Ovarian Cancer Treatment

Ovarian Cancer- It Whispers, So Listen

2012-01-29T14:04:00.000-08:00

Ovarian cancer is the biggest killer amongst all of the female cancers. Nearly 80% of those treated for ovarian cancer will experience a recurrence. The chances of death within the first five years of treatment is nearly 50%, no matter if it is stage 2,3, or 4. These grim statistics are now a reality for my own life. I am an ovarian cancer survivor.

One reason ovarian cancer is so deadly is because it is very difficult to detect. Often, by the time it is diagnosed, the cancer has spread to other parts of the body. There is no reliable screening for ovarian cancer like there is for breast cancer and cervical cancer. It can only be detected through an exam by an Ob/Gyn. So, it is important for all women to make an effort to get those yearly exams.

There is a tumor marker,CA-125, in the blood that may show the presence of ovarian cancer. It is not used as a screening procedure because it is not reliable enough. However, in cases where a woman is at a high risk, the CA-125 marker may be used to alert a Dr. for further testing.

A woman's worst nightmare is the diagnosis of cancer. Yet, early detection is the best way to prevent any cancer from spreading and growing. Take care of yourself and take the time to get your yearly exam. It could save your life.

Early Detection of Ovarian Cancer Symptoms - Learning to Listen to Your Body

2012-01-29T03:24:00.000-08:00

Do you think you may have symptoms of ovarian cancer? I will provide you with an informative overview of the symptoms, and signs, as well as point you to sources that can further explain the stages of this often-deadly disease.

While there are different types of tumors that a woman can get in the ovaries, the symptoms tend to be classical in that they are all similar. Symptoms in themselves do not indicate whether they are malignant or benign, but only serve as a warning sign that something is clearly wrong.

The latest statistics from the American Cancer Society seem to indicate that the survival rate for women with this type of cancer seems to remain unchanged for the past several years. Approximately 16,000 women were diagnosed with this form of cancer in 2004. The survival rate really depends on what stage the cancer is detected.

For instance, almost seventy percent of all women diagnosed with cancer of the ovaries, are not diagnosed until they have advanced into stage III. Some have even advanced to stage IV before the disease was caught and treatment plan was implemented. Most women have a greater survival rate or 90% if they are diagnosed in time whereas the rate decreases proportionally with the advancement of each stage.

Treatment like many other types of cancer will depend upon how far the cancer has mastasized into other parts of the body such as the abdominal midsection.

The ovaries are two small almond shaped organs that exists within the lower part of the abdominal region in the uterus - one on each side. They are practically hidden very deep. This is one of the primary reasons why it is difficult to detect cancer in the beginning stages. The next best thing is to be familiar with the symptoms and signs.

Typical ovarian cancer symptoms that serve as a warning flag include:

-- Changes in weight. One may increase or decrease weight without making any dietary changes.

-- Bladder changes that result in uncontrolled urinary movements.

-- Gastrointestinal inconsistencies i.e., frequent indigestion, upset stomach, or excessive chronic gas buildup.

-- Discomfort and pain in the pelvic area.

-- Postmenopausal bleeding

-- Ovary pain during and prolonged after sexual intercourse.

-- Always having a feeling of a full stomach.

-- Feeling weak or overly fatigued.

Remember: Symptoms of ovarian cancer usually do not show up until the cancer has reached the advanced stages. Getting medical attention is crucial if you experience any of these symptoms that last longer than two weeks.

Doctors have several techniques for diagnosing this type of cancer. They include a simple rectal and pelvic examination to check for irregularities. Ultrasounds have been used as a tool to spot ovarian malignancies. Blood test can also aid in detection where the doctor looks for elevated levels of CA125 with values in excess of 35 u/ml. Studies have shown that this test is not as effective in pre-menopausal women.

Transvaginal sonography is a another method used. Your doctor will prescribe the best method of screening and detection based on your age, whether or not you are pre or post-menopausal, and on whether you have other disease factors such as liver disease or other conditions that affect early accurate detection.

Finally, an ovarian pap test known as laparoscopy. This new way of detecting pre-cancerous cells provides a detailed view of what is taking place by collecting cells from the ovaries and abdomen. Treatment for ovarian cancer depends on the type and stage of the disease, your age and general health and other factors your doctor will discuss with you.

A Brief Overview of Ovarian Cancer

2012-01-28T16:44:00.000-08:00

According to statistics, ovarian cancer is the eighth most common cancer among women and the fifth leading cause of cancer deaths in women in the United States. The American Cancer Society estimates that about 20,000 new cases of ovarian cancer will be diagnosed this year, and approximately 15,000 women will die from ovarian cancer this year.

Ovarian cancer is often called the silent killer because its symptoms can be subtle, leading to a delayed diagnosis and poorer outcome. However, if ovarian cancer is detected early, approximately nine out of ten women will live for at least five years with the disease.

Ovarian cancer starts in the cells of the ovary or ovaries. The ovaries are two small, oval-shaped organs that lie deep in the pelvis on either side of the uterus (womb), close to the end of the Fallopian tubes. The ovaries are part of the female reproductive system.

Each month, in women of childbearing age, one of the ovaries releases an egg (ovum). This is called ovulation. The egg travels down the Fallopian tube to the uterus, where it may be fertilized by a sperm and develop into a fetus. If the egg is not fertilized, it is shed as part of your monthly period.

The ovaries also produce the female hormones estrogen and progesterone. Estrogen and progesterone help control reproduction and sexual development. As a woman ages and reaches menopause, the ovaries make less of these hormones and periods gradually stop.

If left undetected and untreated, ovarian cancer can spread from the ovaries to other organs in the pelvis, such as the Fallopian tubes, uterus, rectum, colon or bladder.

In the most advanced form, ovarian cancer can spread to other parts of the body, such as the liver or lungs.

How to Find Out If You Have Ovarian Cancer

2012-01-28T06:04:00.000-08:00

There are over 30 types of ovarian cancer that doctors group into 3 major categories based on the kinds of cells the cancer is formed out of. These include epithelial tumors, germ cell tumors, and sex cord-stromal cell tumors.

Many women are not diagnosed with ovarian cancer until it is in the late stages because detecting that something may be wrong on your own is difficult to do. Screening is not recommended for ovarian cancer because the screening tests are not accurate enough to be able to detect it. However, some symptoms you may have can be cause for concern. These symptoms include abdominal/pelvic discomfort or pressure, back or leg pain, bloating, changes in bowel function or urinary frequency, fatigue, astrointestinal symptoms, malnourished or wasted appearance, nausea or loss of appetite or unusual vaginal bleeding.

There are 3 main types of treatment for ovarian cancer that can be used separately but are sometimes combined. These treatments include surgery, chemotherapy, and radiotherapy. It is recommended that you learn more at site that specializes in ovarian cancer treatment.

Surgery is performed to remove cancerous tissues as much as possible. This form of treatment for ovarian cancer is usually required and can be used with other forms of treatment. Performing surgery helps the surgeon to determine aspects of the tumor and to remove as much of the tumor as possible. The best chances of a cure with this method is if there are no residual tumor masses, or if there are that they are less than 1 cm in size.

The surgeon can perform two procedures with this aspect of treatment, a laparotomy through an abdominal incision or a laparoscopy, though an incision using a tube with a light and camera on it. A sample of the tumor is immediately taken and examined to confirm the ovarian cancer exists. Once the cancer is confirmed then either a full hysterectomy, bilateral salpengoopharectomy, omentectomy, or lymphadenectomy may occur.

Chemotherapy is used to destroy cancer cells using drugs. Chemotherapy can also damage normal cells however, which can cause anemia, gastrointestinal symptoms, leukopenia, temporary hair loss, and thrombocytopenia. There are medicines that have been developed that can help to reduce these side effects.

There are four ways to receive chemotherapy. They are intravenous, intraperitoneal, oral, and intramuscular injection. Many chemotherapy treatments are given over a 3 week period using the intravenous method.

Radiotherapy, also known as radiation therapy, is not commonly used in the United States due to the cancer being found too late. Radiotherapy uses a high energy, ionizing radiation to kill cancer cells. It can be delivered in one of two ways which include radiotherapy devices and/or injection.

Gene therapy and hormone therapy are still being tested. The findings thus far have been found to be promising but the official results will not be available for a number of years still.

After being treated for ovarian cancer it is imperative that the patients continue follow up appointments with their doctors. Most women who have ovarian cancer that is in remission usually see a reoccurence within 2 years of treatment being successful however it can reoccur up to 20 years after treatment. Most patients have follow up visits every 3 months for the first 2 years.

