

Ovarian or Gynecological cancer is cancer of the female reproductive organs. It includes cancer of the cervix, fallopian tubes, ovaries, uterus, vagina and vulva. About 50% of all new diagnosed cases of gynecological cancer is cancer of uterus.

As the rest of the human body, the organs of the female reproductive system are made up of many types of cells. Normally, these cells divide in an orderly, controlled way. When cells divide in an abnormal, uncontrolled way, they can form a tumor that may be either 'benign' or 'malignant'.

The benign tumors are not cancerous. They are usually removed and, in most cases, do not re-appear. Most important, the cells from benign tumors do not invade nearby tissues and do not spread to other parts of the body. Benign tumors are rarely life threatening. In women under age 30, most ovarian growths are benign, fluid-filled sacs called cysts.

However, the 'malignant' tumors are cancerous. Cancer cells usually invade and damage tissues and organs near the tumor. Also, cancer cells can break away from a malignant tumor in the reproductive system and spread to other organs in the abdomen and form new tumors (metastasis). Metastatic cancer cells also can enter the lymphatic system or the bloodstream and spread to other parts of the body.

Unfortunately, there are no general symptoms of ovarian cancer until it has reached a HIGH stage or spread to other organs of the body.This is why it is called the "silent killer".. However, in later stages the woman can notice

• Abdominal/pelvic pain
  
• Vaginal bleeding
  
• Bloating
  
• Abdominal distension
  
• Irregular menses
  
• Change in bowel habit
  
• Pleural effusion
  
• Abdominal mass or bowel obstruction

The tests for gynecological cancer have become very sophisticated, but the standard PAP Test, new ultra-sound techniques, blood screening and other examinations can reveal gynecological cancer at its early stages.

Treatment of gynecologic cancer may be treated by specialized surgical procedures, radiation (and radio - xray) therapy, and/or chemotherapy, and new drugs targeting such factors as blood vessel growth (angeiogenesis).

While cures remain to be completely discovered, there are now vaccines that can protect high risk women that are proving very effective. Treatments are extending the life and quality of women discovered in late stages of cancer, even Metastatic cancers. If discovered early on, the treatment can even claim to effect some degree of cure, with a high survival rate.