Ovarian cancer is a type of cancer that originates in the ovaries, fallopian tubes, or peritoneum, the membrane lining the abdomen. The American Cancer Society estimates that over 20,000 women in the United States will be diagnosed with ovarian cancer in 2025 alone.
While the condition is relatively uncommon, affecting roughly 1 in 70 women in their lifetime, ovarian cancer is a leading cause of cancer death among women. Ovarian cancer diagnoses and deaths, though, have been decreasing over the past few decades. This is due to a number of factors, including the increased use of oral contraceptives, increased utilization of opportunistic salpingectomy (removal of fallopian tubes at the time of other gynecologic surgery) and innovative new treatment options.
There are three types of ovarian cancer:
- Epithelial ovarian carcinomas are the most common type of ovarian cancer. Between 85 and 90 percent of this type of cancer involves the cells on the outer surface of an ovary.
- Germ cells tumors develop in the reproductive cells that become a woman’s eggs. This type of cancer is more common among young women in their teenage years and 20s. These tumors cause about 2-3 percent of all ovarian cancers.
- Sex cord-stromal cell tumors form in the tissues that support the ovaries. These tumors cause about 5-7 percent of all ovarian cancers.
Epithelial cancer can also form in the fallopian tubes or in the tissue lining the peritoneum and then spread to the ovaries. These cancers are considered ovarian cancer.
Certain factors can increase the risk of developing ovarian cancer. Risk factors include:
- Older age
- Being of an Eastern European or Ashkenazi Jewish background
- Having certain genetic mutations, including BRCA1, BRCA2, BRIP1, RAD 51C, RAD 51D, PALB2, etc.
- Having close family members (mother, sister, aunt, or grandmother) who have had ovarian cancer
- Having endometriosis
- Having had breast, uterine, or colorectal cancer
- Never giving birth or having had difficulty conceiving
What are the signs and symptoms of ovarian cancer?
In many cases, ovarian cancer may not cause symptoms in the early stages of the disease. As the condition spreads, ovarian cancer symptoms may include:
- Abdominal or pelvic pain
- Changes in bathroom habits, such as a more frequent or urgent need to urinate or constipation
- Bloating
- Difficulty eating
- Gastrointestinal issues
- Swelling or a feeling of fullness in the abdomen or pelvis
- Vaginal bleeding past menopause or abnormal vaginal bleeding/discharge at any age
Because many of these symptoms can be subtle and vague, it’s important to pay close attention to your body to know what’s normal for you and what’s not. If you experience something that’s out of your norm, check in with your primary care provider or OB/GYN.
If you’re experiencing ovarian cancer symptoms, your medical provider may use a number of tools to confirm a diagnosis, including:
- Blood testing, including a CA-125 assay to test for ovarian cancer tumor markers
- Pelvic examination
- Imaging, such as transvaginal ultrasound, MRI, CT scans, or PET scans
- Tissue test or ascites (fluid accumulation in your abdomen) test
Other tests, including colonoscopy and laparoscopy, may be used to determine whether ovarian cancer has spread into other parts of the body.
Ovarian Cancer Treatment at NGMC
If you are diagnosed with ovarian cancer, a team of multidisciplinary providers, including a gynecologic oncologist, will create a treatment plan based on your specific needs. In most cases, this will involve a combination of therapies.
Surgery for ovarian cancer
During a surgical procedure to treat ovarian cancer, as much of the cancer as possible will be removed. Several types of surgery may be used in treating ovarian cancer:
- Hysterectomy, the surgical removal of the uterus and the cervix
- Omentectomy, the surgical removal of the omentum, which is apron-like in the abdomen
- Bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy, the surgical removal of both ovaries and both fallopian tubes
- Unilateral salpingo-oophorectomy, the surgical removal of one ovary and one fallopian tube
- Lymphadenectomy, the surgical removal of lymph nodes
NGMC offers minimally invasive laparoscopic and robotic surgery for selected patients.
Chemotherapy for ovarian cancer
Chemotherapy is typically used in combination with surgery for ovarian cancer treatment. It may be used before surgery to shrink a tumor or after surgery to eradicate any remaining cancer cells.
Chemotherapy for ovarian cancer usually be given intravenous infusion. There are some medication that are given orally.
Targeted therapy for ovarian cancer
Targeted therapy uses oral or infused medications to treat ovarian cancer as chemotherapy, but it does so in a different mechanism. Targeted therapy is designed to target the cells with a particular target in the tumor that medication is designed for.
Ovarian cancer research
In addition to offering our patients access to the latest advancements in ovarian cancer treatment here at NGMC, we also help facilitate research into future advancements through participation in clinical trials. Learn more about the current clinical trials we are participating in.
Cancer rehabilitation
Cancer treatment can be hard on the body, causing symptoms such as pain, swelling, fatigue, difficulties with balance, and cognitive problems. We offer patients access to specialized rehabilitation services designed to meet the unique needs of those undergoing cancer treatment.
Patient Navigation
Being diagnosed with cancer can quickly feel overwhelming, and navigating the cancer treatment process can be an additional worry. Our specialized nurse navigators are here to walk with you throughout your cancer journey, helping you to schedule appointments, access care, and get the valuable health information you need. Reach out to our patient navigation program today to connect with a navigator.
Choose NGMC for Ovarian Cancer Care
If you’ve been diagnosed with ovarian cancer, you logically want access to expert care and advanced treatment options close to home. You can find that at NGMC, where we’re committed to providing patients with state-of-the-art treatment for gynecologic cancers like ovarian cancer, including minimally invasive surgery when possible, chemotherapy, and targeted therapy.
For more information about cancer care at NGMC or to learn about support groups, please call 770-219-8815.