There are several ways to help try and prevent ovarian cancer and some treatments that are still being tested. The existing ways include oral contraceptives, modification to your diet and exercise routines, pregnancy and breastfeeding, genetic counseling, tubal litigation and ovary removal. These methods may help to reduce the risk of ovarian cancer by a significant percentage.

Treatment and Cures For Ovarian Cancer

2012-01-27T19:24:00.000-08:00

Cancer can be a difficult disease to treat and cure fully. Due to the different types of tumors that comprise of cancer as whole, no single type of treatment is fully effective after a certain stage. After one has been diagnosed with ovarian cancer, there are different courses of treatment that one can choose from. There are no sure fire cures for ovarian cancer, but a combination of surgery, chemotherapy and intensive medication work very well for almost all patients. Depending on which stage the cancer has advanced to, treatment can be decided. There exist three main types of treatment for ovarian cancer, namely surgery, chemotherapy and radiation treatment.

The most common treatment for stage I and benign tumors is the removal of all cancerous tissue through surgery. This can be limited to removing only some pieces of tissue or the entire ovary and fallopian tube altogether. In severe cases, the uterus may also be removed. This is known as a hysterectomy and is common when there is no risk factor for recurrence of any cancer. If the tumor removed is high grade in nature, then some chemotherapy may also be given in accordance to the type of the tumor. Surgery is also helpful in making an exact diagnosis about ovarian cancer to start with and is seen as the safest method of treatment due to low chances of any risk.

For those patients whose cancer has entered Stage II or III, chemotherapy happens to be the best option. Chemotherapy uses fast acting drugs to kill off all the cancerous cells in the body. the only problem faced by those undergoing chemotherapy is the fatigue, constant nausea and other such problems suffered due to temporary decrease in the body cell count. Chemotherapy can be combined with surgery even in stages II and III of the disease. For those with malignant tumours, a combination of radiation therapy is suggested since it can be quite useful in removing all traces of the affected tissue in the body. However, by stage III there are chances that the cancer may have spread to other parts of the abdomen and so treatment can be ineffective to a certain degree.

For stage IV patients, radiation treatment is used in combination with surgery or chemotherapy. This is a rarely used and risky treatment, where high energy x-rays are used to kill the cancer cells. The treatment at this stage mainly involves removal of as much cancer as possible by all different means. At stage IV, cancer has most probably spread to other parts of the body and has a high chance of recurrence even with intensive treatment to prevent the same. However, the use of radiation therapy is useful to a large extent in removing cancer from most parts of the body and allowing other methods to take out the benign tumorous growths. For those who suffer from drug resistance during chemotherapy or radiation sickness, the best recourse is to go in for a full hysterectomy and salvage chemotherapy with stronger drugs.

Ovarian Cancer Treatments

2012-01-27T08:44:00.000-08:00

The course of treatment for ovarian cancer is normally determined by the stage of the disease. We here classify the stages from I to IV based on the cancer's specific characteristics, and find out which course is suitable for which stage.

By stage I, we mean the cancer is confined to a single ovary (stage IA) or both ovaries (stage IB). In stage IC, one or both ovaries can be affected, but the tumors are on the surface, or the capsule is ruptured, or tumor cells are found in abdominal fluid.

Treatment for patients with stage IA and IB includes surgical removal of the uterus and both ovaries and fallopian tubes, partial removal of the omentum, and surgical staging of the lymph nodes and other tissues in the pelvis and abdomen. Patients with stage IA or B disease may not require further therapy after surgery. Higher risk patients with stage IC are generally treated with platinum-based chemotherapy to prevent a relapse.

Stage II means the cancer has spread to the uterus or fallopian tubes (stage IIA), or other areas within the pelvis (stage IIB), but is still confined to the pelvic area. Stage IIC means capsular involvement, rupture, or positive washings. Surgical management for patients in this stage involves a total hysterectomy, bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy, and removal of as much cancer in the pelvic area as possible, known as tumor debulking. Post-surgery chemotherapy is generally needed to eliminate residual cancer and prevent relapse.

Stage III means the cancer has spread beyond the pelvis to the omentum and other areas within the abdomen, or to the lymph nodes. Most patients in this stage undergo a total hysterectomy, and tumor debulking. Here again, post-surgery chemotherapy is needed to eliminate residual cancer.

Stage IV, the most advanced of all, means the cancer may have spread to the inside of the liver or spleen. In this stage, tumor debulking before chemotherapy may be occasionally performed.

In the case of recurrent ovarian cancer, chemotherapy is the mainstay of treatment, although it might not prevent subsequent relapses.

Alternative Ovarian Cancer Treatments - 3 Best Methods

2012-01-26T22:04:00.000-08:00

Ovarian cancer is one of the most deadly forms of cancer. Ovarian cancer is a cancerous growth in different parts of female reproductive organ called Ovary. This disease kills more women than any other form of cancer. This cancer is mainly developed by women of age more than 40. This disease is also called as silent killer as it no symptoms of this deadly disease can be found in initial stages. Only as the cancer develops and attains advanced stages, can we get to know the presence of this deadly disease. Surgery, for time and again, has been the primary treatment method for curing this disease. Nowadays many alternative methods have been developed to cure this disease.

Hyperbaric Oxygen therapy: Hyperbaric oxygen therapy is one of the best alternative methods to treat ovarian cancer. In this method, the cancer patient is made to breathe 100% pure oxygen by placing her under increased atmospheric pressure. When a patient is exposed to this alternative ovarian cancer cure method, her hemoglobin gets saturated and her blood gets hyper oxygenated by dissolving the fresh oxygen in her plasma. Researches have proved that this method could effectively cure ovarian cancer.

Quercetin: Quercetin is type of glycoside chemical that is responsible for the red skin of apples and red onions. This chemical is an excellent food supplement. Quercetin is helpful in preventing allergies, reducing body pain, contains anti-depressant properties apart from curing ovarian cancer. Consumption of lot of apples and red onions helps us to make ourselves rich in quercetin.

Chemotherapy: Chemotherapy is an antineoplastic drug that is used to cure cancer. Chemotherapy is the process of taking in chemical that kills the cancerous cells. In this process, different drugs are combined together and formed. The dosage of chemotherapy is to be considered very carefully. If administered low, it will be ineffective. If taken in excess, it could turn toxic.

Raising Ovarian Cancer Awareness: Teal Ribbons To Support The Cause

2012-01-26T11:24:00.000-08:00

Ovarian cancer accounts for almost 3% of all cancers among women. It is the ninth most common cancer and fifth most common cause of cancer-related death in women. This type of cancer can be cured, though it may not always be that easy. To show support for the Ovarian Cancer Awareness month, which is being celebrated on the month of September each year, there are so many kinds of activities that you could do to participate.

One of the easiest ways for you to show your support include wearing teal ribbon pins, teal silicone wristbands or teal charms during the month of celebration. By displaying these awareness products you will spread the word and awareness about this disease to people who don't have a clue about it. The more people aware of ovarian cancer and its symptoms, the more successful the celebration will be. One of the main objectives of the awareness campaign, it's to educate women to recognize warning signs, therefore, the cancer can be detected at an early stage before it gets worse increasing the chances of defeating it.

Why the color teal? Well, just like breast cancer with its pink ribbon and AIDS with its striking red color, teal is considered as the official color of ovarian cancer and is also the color for Ovarian Cancer Awareness month. During September, those who are directly affected by the cancer and those who are not directly affected but may have a loved one suffering, are the most celebrated. In addition, a lot of Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs) and health authorities will be playing their role by organizing educational events at public places and setting up health and information booths to spread more awareness to the public.

Ovarian cancer is one of the most deadly of women cancers. For 2010, it was estimated that 21,880 women in the United States alone would be diagnosed with ovarian cancer and at least 13,850 would died from this disease. It's everyone's responsibility to help raise more awareness, and aside from showing personal support by wearing the teal colored accessories, there are many kinds of events which can be organized to raise awareness or to raise funds. Among the events that could be organized for the cause include a tea party plus an ovarian cancer talk or seminar, or a public auction to help raise funds. Funds recollected are usually used on research to develop better screaming methods or to improve treatments.

Ovarian Cancer Chemotherapy

2012-01-26T00:44:00.000-08:00

Ovarian cancer is the very common cause of cancer death among women in the United States. Chemotherapy is the better and very effective treatment to cure it. It is often given after surgery if the cancer was not removed at operation or if there is any high risk of tiny cancer cells left behind.

