This is one of the deadliest cancer that affect women. It is usually discovered only after it is almost hopeless to cure (1:7). But it is quite rare (1: 110) compared to breast cancer, which is 1:10.
The greatest risk group is 65 to 75 years old; which prevalence is 1:75. Yearly, about 25,000 American women discover that they already have ovarian cancer spread and about 15,000 die. But the optimistic news is that if detected early, the chances of being saved is 3:1 in favor of the patient.
One problem is that symptoms of this are similar to benign bleeding and faint stomach aches. It is not usually discovered until the Ovarian Cancer spread is already in its advanced stages. But the good news is that not all discovered ovarian masses are Ovarian Cancer spread.
Doctors are still not clear of the causes of Ovarian Cancer spread. Some researchers say that women of today ovulated about 420 times in their lifetime, compared to 60 of our ancestors. This is leading the researchers to some hints as to the cause of Ovarian Cancer spread.
A theory postulates that oral contraceptives, pregnancy and breastfeeding prevent ovulation. Thus, it also prevents Ovarian Cancer spread.
Another factor that leads to Ovarian Cancer spread is heredity. A member of a family, with history of Ovarian Cancer spread or other kinds of cancer, is likely to be a candidate to become a victim herself also.
Some other factors theorized to cause Ovarian Cancer spread are:
- Use of talcum powder in the vaginal area. This is said to enter the said area and causes irritation inside.
- Mumps infection before the start of menstruation
- High animal fat diet
The Ovarian Cancer spread is detected through an ultrasound of the pelvic area; after the doctor felt that there was an ovarian mass inside a woman. Normally, if the mass is small and present in just one ovary, the chances are that this mass is non-cancerous or benign.
Blood test is also done to confirm the result of ultrasound examination of the Ovarian Cancer spread. This is called CA 125 assay. This blood test measures substance associated with Ovarian Cancer spread or ovarian tumors.
If doctors suspect an Ovarian Cancer spread, based on Ultrasound and blood examinations, then they can advise for a laparotomy (surgery of the abdomen).
Ovarian Cancer spread comes from three kinds of tissues:
- Epithelial tissue – this is the tissue that covers the surface of internal and external organs. About 85% of the Ovarian Cancer spread grows on this.
- Stromal cells – These are the cells that form the connective tissues of organs.
- Germ cells of the eggs – about 5% of the Ovarian Cancer spread came from these cells.
Ovarian Cancer spread is classified into 4 stages:
- Stage 1 – the earliest stage. At this point, if discovered early, the chances of being cured is 75%.
- Stage 2 – the Ovarian Cancer spread has reached the other parts of the pelvic area. Those diagnosed with Ovarian Cancer spread at this stage have chances of 50% survival.
- Stage 3 – At this point, the Ovarian Cancer spread has reached the lymph nodes and other parts of the stomach. Only 13% of those diagnosed at this stage survive the Ovarian Cancer spread.
- Stage 4 – the most advanced Ovarian Cancer spread. Only 5% of patients at this stage will live for 5 years.
Tumor growth can be classified as benign, malignant or purely malignant. It depends on the severity of its growth. Some spread quickly, while others are easy to control.
