SEPTEMBER IS OVARIAN CANCER AWARENESS MONTH

Ovarian cancer is a growth of abnormal malignant cells that begins in the ovaries. Cancer that spreads to the ovaries but originates at another site is not considered ovarian cancer. Ovarian tumors can be benign or malignant. Although abnormal, cells of benign tumors do not metastasize(spread to other parts of the body). Malignant cancer cells in the ovaries can metastasize in two ways: directly to other organs in the pelvis and abdomen, or through the bloodstream or lymph nodes to other parts of the body. While the causes of ovarian cancer are unknown, some theories exist: Genetic errors may occur because of damage from the normal monthly release of an egg. Increased hormone levels before and during ovulation may stimulate the growth of abnormal cells.

Different types of ovarian cancer are classified according to the type of cell from which they start:

EPITHELIAL TUMORS: About 90 percent of ovarian cancers develop in the epithelium, the thin layer of tissue that covers the ovaries. This form of ovarian cancer generally occurs in postmenopausal women.


GERM CEL CARCINOMA TUMORS: Making up about 5 percent of ovarian cancer cases, this type begins in the cells that form eggs. While germ cell carcinoma can occur in women of any age, it tends to be found most often in women in their early 20s. Six main kinds of germ cell carcinoma exist, but the three most common types are: teratomas, dysgerminomas, and endodermal sinus tumors. Many tumors that arise in the germ cells are benign.


STROMAL CARCINOMA TUMORS: Ovarian stromal carcinoma accounts for about 5 percent of ovarian cancer cases. It develops in the connective tissue cells that hold the ovary together and those that produce the female hormones estrogen and progesterone. The two most common types are granulosa cell tumors and sertolileydig cell tumors. Unlike with epithelial ovarian carcinomas, 70 percent of stromal carcinoma cases are diagnosed in Stage 1.


The stages of ovarian cancer are determined by how far the cancer has spread. The stage of ovarian cancer at diagnosis is the most important indicator of prognosis.


STAGE I: Cancer is limited to one or both ovaries.


STAGE II: The tumor involves one or both ovaries and extends to other pelvic structures.


STAGE III: The tumor involves one or both ovaries, and one or both of the following exist:


1. The cancer has spread beyond the pelvis to the lining of the abdomen


2. The cancer has spread to the lymph nodes. The tumor is limited to the true pelvis but with histologically proven malignant extension to the small bowel or omentum


STAGE IV: Growth of the cancer involves one or both ovaries and distant metastases to the liver or lungs has occured.


source: http://www.ovariancancer.org/