For ovarian cancer, chemotherapy treatment can be given after surgery as well as before surgery. This treatment is given for early stage of ovarian cancer to reduce the chance of cancer comeback. Chemotherapy uses one or more several drugs to kill cancer cells and they work by stopping the reproduction and division of cancer cells. Sometimes combination of drugs is also used to get better results.

The anti cancer drugs kill the remaining cancer cells after treatment or stop the growth or spread of tumors. Drugs can be given by direct injection into a vein, as pill and through catheter that enters the bloodstream and travel through out the body.

Chemotherapy depends on your weight, height and the function of your kidney. It is given in stages. For first stage and above that, it is very common practice. You have to receive drugging six times for at least six weeks separately.

There are many drugs available today that can treat recurrences effectively. Chemotherapy gives various side effects but there are many new medications available to reduce these side effects. Chemotherapy is the main treatment for ovarian cancer beyond stage first.

There is no guarantee that the cancer will not comeback after chemotherapy, but it can reduce the chance of reappearing. The risk of reappearing of cancer depends on each woman's situation. Your doctor can help you to know whether it will comeback or not. It is the only treatment that can reduce the risk of cancer if there is any little chance of your cancer coming back.

For ovarian cancer chemotherapy drugs such as cisplatin and paraplatin used. Except these drugs such as topotecan, liposomal doxorubicin, cyclophosphamide, gemcitabine, vinorelbine, etoposide, ifosfamide, hexamethylmelamine etc are also used.

However there maybe some unwanted side effects including kidney failure and nerve damage due to these drugs. Every woman needs to consult with their doctor about the individual chance of the cancer coming back and option of curing it without chemotherapy.

3 Types of Ovarian Cancer Explained

2012-01-25T14:04:00.000-08:00

The ovaries are part of the female reproductive system. There are two ovaries (a left one and a right one) and when women get old enough to have children one of the ovaries releases an egg each month. These eggs then pass down the fallopian tube to the womb where they can be fertilised with sperm. If the eggs are not fertilised they exit the body during the woman's monthly period. Aside from releasing eggs, the ovaries are also responsible for producing oestrogen and progesterone.

Ovarian cancer develops when something goes wrong with the cell division process in the ovaries causing them to grow in a rapid and uncontrollable way. It is the fourth most common type of cancer in females with around 7,000 women contracting it in the UK each year. This condition is most prevalent in menopausal women and is rarely diagnosed in women under 40. There are three main types of ovarian cancer and I will be discussing each of them in greater detail below.

1) EPITHELIAL OVARIAN CANCER:- This type of cancer occurs when the cells that line the ovaries (the epithelium) start to grow in a rapid, out of control way. Between 70% and 80% of ovary cancers are this type and it is almost always diagnosed in women who have been through the menopause.

2) GERM CELL OVARIAN CANCER:- This type of cancer develops when the germ cells (the cells responsible for making eggs) start to grow rapidly and uncontrollably. Approximately 15% of ovary cancers are this type and unlike the other forms of this disease, germ cell ovarian cancer normally affects younger women.

3) STROMAL OVARIAN CANCER:- This type of cancer develops when the connective tissues of the ovaries become cancerous and start to grow in a rapid, uncontrollable way. Between 5% and 10% of ovary cancers are this type. This variation normally only affects one of the two ovaries.

Although there are three main kinds of ovarian cancer the risk factors, symptoms, tests, treatments and survival rates are similar for each. Women who contract this type of cancer have a five year survival rate of around 75% if it stays within the ovaries although this drops to about 20% if the cancer spreads to other areas of the body. It is not known exactly what causes this disease but age, obesity and family history are all thought to have an influence. The symptoms of ovary cancer are often very mild or non-existent but when they do surface they include bloating, constipation and stomach pain. If you are diagnosed with this condition surgery, chemotherapy and radiotherapy are the three most common treatment options.

I hope this article has given you a brief overview of this condition. Whilst being diagnosed with cancer is never going to be a pleasant experience this type of cancer is very treatable if caught early. If you have any concerns regarding ovary cancer then go see your doctor and explain your concerns. They will be able to answer your questions and give you a professional, qualified opinion.

Whilst every intention has been made to make this article accurate and informative, it is intended for general information only. Ovarian cancer is a very serious, life threatening condition and you should discuss any concerns, treatments or lifestyle changes fully with your doctor.

Is a Cyst on the Ovary One of the Early Symptoms of Ovarian Cancer? Do Not Wait - Find Out Now!

2012-01-25T03:24:00.000-08:00

Having a cyst on ovary produces very vague signs of illness or problems, unless of course you are fortunate (?) enough to have the stabbing pain in your abdomen or pelvis, (ovary pain) which can sometimes be a meaningful sign that it is time to give your gynecologist a call and schedule a pelvic examination. Unfortunately, pain or pressure in your lower stomach area is one of the early symptoms of ovarian cancer, as well.

Does an ovarian cyst naturally mean you have ovarian cancer? No...absolutely not. Could the cyst actually be malignant...in other words...cancer of the ovaries? Regrettably, yes! Ovarian cyst symptoms need to be treated very seriously, even though the majority of them are nothing to be concerned about. Cysts that do not ever become cancer are functional cysts, and occur many times without any symptoms at all.

A type of cyst on ovary that can be cancerous is a dermoid cyst, but only one to two percent actually are malignant. Cysts on ovaries in fact can be one of the ONLY early symptoms of ovarian cancer that is not a vague, generic sign.

So, what are some of the early symptoms of ovarian cancer, or for that matter...a cyst on ovary?

- pain in the lower abdomen- irregular menstrual periods/bleeding in between periods - bloating, or pressure in the abdomen- difficulty breathing- gastrointestinal problems...nausea, change in bowel habits, indigestion- back pain- feeling full quickly/not hungry- unexplained weight gain/weight loss- fatigue- fever- urinary problems

Ovarian cancer produces many obscure symptoms that might manifest and can very easily be misinterpreted for a more common illness. There have been studies done though, that have indicated that having MORE than one of these symptoms for a prolonged period...four or five weeks...is definitely a reason to see your doctor.

Because there really are no telltale early symptoms of ovarian cancer, other than some of the above signs...a woman must pay close attention to what she is experiencing. If there is any suspicion whatsoever that a cyst on ovary is present and that the patient feels her doctor is not doing enough, the best solution is to...get a second opinion. It is your life...take charge of it!

Risk Factors of Ovarian Cancer

2012-01-24T16:44:00.000-08:00

Ovarian cancer is formed in one or both ovaries which are located on either side of the uterus. The ovaries are only about the size of an almond, and are responsible for producing the eggs and releasing them into the fallopian tubes.

The ovaries also produce estrogen and progesterone, which are two female hormones. If these levels are too high before and during ovulation, they may cause ovarian tumors to form.

There are basically two types of ovarian tumors, one is type is non-cancerous, and the other is cancerous. If the tumors are cancerous they will spread to the outside of the ovaries, and eventually spread to other parts of the body.

Only about 20 percent of the tumors are discovered before they have begun to spread past the ovaries. This is mainly because the early symptoms of ovarian cancer are often misdiagnosed because they are similar to the symptoms of many common ailments such as indigestion, gas, nausea, bloating, constipation and bladder disorders. The only difference between the symptoms is that the symptoms of ovarian cancer will not disappear after a few days, but rather they will gradually become worse and the cancer continues to spread.

So who is at risk?

Those who are overweight, and obese. Obesity is linked to more severe ovarian cancers, and increases the risk by 80%. The fat cells help to produce higher levels of estrogen which is linked to causing ovarian cancer.

It usually only develops after menopause, but can also occur before menopause. As one ages, the risk increases.

Women who have had no children, or had their first child after the age of 30 are at a greater risk.

Women who began menstruating at an early age (before 12), and had a late menopause (after 50), are also at an increased risk.

Those who have trouble conceiving, but researchers do not know whether this is because of infertility, or because of infertility drugs which are administered to the patients.

Hormone replacement therapy also plays a major role.

A drug called danazol, has also been linked to ovarian cancer. It is a male hormone (androgen) which is used to treat endometriosis.

A high fat diet also largely increases the risk.

Those who have had breast cancer are also at a higher risk.

Family history, if someone in the family has had it, the risk increases by 10-15 percent.

Gene mutations (or so they say).

To eliminate some of the risks of getting ovarian cancer, one can stick to a healthy plant-based diet to help maintain a healthy weight, and to keep the inside of the body clean, and free of toxins.

