This website was developed to help you in your search for answers about ovarian cancer and ovarian cancer treatment. Although we are not doctors or researchers we have compiled information on what ovarian cancer is, how to prevent and detect ovarian cancer and available treatments. Ovarian cancer is a cancer that begins in the ovaries. Many types of tumors can begin in the ovaries. Some are benign and some are malignant and can spread to other parts of the body. There are three main types of ovarian tumors:
- Germ cell tumors begin in the cells that produce the ova or eggs
- Stromal tumors begin in the connective tissue cells that hold the ovary together and produce female hormones (estrogen and progesterone)
- Epithelial tumors begin in the cells that cover the ovary
Before we discuss the issues of an ovarian cancer cure we will discuss the risk factors. While the presence of one or more of the following risk factors can increase a woman's chance of getting ovarian cancer, it doesn't mean she will get the disease. Watching for early symptoms is critical to preventing the spread of ovarian cancer. The risk factors can include:
- Personal or family history of breast, ovarian, endometrial, prostate or colon cancer
- Increasing age
- Unexplained infertility, no pregnancies and no history of birth control pill usage
- Use of high does estrogen without the use of progesterone for a long periods of time
- North American, North European or Ashkenazi Jewish population
- Living in an industrialized country
The choice of treatments for ovarian cancer depends on the type of cancer and the stage of the disease. Other factors that can effect the decision for the best treatment are your general state of health, whether you plan to have children and other personal considerations. Older women show tolerance for ovarian cancer treatments so age alone is not a factor. As with all cancers, there are three main treatments: surgery, chemotherapy and radiation therapy. Sometimes a combination of these treatments will be used.
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