October 7, 2022 - Parul Saini, Webmedy Team
Updated Version - July 12, 2023
Ovarian cancer occurs when cells in the ovaries begin to multiply out of control and form tumors. If left untreated, the tumor can spread to other parts of the body. This is called metastatic ovarian cancer. Ovarian cancer often has warning signs, but early symptoms are vague and easily missed.
The female reproductive system contains two ovaries, one on each side of the uterus. The ovaries are the size of an almond. They produce eggs (ova) as well as the hormones estrogen and progesterone.
In this article, we will walk you through all about ovarian cancer, its symptoms, types, risks, and treatment options.
If cancer has reached a later stage without intervention, some individuals may develop the following symptoms:
If you are dealing with pleural effusion, you may experience shortness of breath, a cough, and/or chest pain.
The ovaries are made up of three types of cells. Each cell can develop into a different type of tumor:
Epithelial Ovarian Carcinomas form in the layer of tissue on the outside of the ovaries. About 85 to 90 percent of malignant ovarian cancers are epithelial ovarian tumors.
Stromal tumors grow in the hormone-producing cells. Seven percent of ovarian cancers are stromal tumors.
Germ cell tumors develop in egg-producing cells. Germ cell tumors are rare.
The exact cause of ovarian cancer is unknown. However, these factors can increase your risk:
It's possible to have ovarian cancer without having any of these risk factors. Likewise, having any of these risk factors doesn't necessarily mean you'll develop ovarian cancer.
The treatment depends on how far cancer has spread. A team of doctors will determine a treatment plan depending on your situation. It will most likely include one or more of the following:
An ovarian cyst is a fluid-filled sac that forms on or inside an ovary. They are common and often form during ovulation. Most ovarian cysts present little or no discomfort and are harmless.
The early symptoms of an ovarian cyst can include bloating, abdominal swelling, pain in the lower abdomen, and a feeling of fullness or heaviness in the abdomen. However, many cysts don't cause any symptoms at all.
Yes, many ovarian cysts don't cause any symptoms. They are often discovered during routine pelvic exams or ultrasounds for other health issues.
If you're experiencing symptoms, such as persistent pelvic pain, bloating, or irregular periods, consult your healthcare provider. They can confirm the presence of an ovarian cyst through an ultrasound or other imaging tests.
No, pain isn't always a symptom of an ovarian cyst. Many ovarian cysts don't cause any discomfort. However, if a cyst becomes large, it can lead to pelvic pain, bloating, or a feeling of heaviness.
Yes, some types of ovarian cysts, such as functional cysts, can cause irregular or painful periods. However, many ovarian cysts do not affect menstrual cycles.
Pain from an ovarian cyst can be dull or sharp, and it usually occurs on the side of the ovary that has the cyst. The pain may be constant, or it may come and go.
Yes, ovarian cysts can cause bloating and a feeling of fullness in the abdomen. However, they are unlikely to cause significant weight changes.
Symptoms of a ruptured ovarian cyst can include sudden, sharp, severe pain on one side of the lower abdomen, nausea, vomiting, fever, and rapid breathing. If you experience these symptoms, seek immediate medical attention.
Yes, large ovarian cysts can press on the bladder or bowel, leading to symptoms like increased frequency of urination, difficulty emptying the bladder or bowel completely, or constipation.
Symptoms of ovarian cysts such as bloating, abdominal pain, and changes in menstrual cycles can mimic conditions like irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), endometriosis, or pelvic inflammatory disease (PID).
Larger cysts are more likely to cause symptoms than smaller ones. They can cause pressure, bloating, swelling, and pain in the abdomen. However, the size of a cyst does not always correlate with the severity of the symptoms.
Functional cysts, which are related to the menstrual cycle, often don't cause symptoms and typically resolve on their own. Pathological cysts, which can be benign or malignant, may grow larger and cause symptoms, but this is not always the case.
Most ovarian cysts do not affect fertility. However, certain types, such as endometriomas associated with endometriosis, or cysts caused by polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), can affect fertility.
Most ovarian cysts are benign and not associated with cancer. However, a small percentage of ovarian cysts can be malignant. It's important to have regular check-ups and discuss any symptoms with your healthcare provider.
Ovarian cysts are typically diagnosed through pelvic exams and imaging tests, such as ultrasounds. In some cases, blood tests may be used to evaluate the risk of ovarian cancer.
There's no sure way to prevent ovarian cysts, but regular pelvic exams can help ensure that changes in your ovaries are diagnosed as early as possible. Hormonal contraceptives can help prevent the development of new cysts.
Treatment depends on the size and type of the cyst, as well as the patient's symptoms and age. Options range from monitoring the cyst to medications, or in some cases, surgery to remove the cyst.
While there's no specific lifestyle or diet to prevent cysts, maintaining a healthy weight and balanced diet can contribute to overall health, which might reduce the risk of developing ovarian cysts.
Yes, hormonal birth control pills can help prevent the formation of new ovarian cysts. They work by preventing ovulation, which reduces the risk of developing new functional ovarian cysts.
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