How You Can Survive Stage 4 Ovarian Cancer

2012-01-24T06:04:00.000-08:00

Your doctor has just told you that your ovarian cancer has moved onto stage 4, the most advanced and dangerous stage of them all. Your worst nightmare has just been realized and you are in a very distressed and desperate state. This is a very common feeling among stage 4 cancer sufferers. But remember this. People have survived stage 4 cancer and this article will outline how they achieved this against the odds.

Firstly, a couple of statistics to give you some comfort. More than 60% of all ovarian sufferers are already in stage 3 or 4 at the time of diagnosis. In other words, there are many people out there in your situation and it gives you a chance to share your experience. Another comforting statistic is only 0.1% of patients show metastases of the brain, which is frankly a horrible experience.

You may have heard people say that there is no cure for stage 4 cancers or that such cancers are inoperable. In other words, stage 4 cancer sufferers are in some way terminally ill. But that's not true. There are treatments for stage 4 ovarian cancer. For example, patients normally undergo a total hysterectomy and a process of tumour debulking which involves the removal of as much tumour as possible from the pelvic area. Following these 2 procedures, chemotherapy is used to kill off the remaining cancer. You can now agree that there are various treatments for this type and stage of cancer.

Finally, probably the most important part of surviving ovarian cancer is to have a positive, upbeat attitude to your situation. It's amazing the amount of people that get sick or get worse by simply adopting a negative attitude. Be optimistic and treat this experience as a fascinating learning experience in your journey of life.

As you can see, surviving this dangerous stage of cancer is indeed possible and you cannot and must not lose hope if you want to overcome this cancer. Always remember that having a positive attitude is vital in your battle to survive stage 4 ovarian cancer.

Learn to Identify the Signs and Symptoms of Ovarian Cancer

2012-01-23T19:24:00.000-08:00

Ovarian cancer is a topic that is very dear to my heart as I have just recently lost my wonderful 80 year old mother to this terrible disease. She fought it for over 2 years, but lost her battle in the end. The best chances for successful treatment and survival of this type of cancer is early detection, but many times this is not the case as the symptoms of this disease are very silent and many times it is not discovered until it has reached the advanced stage. Studies have shown that there are some general symptoms that may show for ovarian cancer and all women should be aware of them and if they experience any of them, they should not waste any time in seeing their doctor. It is also recommended that all women that are over the age of 18 have an annual pelvic examination. Lets take a look at some of the symptoms that may occur for women who have ovarian cancer.

The most common symptoms that may occur are those of indigestion, changes in bowel movements and bouts of nausea. Some women may also experience pelvic pain, but a lot of them who have ovarian cancer do not. Other symptoms include as mentioned pain in the pelvic area or abdomen, pressure, discomfort, swelling, nausea, gas, urgent urination, abnormal weight loss or gain in the abdomen area, abdomen swelling, pain during intercourse, leg pain and bleeding in the vagina.

Studies conducted on women with ovarian cancer showed that many of the them suffered from the same common symptoms of the disease and often experienced them 12 or more times during the month. Research was conducted on women with ovarian cancer and women who did not have it. These symptoms included pain in the pelvic and abdomen area, bloating of the abdomen, urgent and frequent urination, feeling full after eating very little and overall difficulty in eating at all.

If you are experiencing or think that you have any of the above symptoms, then you should contact your doctor as soon as possible. He will be able to schedule the proper tests for you to determine if you do have ovarian cancer and what stage it is in and what treatment options are available to you. It is also recommended that you meet on a daily basis with your gynecologists for several weeks to have a complete study of the disease.

Ovarian cancer, in the preliminary stage, is usually asymptomatic. As the cancer progresses, the first noticeable symptoms are usually abdominal discomfort and bloating or swelling. These are the symptoms that are often ignored or are blamed on other causes. Any symptoms that persist should be discussed with your health care professional. If this cancer is caught in the early stages, the survival rate is much higher.

I hope that you found this information useful and if you would like more information on ways to live healthy, then please visit my eating healthy web site where you will find great information to help you live a long and healthy life.

Have Ovarian Cancer and Not Even Know It?

2012-01-23T08:44:00.000-08:00

Growing up as the youngest of five with two great parents, was the best experience I could have ever had. There was a time that I did recall for about six months that I just did not feel like myself.

I was on my third month of having a constant menstrual cycle, with a lot of discomfort. I began to have really sharp pains throughout the lower part of my body, my stomach started to protrude and I had severe nausea 24 hours a day. I refused to tell my Mom because for some reason I just thought that it would go away. Well, it got worse and I had no choice but to tell her. I must mention that I was extremely obese, at 13 years old I weighed 230lbs. I will never forget the time I went to my weight loss MD and my blood pressure was 200/110...yes! At age 13 years old, I was already a ticking time bomb!

My Mom scheduled me for an appointment to see our family doctor, who I could still kick in the rear today for the snide comments made on the day of my first visit, he said, "There is nothing wrong with this child except that she is greatly obese and needs to lose weight, if anything she has a kidney infection." He never ordered any test to confirm that diagnosis nor did he care to. He prescribed medication that I did not need, which made me feel worse. The incorrect medication caused the situation to get even worse.

It was determined by a wonderful man and Gynecologist, who was at the time one of the best in New York. Unfortunately, he no longer practices medicine as I really never had the opportunity to just say, "Thank You for being appointed as one of Gods' Angels" sent to correctly diagnose me and perform the surgery on me that would save my life.

I remember everything that went on as if it were yesterday; the pain, discomfort, the comments about my sudden weight loss. I had to convince everyone that knew me that I was still a virgin. I had to stop attending school for the balance of my 10th grade school year and was home schooled for my entire 11th year of high school. It was a mess! But my spirits were high and I just wanted to get this all over with in order to get to my normal way of life.

Time was moving so slow for me, the pain was increasing, my weight dropped by 135lbs. and I looked like I may have been nine months pregnant. I was weak at times but never stopped my home schooling and passed all of my exams in order to qualify as a senior in the upcoming and last year of high school.

My friends were concerned and puzzled by my condition. Rumors were flying around about me being pregnant and putting the baby up for adoption. I had just about enough of the doctor appointments, tests and false accusations.

It was December of 1981, I remember the night before I was to be admitted into the hospital, my Mom was on the phone crying and praying so much that I thought something had happened and that we were going to hear bad news about someone else. I listened to her conversation that consisted of more tears than words and finally I fell asleep. I was admitted to the hospital the next day. The surgery was performed immediately after wards. I woke up to a flat stomach, killer hips and a wonderful waistline.

My medical doctor and his team were coming in to visit me every hour. I became so popular in the hospital and never knew why. On the day I was discharged, my Gynecologist paid me a visit and we had a very nice heart to heart, he said, "You are a very strong young lady and you are here for a reason. Take good care of yourself. You must understand that in the future you may not be able to have children due to your past problem but remember that you can always adopt and will be a great mother." At that time, the thought of having a child was the furthest thing from my mind. Time went on and in February of 1982 I was admitted into the hospital to have my right fallopian tube and right ovary removed.

I was now in my mind, Fabulous! I went from a size 24 to a 14. I felt better than I ever did and I looked great! I was always very insecure about my looks as a young girl but my family always made me feel good about myself. So to experience this "Extreme Makeover" was a blast for my confidence level.

About eight weeks after the second surgery, I was scheduled for a follow-up appointment at New York Hospital.

It was on a Monday evening and after taking several tests earlier that week, my parents and I were sitting in this small office with a very nice MD, who gladly informed us that every cell and tissue tested were normal and there were no signs of anything ever being there. My parents broke down in each others arms and the MD even had a strange look of amazement on his face.

Twenty one years later, I was at work and while eating my lunch I called my Mom and we were talking as usual and she asked me if I would give one of the physicians that worked on my case, who is now a Professor in one of the NYC Colleges' permission to use my case as a study for his students. That is when she told me that I am an Ovarian Cancer survivor. I actually had Ovarian cancer and did not know it. I get chills every time I think about it.

My entire family, friends and physicians agreed that it would be best that I not know any details of my illness at that time of my life. They just wanted me to be a kid with a zest for life. Could mind be over matter? I never had radiation treatment or chemotherapy and still no signs of any cancerous cells in my body, determined by taking an annual CA-125 Blood test.

I have been blessed with two beautiful (biological) children, a wonderful husband and a family of heroes to be so thankful for.

Now being that I am considered high risk, my Gynecologist recommended that I have a total Hysterectomy to avoid any recurrence. I was willing to have the Hysterectomy and did so in 2008. It was the best thing I could have ever done, so far no negative side affects and I feel great mentally, physically and spiritually.

I truly feel that this was Gods' way of giving me another opportunity to live even longer while not having to worry about or deal with that illness as my family, friends and physicians did when I was a young girl.

Most of all I have to thank God again and again, for using me to perform another miracle.

Please schedule a regular Gynecology exam for you and your loved ones' annually. Take care of yourself. Be wise, be well.

All That You Must Find Out About Borderline Ovarian Tumors

2012-01-22T22:04:00.000-08:00

Borderline ovarian tumors are basically tumors that have the capability to turn malignant with cells that seem like cancer cells, or ovarian tumors which are in the initial stages of malignancy. These kinds of tumors are epithelial tumors that formulate and raise on the ovaries. These need to be removed surgically and then sent off to a laboratory for biopsy. The findings basically determine the treatment plan.

Women of all ages have been seen to be afflicted by these particular ovarian tumors since the late 1920s, however in those days they were referred to as "semi-malignant tumors". This particular term was utilized in order to distinguish them from benign tumors in addition to tumors that were malignant. This phrase was not altered right up until the 1970's when most physicians started out to recurrently term ovarian tumors as possibly being benign, borderline or malignant. Amongst all the ovarian tumors that are identified each year, just about 15% of them end up being epithelial tumors. Although these kinds of tumors can formulate in females of any age, childbearing women are more susceptible to develop them. As borderline ovarian tumors develop at an exceptionally slow rate, they are largely found in routine medical checks prior to them progressing to an awfully critical stage of malignancy. These are mostly enclosed within the ovary and not moved on to other parts of the body when they are discovered. As a result, the survival rate of women afflicted with this type of tumor is really high.

The medical diagnosis of this type of ovarian tumor is fairly tough due to the fact that their symptoms arise rather late and some women do not even have any discomforts at all. As the tumor expands, some women may undergo abdominal pain as well as a girth increase round the abdomen and waist, that cannot be spelled out. They may have an abdominal mass and abdominal distention, but one quarter of the females who are clinically determined are asymptomatic. Although the causes of these forms of ovarian cancer are not verified, the medical community connects them to age of first monthly period, age of first conception, age of first delivery, smoking habits, oral contraceptives, menstrual history as well as family history of ovarian cancer. There are two main subtypes of these forms of ovarian tumors. Serous tumors are more commonly diagnosed and are believed to arise from the tissue lining of the ovary. The actual origin of Mucinous tumors is nonetheless still a confusion. A direct link in between several forms of tumors and the appendix is pointed out by gathered data.

Surgery is generally carried out to deal with borderline ovarian tumors. A biopsy is then conducted on the tumor to establish if the cancer cells have spread out and pose a threat to tissues and organs in its surrounding area. Patients are sometimes required to have radiation therapy or chemotherapy as a precaution. Although the operative removal of these types of tumors is fairly debatable with regards to childbearing women, no other treatment at the moment has been found to have positive results. The only contraindication of surgical treatment occurs in the event that the sufferer faces a lot more risk from the surgery due to other medical conditions or in the event that the sufferer does not wish to go through surgery. The sole treatment in all other cases is an operation. The final results of surgery are quite beneficial and a lot of women are treated.

Living with Ovarian Cancer

2012-01-22T11:24:00.000-08:00

Living with ovarian cancer can be very tough on a woman. Even if she gets her cancer diagnosed early, the treatment process itself can produce complications that can make her life miserable. For example, chemotherapy is known to make people sick, while surgery carries with it a lot of pain. But at least these options will bring about long-term survival, when they are used with ovarian cancer in its beginning stages. Yet, what about women who are living with ovarian cancer that has progressed to something much worse? They suffer both the complications of treatment and the fact that their chances of living long aren't very high.

With that being said, what's the best way to go about living with ovarian cancer? Well, first a woman should network with other women who are also living with ovarian cancer. These women can be found on ovarian cancer message boards and/or at ovarian cancer support groups. Sometimes you can contact people who are part of these groups as they are often in a similar situation as you.

Secondly, you should consider going to clinical trials. These are research studies in which new drugs or other ovarian cancer therapies are tested. Granted, there's no guarantee that such things will stop your ovarian cancer, but it at least gives you some form of hope. You are also providing invaluable research data for scientists who are looking to see what will kill the cancer tumors and what won't. Even if the treatment can't save your life, perhaps through your participation researchers can gain the knowledge they need to form future treatments that could save the lives of other women.

Finally, when you are living with ovarian cancer, you should find a way to develop your spiritual side. This doesn't necessarily equate to being religious, though if you are religious it doesn't hurt to hold on to it even more. But with true spirituality, you are looking at things on a level higher than obeying commandments or even seeking 'heaven'. With true spirituality you are looking at your existence in relation to the overall universe and God. Even atheists can become more spiritual, by partaking in the things of life that bring an ethereal sense of joy. For example, going camping and enjoying the beauty of nature is one way of increasing a person's spirituality. Embarking on your own personal talents, such as painting or writing is another way you can get in touch with your spirituality.

In conclusion, you do not have an easy road ahead when you are living with ovarian cancer. However, you can make life more bearable by: talking about your disease with other women who also have it, partaking in clinical trials and developing a deeper sense of spirituality in spite of living with ovarian cancer. These things won't make your cancer go away, but they may help you find more comfort as you go through each day.

6 Things To Know About Ovarian Cysts and Cancer

2012-01-22T00:44:00.000-08:00

Cancer can develop in anyone, at anytime and anywhere within the body, including the reproductive system. If you have symptoms for ovarian cysts, it does not mean that the cyst will be cancerous, but it is possible that cancer could occur. Cancer can be expensive to cure so preventative measures should be taken if possible.

The possibilities of developing an ovarian cyst increase dramatically during a woman's child bearing years. The cysts that are formed naturally will not show any signs that they exist and will disappear without any warning. In addition, there has not been any scientific link that having the condition will advance into cancer; it is estimated that is could occur every 15 out of 100,000 which is realistically a very small number.

The small number is not a number to be concerned with; although this is not a reason to disregard the possibility that a cyst could become cancerous. The symptoms should not be dismissed; especially if there is a chance that the cyst could become a more severe medical condition. If a cyst is not addressed, the situation could become life threatening under certain conditions.

Not knowing is usually the worst thing that can happen. Without knowing if an ovarian cyst exists or if the symptoms are overlooked are reasons why regular gynecological exams should be completed on an annual basis. If gone undetected and the cyst grows extremely large or ruptures, surgery will be required to correct the medical issue.

The symptoms for ovarian cysts are usually very minimal, if there are even any at all. As long as the cyst remains small, then it should not cause any issues and then fade away. If the cyst grows, it will eventually create pressure within the body and the woman will begin to feel discomfort and pain.

Not only should symptoms for ovarian cysts ring a bell there is the possible issue that the cyst itself exists, but it could also be a sign of other medical issues. Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome or PCOS which is a result from an ovarian cyst, and it can cause other medical problems such as diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, hypertension and high cholesterol levels. Having one condition lead to another is, again, another reason why the symptoms should not be disregarded.

Women will have numerous ovarian cysts within their lifetime and many of the cysts will occur and then disappear without any notice. It is the contrary that if one has a cyst that one will also have ovarian cancer; it can be just the opposite. This confusion simply means that a woman must understand and be educated about her body and how it works.

Knowing the symptoms for ovarian cysts is one part of preventing one from elevating to a more severe condition. Eating right, exercising and maintaining good communication with your doctor are also important. Natural remedies are also available and certainly can help to maintain a healthy body to prevent more serious medical conditions such as PCOS.

Tasas de supervivencia del cáncer de ovario

2012-01-21T14:04:00.000-08:00

Cancer knows the healing of a deadly disease in the world, with very little of him completely. A type of cancer that many women around the world is influenced ovarian cancer. It is the fifth leading cause of death in patients with cancer and now leads the graphics below gynecological cancers dead. Demographics of all racial and ethnic women show the development of risk factors for ovarian cancer. Once it has been diagnosed with ovarian cancer, is the first response to confirm that survival rates of ovarian cancer and life expectancy. Different rates differentiated from patient to patient, but some common factors include: age, family history of diseases and early detection of cancer.

A woman's age rises, making her chances with ovarian cancer. Very few women are younger than 40 years, seen from this suffering, but there is no rarity. Ovarian cancer survival rates are much higher among young women, the elderly. Women in the age of 20 have fully recovered higher survival rates with 99% of women in it. That changed almost lower for women under 30 years old with escalating mortality rates to 0.8%. With early detection, cancer mortality rates are declining and the majority of women continue to live fully healthy. At the age of 35, with the start of the other gynaecological problems and low probability of pregnancy, the survival rate has a slight recovery; Descent towards some 96.8% and even smaller if the cancer has advanced to the stage III or IV.

As rates of survival of ovarian cancer reduction women in the age of 45 years, Cruz further up to 85%. At this point life expectancy is not very high and it may be even more complicated when at the same time developed breast cancer. If women hit their early 1960s, falling life expectancy until about five or six years after the adoption. If the patient at the time of diagnosis is healthy and active, this may be the 12-15 years, but no longer. If at the end of the stage of diagnosis of its dissemination, ovarian cancer survival rates can be very low. At this point radiation therapy and chemotherapy are to be seen better treatment options.

After the age of 65 and above, the falling prices directly to 75 per cent and the life expectancy of up to 1 year after diagnosis. Relieve the fair treatment, but long. Very few women are suffering from those showing longer survival rates of ovarian cancer after the 1980s, but but may suffer health Detoriated and other diseases. Long-term therapy is recommended for these patients, because they are at risk may be a useless surgery. As with all diseases, then they can increase rates of treatment and survival of early diagnosis and life expectancy. You always have regular to go check and check-ups for the diagnosis of cancer of any type at an early stage and heal.

Stages of ovarian cancer

2012-01-21T03:24:00.000-08:00

We try to express the level of lead from cancer, the disease is widespread. As treatment is crucial especially depending on stage the cancer is decided. Ovarian cancer, doctors use a simple system called provisional system IV of FIGO (International Federation of Gynecology and obstetrics).

Stage indicates that about ovaries cancer is limited. In stage IA, cancer is in an ovary, limited, while there is cancer in both ovaries in IB. In stage IC, cancer is in addition to the ovaries of one or both, may be present; obtained from cancer cells on the outside surface of one or both ovaries or fluid in the abdomen or the outer wall of a cystic ovarian tumor may have burst.

We believe that this stage of cancer II is outside of the ovary or ovaries, but is within the basin. Phase reaches IIA fallopian tube cancer or uterine cancer meant for IIB to other tissues in the basin, such as the bladder or the rectum. Stage IIC indicates that in stages IIA and IIB, some tumors on the surface of at least one ovary are present or are collected the cancer cells in the fluid in the abdomen during surgery or the ovary before or during breaks.

Phase III means that the tumor has spread outside pelvis in the abdominal cavity. Phase III is also, if cancer is found in the lymph nodes in the abdomen, neural diseases engine behind the uterus or higher. Phase of tissue clock IIIA cancer under a microscope by growth in the lining of the abdomen are the lining of the abdomen, in IIIB, small tumor. Growths are greater than 2 cm in the lining of the abdomen IIIC; They include nodes lymph in the abdomen, upper motor neuronal diseases or behind cancer of the uterus.

Phase IV, the most advanced, means that other organs such as liver or lung cancer has spread.

Chemotherapy in ovarian cancer

2012-01-20T16:44:00.000-08:00

Fighting cancer is a disease that afflicts every year up to 25000 women in the United States. This disease begins with tumors in the ovaries, but the disease spreads to attack, not only cancer after all other parts of the body. Some women have their ovaries removed to detect the disease at an early stage. But at some point in the disease, surgery is unnecessary, and best hope for the patient is chemotherapy.

The problem with chemotherapy is doing very uncomfortable, even painful, and many women through all survival rates discourage victims of ovarian cancer. For others is nothing still value to try to combat the chance to live.

Before deciding if chemotherapy for you or not, is that it is better to know the facts:

Chemotherapy of ovarian uses powerful chemicals to kill cancer cells in the body. Give to these chemical substances your body sometimes by oral medications, but increasingly is pumped directly into the bloodstream with a needle and IV tubes.

Chemotherapy is uncomfortable. It is the rule that it feels much worse before the start to feel better. Patients often badly chemotherapy. They tend to lose their hair.

These effects occur because chemicals to kill the cancer cells also kill healthy cells at the same time. You think that cancer cells eliminating are healthy cells in the first place. For this reason, it is very important for chemotherapy patients take care of your body and maintain that fit their healthy cells, to stay at the top.

But after work with chemicals, they begin to feel better. In fact, even in cases where the chemotherapy to treat cancer, which many doctors prescribe more chemotherapy because even in situations where not all cancer cells are killed, destroyed the chemotherapy, cancer symptoms are enough of them is still the patient some relief.

One more important thing is who knows of chemotherapy of ovarian cancer are: no matter what if send and give a better opportunity to combat the disease to other people. Session emits any better as ovarian cancer chemotherapy of ovarian cancer in seeking a better understanding of the medical community. Made new could be discovered during treatment may one day his daughter, his grandson and many other women that come later from-regardless if it helps chemotherapy.

Find types of ovarian cancer

2012-01-20T06:04:00.000-08:00

Although they are aware of ovarian cancer as possible, some treatments and even some of the symptoms, it is that they do not know that the fight against cancer is not a single disease.

In fact, there are currently more than 30 types and sub types of ovarian tumors. Scientists are grouped into three categories, depending on they type of cells to be.

The first type, known as common epithelial tumors that arise from the cells on the surface of the ovary. This is the most common type of ovarian cancer and occurs mainly in adults. Common epithelial tumors begin in the ovarian surface epithelium and it represents about 90% of ovarian cancer.

The following type of germ cell ovarian tumors, come from egg producing cells within the body of the ovaries. Ovarian cancer are all in Western countries 3 per cent. Germ cells are produced tumors tend to, in young women, with a peak of incidence between people in their early 20s.

The third type is called the sex of the tumors of bone marrow stromal cells and begin to produce in the epithelial cells that hold together the ovaries and female hormones. Of all cancers of the ovary and hormonal effects such as precocious puberty, associated early sexual maturity, facial hair and are about 5%.

In addition, some types of cancer, and ovarian tissue can be seen as ovarian cancer.

I hope that you liked much value to this article, as I write. Good luck on his journey to the fight against cancer.

A quick look at the survival rate of ovarian cancer

2012-01-19T19:24:00.000-08:00

Today, women have a survival rate much better than those who were affected by this disease a few years ago of ovarian cancer. Technological advances in early diagnosis and treatment of the disease in women, as well as research and development, address proactively the disease have been many different approaches for the effective treatment of the disease and an increase in the survival of ovarian cancer.

Early detection is the key to successful treatment of this disease. Smear of a woman who receives regular Pap test and annual check-up is much more likely to avoid more aggressive treatments associated with later stages of the disease. The severity of the disease are called "stages". Each stage of the disease requires a different type of treatment and shows another level of progression of the disease. In addition, constructs full recovery, the exchange of statistics on the stage in which the disease is first diagnosed.

Women, periodic checks and Pap smear are usually phase of discovery of the disease. This is a very curable form and has a very high chance of surviving more than 5 years. More than 90% of the stage patients live at least 5 years after his diagnosis and prognosis for a longer life, devoid of cancer is very high.

Stage II patients have a lower life expectancy survive five years or more, around 75% or more depending on the spread of the disease and other bodies are identifiers should be. If the cells are restricted to certain areas of the ovaries, it increases the possibility to survive more than 5 years.

A phase III only 34% if perhaps there are other sectors involved. However, this figure beyond of the situation and the invasiveness of disease can vary. Stage IV may be 18% chance of surviving more than five years and is regarded as the most serious cancer. In phase IV, the cells are usually rooted in other parts of the body, which must be addressed at the same time.

More research and development of the diagnosis and treatment increases the survival rate of ovarian cancer. However, it is important to a woman in his care and taking the precautions necessary to prevent the disease. Through periodic and early diagnosis, women are more likely to survive and a healthy and productive life.

What are the symptoms of ovarian cancer? Two characters who never wait for cancer

2012-01-19T08:44:00.000-08:00

Really hate but more articles and documentation, that is out there about this terrible disease, speak on this subject that begins the best opportunity to harass women doctors soon enough. Remember, the sooner better, as it could be the difference between level 1 and level 3 or 4. So, what are the symptoms of ovarian cancer? Here are two that you never expect anything at all, much less be a sign of cancer.

As it is so hard to believe, one of the characters is swelling. It is not so crazy? That is why it is so difficult to obtain for physicians, we take seriously. Make an appointment, going to the doctor and tell him that you are concerned because the fans, and I will probably say, take some MYLANTA or gas-X and go home and stop wasting their time. And indeed 9 times of 10, this is everything you need. But we are only using this 1 hour 10 or even less than that. And as silly as not to seem likely that it can, if you simply want to find soon of this disease.

