Ovarian cancer is the abnormal growth of cells in or near the ovaries — the two small organs located on either side of your uterus. They produce female sex hormones and store and release eggs. Ovarian cancer can occur in anyone who has female reproductive organs.
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What Is Ovarian Cancer?
Doctors define ovarian cancer as cancer caused by abnormal cell growth in the tissue that's in or covers the ovaries — the almond-sized organs on each side of the uterus that produce eggs and hormones.
Ovarian cancer is similar to two other gynecologic cancers:
- Fallopian tube cancer (tubal cancer) — A very rare cancer that develops in one or both of the fallopian tubes, which lead from each ovary to the uterus. It occurs in up to 2% of gynecological cancers.
- Peritoneal cancer — A rare cancer that forms in the membrane lining of the abdominal cavity, called the peritoneum.
Ovarian, peritoneal, and fallopian tube cancers have similar cell types and behaviors and often respond to the same treatment.
How common is ovarian cancer?
Ovarian cancer is one of the leading causes of cancer deaths among women and is more common in White women than Black women. There are an estimated 22,000 diagnoses each year.
According to the American Cancer Society, the lifetime risk of getting ovarian cancer is about 1 in 87. The lifetime chance of dying from ovarian cancer is about 1 in 130.
What are the types of ovarian cancer?
There are three types of ovarian cancer.
- Epithelial ovarian carcinomas — The most common type of ovarian cancer involves tumors that form from the cells on the outer layer of your ovaries. Epithelial cell tumors account for about 85% to 90% of ovarian cancers.
- Germ cell tumors — Form in the cells of the ova (eggs), typically in one ovary. They account for 2% of ovarian cancers and affect mostly teens and young adults.
- Stromal tumors — Form in the ovary's structural tissue cells that produce the sex hormones (estrogen, progesterone, testosterone). Approximately 5% of ovarian cancers are stromal tumors.
What causes ovarian cancer?
Researchers don’t know exactly what causes most ovarian cancers.
According to the American Cancer Society, some factors make people more likely to develop epithelial ovarian cancer. Much less is known about risk factors for germ cell and stromal tumors.
Recent research shows that ovarian cancer starts in cells at the ends of the fallopian tubes and not necessarily in the ovaries. This new information may yield more research studies looking at ways to prevent and screen for this type of cancer.
Certain factors may increase your risk of developing these cancers, including:
- Age — Ovarian cancer is rarely seen in those under 40, and most cases form after menopause. Half of cases are in women over age 63.
- Being overweight or obese — Obesity is linked to many cancers, including ovarian cancer.
- Family cancer syndromes — Having the BRCA 1 and 2 genes increases your risk of ovarian cancer.
- Family history — Ovarian cancer can run in families, and your risk is higher if your mother, sister, or daughter has had it. A family history of breast cancer or colorectal cancer also increases your risk.
- Having children after age 35 or never having a full-term pregnancy — Having kids later in life or not at all increases your risk.
- IVF — Using in vitro fertilization (IVF) as a treatment for infertility can increase your risk of ovarian tumors.
- Taking hormone therapy — If you use estrogens alone or with progesterone after menopause, your risk is greater than those who don't.
Complications of ovarian cancer
Left untreated, ovarian cancer may metastasize (spread) to other parts of your body.
It can cause problems like:
- Bowel obstruction.
- Fluid in the membranes of the lungs.
- Perforated bowel.
- Urinary problems.
How can I reduce my risk of ovarian cancer?
Having a full-term pregnancy before you're 26 lowers your risk of ovarian cancer, and the risk continues to decrease with each baby you deliver. Breastfeeding may also lower your risk.
Taking oral contraceptives, such as birth control pills, can also lower your risk of ovarian cancer — and the longer you use them, the lower the risk is, and it continues after you stop taking them.
Other forms of birth control may also lower your risk, including tubal ligation (having your tubes tied) and using an IUD. Hysterectomy (removing the uterus but not the ovaries) also reduces the risk of ovarian cancer.
What Are the Signs and Symptoms of Ovarian Cancer?
Symptoms of ovarian cancer may include:
- Abnormal vaginal bleeding.
- Chronic tiredness.
- Frequent urination.
- General abdominal discomfort and pain, such as gas, indigestion, pressure, swelling or bloating, or cramps.
- Loss of appetite.
- Nausea, diarrhea, constipation.
- Unexplained weight changes.
- Unusual vaginal discharge.
When should I see a doctor about my ovarian cancer symptoms?
If you have any ovarian cancer symptoms, call your doctor for an appointment as soon as possible.
How Do You Diagnose Ovarian Cancer?
Your doctor will ask about your symptoms and take your medical history. They'll also want to know about instances of breast, ovarian, and other gynecologic cancers in your family.
They may perform a physical exam and likely a pelvic exam to check your ovaries but will rely on tests to diagnose ovarian cancer.
Tests to diagnose ovarian cancer
A variety of tests diagnose and screen for uterine and endometrial cancers, including:
- CA125 blood tests — Ordered when ovarian cancer is suspected.
- Imaging tests — CT and PET scans, MRI, and ultrasound (sonography) let your doctor see inside your body.
How Do You Treat Ovarian Cancer?
Treatment for ovarian cancer may involve a combination of methods, including surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation therapy.
Why Choose UPMC for Ovarian Cancer Care?
Through the UPMC Gynecologic Cancer Program, you have access to additional treatment options and services, including:
