Ovarian cancer

Ovarian Cancer - Overview

The female reproductive system contains two ovaries on each side of the uterus. The ovaries are where eggs are developed. Ovarian cancer occurs when malignant cell growth affects parts of the ovaries.

There are different types of ovarian cancer classified by the type of cell from which it originates:

Epithelial ovarian cancer is the most common type of ovarian cancer. It develops from a type of cell that surrounds the exterior of the ovaries.
Germ cell ovarian cancer develops from germ cells that make the eggs.
Stromal ovarian cancer develops from connective tissue cells that fill the ovaries.

Epithelial ovarian cancer usually affects older women, while germ cell ovarian cancer tends to occur more frequently in younger women.

Ovarian Cancer - Symptoms

Symptoms are usually attributed to other more common conditions and may only be noticed when the cancerous tumour has become quite large.

Some of the symptoms include:

Constant discomfort or a feeling of ‘pressure’ in the lower abdomen (pelvic area)
Persistent bloating in the abdomen
Abdominal swelling
Quickly feeling full when eating
Increased urinary frequency
Changes in bowel habits, such as constipation or diarrhoea

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Ovarian Cancer -
Health Screenings

Pelvic examination
Your doctor may feel the ovaries and nearby organs for any lumps or suspicious abnormality.
Ultrasound scan
This is a painless test used to view the structures inside your body. The ultrasound probe may be placed on your abdomen or inside your vagina to scan the ovaries.
Blood test
A blood test may be done to detect a protein called CA-125. The level of CA-125 can be high in women with ovarian cancer. However, other non-cancerous conditions can also cause a high level of CA-125. Thus, this blood test alone is not a conclusive gauge for the diagnosis of ovarian cancer.

You may be advised to go for further tests depending on your symptoms and the results of your initial tests.

Imaging tests
- CT or MRI scans of the lower abdomen can provide details of the internal organs structure and help to determine the extent of the disease.
- A chest X-ray may be done to check if the cancer has spread to the lungs.
Scans of the bowel or urinary tract
- These tests may be needed if you have symptoms such as constipation or urinary frequency, which may indicate that the cancer has spread to these areas.
Aspiration of fluid in abdomen
- If your abdomen is swollen with fluid, a sample of the fluid will be taken and examined under the microscope to look for cancer cells.