Another sign is in order, indigestion. Yes, but another symptom of harmless sound. Here is another complaint, which is that the doctor smiled in the. And once more, that most of the time, is not nothing serious at all. However, I have had these symptoms, and it is, I had never experienced, so they were not the norm for me.

The keys you need to know what is normal for you. If suddenly starts running swelling and indigestion and remains, and this is not something that usually go in the clinic of a doctor for you and make sure that these things completely. I wish I had done. But as the majority of people I simply figured were perhaps signs of ageing and nothing to worry about.

Remember these very harmless sound two symptoms of ovarian cancer and see your doctor if they for long periods of time, to stay.

What is ovarian cancer?

2012-01-18T22:04:00.000-08:00

Women have two ovaries in his abdomen on each side of the uterus. The ovaries are part of the reproduction. There are two works that make the ovaries; They produce hormones (estrogen and progesterone) and leave the eggs, the journey through the fallopian tube to the uterus.

Ovarian cysts, visit the external surface of an ovary or therein. You can also include an ovarian cyst containing liquids and solids. It is very important to know that most cancer not ovarian cysts. You're gutartiger cysts, which disappear by itself over time.

If a doctor found a cyst on the ovary, it will collapse, not the patient in an emergency operation. BENIGN OVARIAN CYSTS ARE. The cyst is a period of time to see, and if not reduce cysts and disappears or if the cyst is larger, the doctor will then test to determine whether, in fact, the cyst is a problem.

Ovarian cancer cells can penetrate all parts of the female reproductive system. You can enter the uterus and fallopian tubes and ovaries. Sometimes cells of ovarian cancer throws the original tumor. Sheds cells can cause this new form of stomach cancer. Ovarian cancer cells can also cancer via the lymphatic system to the lymph nodes in the pelvis, abdomen and chest around.

History of the family which appears to be the biggest risk factor. Wife, mother, daughter or sister, who has ovarian cancer, are at higher risk of developing cancer of the ovary as the rest of the population. Women, the family history of breast cancer, uterus, colon, or rectal cancer may also be an increased risk of ovarian cancer.

The best policy to ensure that women have physical examinations scheduled. If there is a family history of ovarian cancer, breast cancer or cancer of the uterus, colon or rectal cancer, is important to tell your doctor about your family history.

Symptoms of characters hidden of ovarian cyst and natural treatment methods

2012-01-18T11:24:00.000-08:00

How you know if they experience symptoms of an ovarian cyst.? Ovarian cysts are independent of their age a very common in women. Statistics show that almost 80% of women around the world will develop an ovarian cyst at some point in their lives. A doctor may refer to an ultrasound specialist to determine if you have an ovarian cyst or not having.

In most cases, if a cyst is left untreated, can grow up to four inches as a fluid filled sac and serious health problems, mainly due to a potentially dangerous metabolic dysfunction, known as polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) syndrome. Women with cysts are also at high risk of developing ovarian cancer. It is important to learn how to recognize and deal with ovarian cysts now, before they can cause other health problems. Attention, if one of the following symptoms for a long time after a week.

Signs and symptoms

A woman experiencing symptoms usually starts with pain in the pelvic area, especially in times of menstruation. A reference box to a cyst, nausea and vomiting, pain or pressure in the abdomen or lower back area, stained vaginal, fever, acne, difficulty in urination or bowel movements, weight gain, high blood pressure and insulin resistance, infertility can be pain during or after intercourse. These are just some of the signs and symptoms more common.

Also, while at the same time there are two or more of the following symptoms may be so obvious indicator of a cyst. Takes drastic measures if you with a specialist to check because it is unnecessary surgery. As a whole does not necessarily have a surgery of ovarian cyst. Surgical treatments, often leave a damaged tank causing your chances of getting children. Hormonal contraceptive and can only help to alleviate some symptoms, but in fact does not prevent the cysts re-MonkeyWrench. In addition, you can leave a prolonged use of prescription medications, long-term side effects.

Stop of developing ovarian cyst. Many women have up to natural treatment options at home and found the success of the treatment of cysts. The advantage of using natural remedies that can help to reverse, reduce and even prevent, the cyst is back again. Increased intake of fibre with certain foods, drink lots of water and the use of herbal medicines are all forms of try and slow the cyst.

Overview of phase 3 of ovarian cancer

2012-01-18T00:44:00.001-08:00

Ovarian cancer is a serious cancer III level that has spread, they are part of the pelvic area and organs and lymph nodes internal organs (liver, intestines, etc.) and is easier to diagnose. It is used as part of the prediction made by a doctor.

Ovarian cancer is defined by the system (iii) determination of TNM. TNM is the size of defined tumor, registration, status of node metastasis or spread and the class of the tumor. In the end is known as time allows doctors that a patient must live, and if they will survive. These factors include:

Each part is defined as follows:

Determination of TNM classification system

Tumor-Distribución of the size of the stage III tumors can be defined as one of the following:

T3: the tumor is in one ovary (or both); the tumor has invaded the tissue in the pelvic region outside the pelvic region and lymph node (s); The cells of the tumor in the stomach wash fluids (ascites) or the abdominal cavity (peritoneal lavage fluid)

Zum: tumor found in an ovary (or both); the spread of the tumor tissues includes in the pelvic region, out of the pelvic region and, in addition, the pelvic region

Münster: ovary tumor is one (or both); the tumor has invaded the tissue in the pelvic region, outside the pelvic region and also in the pelvic area, now to see a maximum of up to 2 cm in size and without a microscope

T3c: tumor is an ovary (or both); the tumor spreading fabric is incorporated in the pelvic region, outside the pelvic region and also the pelvic region, now 2 cm or more in size and easy to see

Insertion of nodes is like cancer in phase III of the classification:

N1: tumor spread to lymph nodes

Extended or as metastasis cancer III phase provision found it was, can only use the following classification:

M1: metastasis found somewhere

Grade of the tumor

The classification of cancer shows the maturity of the cancer cells in the ovary (s). How cancer is now in phase III, they can be classified as follows:

Class 2: a combination of normal and cancerous cells; Cancer cells are responsible for all cells

Class 3: some may remain normal cells; most or all the cells are carcinogenic

It is the lower level, the slower growth, a cancer and better survival of patients. The highest degree, which can grow faster the tumor or spread and significantly reduces the chances of survival. In this case phase III has greatly reduced the probability of recovery or survival ovarian cancer patients.

Stage groupings

Groups are used for the order of the various factors that TNM shows the classification system of determination. The groupings are as follows: phase III

Phase III

Stage IIIa: N0, M0, Zum

Stage IIIb: Münster, N0, M0

Stage IIIc: T3c, N0, M0 or (varied) T, N1, M0

Ovarian Cancer

2012-01-06T19:56:00.000-08:00

Ovarian cancer has been known as a silent killer, simply because the early symptoms of this cancer are often misdiagnosed. Because of this, only 20% of ovarian cancers are found before they have spread past the ovaries. The cancer begins in the ovaries which are only about the size of an almond, and are located on each side of the uterus. The ovaries are responsible for producing the eggs and releasing them into the fallopian tubes. They also produce two female hormones known as estrogen and progesterone. High levels of these hormones is linked to the cause of ovarian cancer.

Tumors which form in the ovaries can be cancerous, or non-cancerous. The non-cancerous tumors do not spread, but they do cause the body to create more estrogen, which in turn can cause cancer. Tumors that are cancerous eventually spread to the outside of the ovaries and spread through the bloodstream or lymph nodes to other parts of the body. The tumors can affect one or both ovaries.

If the cancer is diagnosed early, one has a better chance of surviving. But the early symptoms are difficult to diagnose because they are similar to many other common ailments. The main difference between the symptoms of ovarian cancer, and those of common ailments is that the symptoms of ovarian cancer do not fluctuate, or disappear, but rather they gradually become worse as the cancer cells grow. Most symptoms of common ailments will disappear within a day or two.

Some of the symptoms are digestive disorders, bladder disorders, bloating, constipation, fatigue, and lower back pain. If these symptoms occur and do not go away after a week then it may be a good idea to have it checked out by a medical doctor.

Knowing whether or not one is at risk may also help to determine whether the symptoms are something to worry about or not. As one ages the risk of ovarian cancer increases, and usually the cancer occurs in women who have gone through menopause. Hormone replacement therapy also plays a major role.

