Ovarian Cancer
Ovarian Cancer
What is ovarian cancer?
Ovarian cancer is the abnormal growth of cells in or near the ovaries. The cancer cells can spread to other parts of your body.
The ovaries are two small glands, located on either side of your uterus. They make female sex hormones, and they store and release your eggs.
This cancer can occur in anyone who has female pelvic organs. Some people who get ovarian cancer have a family history of breast cancer or they have inherited certain gene changes, such as BRCA. But many of those who get ovarian cancer have no risk factors.
Appointment Information
The U-M Health Rogel Cancer Center's Gynecologic Oncology Program is a team of fellowship-trained gynecologic oncologists providing comprehensive, personalized cancer care. We follow National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN) guidelines to develop treatment plans tailored to each patient’s diagnosis, stage, and goals. As an NCCN founding member institution, we offer access to the latest evidence-based treatments and the most clinical trials available for each disease.
To get the appointment process started, call 734-647-8902. If you are a referring physician, please contact our M-LINE at 800-962-3555.
If you have questions, please contact our Cancer AnswerLine at 800-865-1125.
What are the types of ovarian cancer?
There are three general types of ovarian cancer:
- Epithelial ovarian cancer, which forms on the surface of the ovary in the epithelial cells. This is the most common type of ovarian cancer; about 85% to 90% of ovarian cancers are epithelial ovarian carcinomas.
- Germ cell tumors form from the ova or eggs. Most germ cell tumors are benign, but some are cancerous. Germ cell tumors are an uncommon form of ovarian cancer; less than 2% of ovarian cancers are germ cell tumors.
- Sex cord-stromal tumors start in the cells that produce female hormones and hold the ovarian tissues together. This is a rare form of ovarian cancer; about 1% of ovarian cancers are ovarian sex cord-stromal cell tumors.
What are the symptoms of ovarian cancer?
In some cases, ovarian cancer may cause early symptoms. The most common symptoms of ovarian cancer include:
- Frequent bloating.
- Pain in your belly or pelvis.
- Trouble eating, or feeling full quickly.
- Urinary problems, such as an urgent need to urinate or urinating more often than usual.
If you have one or more of these symptoms, and it occurs almost daily for more than 2 or 3 weeks, talk with your doctor.
These symptoms are common for some people. They may not mean that you have ovarian cancer. But the early symptoms of ovarian cancer follow a pattern:
- They start suddenly.
- They feel different than your normal digestive or menstrual problems.
- They happen almost every day and don't go away.
Other symptoms of ovarian cancer include:
- Fatigue.
- Indigestion.
- Back pain.
- Pain with intercourse.
- Constipation.
- Menstrual cycle changes.
But these symptoms are also common in some people who don't have ovarian cancer.
How is ovarian cancer diagnosed?
Your doctor may check you for ovarian cancer if a lump is found on an ovary during a pelvic exam or an ultrasound. You will likely also get a physical exam. You will be asked about any symptoms, your medical history, and your family’s history of cancer.
You may also get some tests. They include lab tests. One of these is a blood test called CA-125. Too much CA-125 (cancer antigen 125) in your blood can be a sign of ovarian cancer. Other tests may also include imaging tests, such as an ultrasound or a CT scan.
If these tests show signs of cancer, you will get a biopsy. This involves surgery to remove an ovary. Tissue from the ovary will be looked at under a microscope to see if it has cancer cells.
How is ovarian cancer treated?
Treatment for ovarian cancer is based on the stage of the cancer and other things, such as your overall health. The main treatment is:
- Surgery.
- The most common surgery removes the ovaries and fallopian tubes plus the uterus. The doctor may also remove nearby lymph nodes and check other tissues for signs of cancer.
Other treatments may include:
- Chemotherapy.
- These medicines kill fast-growing cells, including cancer cells and some normal cells. Chemotherapy is usually given after surgery.
- Targeted therapy.
- These medicines target cancer cells and may cause less harm to normal cells.
- Immunotherapy.
- This treatment helps your immune system fight cancer.
- Endocrine therapy.
- These medicines block hormones that cause certain cancers to grow. This helps slow or stop cancer growth.
In some cases, a clinical trial may be a good choice.
Your doctor will talk with you about your options and then make a treatment plan.
Questions about cancer?
Contact our Cancer AnswerLine™ at 800-865-1125. You'll talk to a nurse with years of experience in cancer care.