Obesity is linked to more severe cancers, and increases the risk by 80%. A drug called danazol, has also been known to increase the risk. It is a male hormone (androgen) which is used to treat endometriosis. A high fat diet also largely increases the risk.

The best defense is to eat a raw food diet, with lots of leafy green vegetables, fruits, nuts, and herbs. Avoiding animal proteins, refined sugars, as well as processed foods will help to maintain a healthy weight, thus eliminating one of the greatest risk factors.

Ovarian Cancer In Women: Be Aware Of The Symptoms

2012-01-06T09:16:00.000-08:00

The symptoms of ovarian cancer in women can be difficult to notice. Many people may put the signs down to something else. In the United Kingdom alone 7000 women a year are diagnosed with ovarian cancer.

If the cancer is diagnosed early the treatment may be more effective, the people more at risk of developing ovarian cancer are those aged 30+, and post menopausal women.

It is important for women to know that a cervical smear test, does not pick up on ovarian cancer, smear tests usually just look for abnormal cells that may be a sign of cervical cancer.

Some of the early signs that you may have ovarian cancer are;

- Constant pains in the abdomen, much like period pains
- Bloating of the stomach (not just after eating)
- Loss of appetite
- Frequent urination or having trouble urinating
- Bowel problems such as diarrhea or constipation
- Tiredness
- Pains in the back or neck
- Weight loss (only if it is unexplained)

As I stated above these symptoms can often be mistook for something else. Some women may feel abdominal pains before their period along with a bloated feeling.

Because symptoms of ovarian cancer in women can be like regular everyday problems for most, because of this delay the cancer can often spread. This makes treatment more intense and the success rate may be lower than that if the cancer was diagnosed earlier.

This cancer can sometimes be hereditary, if 2 or more members of your family have previously suffered with breast or ovarian cancer you should let your doctor know.

Some younger women often ignore the symptoms mentioned above, this may be because they feel that the cancer is a problem that only affects the older woman. It may be because they have no idea that the symptoms they are experiencing are like those for ovarian cancer.

If you are noticing any of the above symptoms on a daily basis, I urge you to seek advice from your doctor or other health professional. It may be nothing to worry about, but it is better to be safe than sorry.

It is not a very common form of cancer, more common forms are breast, cervical cancer in women or testicular cancer in men.

If you think you may be suffering with any of these symptoms then you should speak with your doctor as soon as possible, I urge you to do this for any symptoms, not just the ones I have mentioned above. If you have already spoken with your doctor, and your symptoms are getting worse, go back and ask your doctor for more accurate tests.

As the symptoms of ovarian cancer in women are similar to those you would get with a period, you may feel like it is not important enough to warrant a trip to the doctor, this can be detrimental to your health. Early detection of the cancer may save lives! If you or someone you know is having any of these problems please get it checked out.

Ovarian Cancer - New Evidence

2012-01-05T22:36:00.000-08:00

Unfortunately, one of the most lethal of all female cancers, ovarian cancer is now the 5th leading cause of cancer death for women, afflicting 1 out of 58 women in the United States. When diagnosed early, the five-year survival rate can be as high as 95%. However, most cases are diagnosed in a more advanced stage, and the five-year survival rate drops to 20-30%. Until recently, ovarian cancer was labeled the "silent killer" as early diagnosis was difficult due to a lack of signs and symptoms early on. However, based on recent evidence, we now know there are specific signs and symptoms which may present earlier within the disease process- when a cure is still possible.

Background

Before we look at these signs and symptoms, it.s important to understand the definition of ovarian cancer, and how the disease progresses. Ovarian cancer begins in the cells within the ovaries, causing a tumor to grow and "seed" to other areas within the body. These malignant cells can implant anywhere in the abdominal cavity, but are more likely to implant in sites along and adjacent to the abdominal fluid circulation (bowel/bladder/spleen/liver/diaphragm/lymph nodes).

There are several thoughts as to what causes a tumor of the ovary to grow. One main theory involves the role of estrogen and progesterone in frequent ovulation- causing the ovaries to work over time. This is due to evidence that women who have had children, taken birth control pills, breastfed, or have had their tubes tied- providing a respite the ovaries- tend to have a lower risk of developing ovarian cancer than women who don't make these lifestyle choices. Other risks point to a personal or family history of breast, colon cancer or prostate cancer, being a carrier of the BRCA 1 or II gene mutation, use of talc powder, consuming high fat/processed foods, smoking, and not exercising regularly.

Promising Evidence:

Recent studies have proven that signs and symptoms are often present early within the disease. These include persistent complaints of gas, nausea, indigestion, bloating, feeling full early after meals, urinary frequency/urgency, change in bowel habits, unexplained weight loss, or shortness of breath. In a recent survey of 1,725 women diagnosed with ovarian cancer, 95% of the respondents indicated they experienced any one of these symptoms up to a year before being diagnosed, experiencing up to 20-30 episodes of symptoms each month. Although many of these symptoms can be attributed to other diseases, we are now aware that ovarian cancer should be considered in cases when other diseases cannot be identified as the cause.

Evaluation

As there is no specific test to diagnose this disease, ovarian cancer may often be diagnosed through a combination of exams and tests including the pelvic exam, ultrasound, blood tests, and surgical biopsy. Based on the results of these tests, treatment may involve further surgery, radiation therapy, and chemotherapy.

Following treatment, those with a history of this disease will require life-long follow up with periodic surveillance to identify recurrence. Survivors are encouraged to report any new symptoms to their provider, ensuring that every one of them is thoroughly investigated.

If you have any concerns, have experienced any of these symptoms, or have a family history of breast, ovarian, colon, or prostate cancer, it's important to schedule a visit with your health care provider for evaluation. Early detection is vital in order to receive the best possible treatment.

Ovarian Cancer

2012-01-05T11:56:00.000-08:00

Ovarian cancer begins in the cells that form the ovaries. Among these cells are surface epithelial cells, germ cells, and the sex cord-stromal cells. This is why cancer cells that metastasize from other organ sites to the ovary are not called ovarian cancer. Breast and colon cancers are examples of such cancers.

It has been observed that the majority of women with epithelial ovarian cancer are not diagnosed early enough. The diagnosis is done only when the disease has reached an advanced stage. By that time, the cancer spreads to the upper abdomen (stage I) or beyond (stage II). The chance of these women surviving five years is only 15 to 20 percent. But the chance of survival for the same period is 90% for patients in stage I, and about 70% for stage II patients.

Some ovarian tumors are benign, in which case the patient can be cured by surgically removing one ovary or the part of the ovary hosting the tumor. Some are malignant or cancerous. Malignant ovarian tumors are generally of three types: epithelial tumors, germ cell tumors and stromal tumors.

Epithelial tumors, accounting for most of the cases, develop in a layer of cube-shaped cells known as the germinal epithelium, which surrounds the outside of the ovaries. Its victims are mostly teenagers and young women. Germ cell tumors are not so common, and are found in the egg-maturation cells of the ovary. These patients can not only be cured, but also their fertility protected. Dangerous if allowed to spread, stromal tumors originate from connective tissue cells that hold the ovary together and produce the female hormones estrogen and progesterone.

All ovarian tumors are not cancerous. Benign cysts, dermoid tumors, and borderline malignant tumors all are distinct from ovarian cancer. These are curable and rarely prove fatal.

Ovarian Cancer Survival Rates - The Truth

2012-01-05T01:16:00.000-08:00

Ovarian cancer survival rates are as ambiguous as a weather report that says such and such percent chance of rain today. Everyone knows it's a hundred percent chance of rain when it's raining, and zero when it's not.

However to throw out the statistics in the standard way, according to the American Cancer Society more than 20,000 women are expected to be diagnosed with ovarian cancer this year, and 15,000 will die from the disease. Does that mean that three quarters of the women who receive an ovarian cancer prognosis are going to die? Not necessarily. On an individual basis it's just like the weather prediction for rain.

It really all depends on how a women wants to go about treating her cancer whether she survives or dies, not to mention whether or not she has an ovarian cancer recurrence. Of course there are innumerable variables to be factored in such as her age, the type of cancer, how soon she discovered it, and how quickly she began dealing with it. Technically speaking there are more than 30 different types of ovarian cancer - all of which are categorized by the type of cell where they originate.

So what! If you want to be brutally honest and I want to, cancer is cancer. Regardless of the type or stage, it's manifest due to a weakened immune system and the only hope of overcoming it is by freeing up and assisting the body's own immune responses. There are so many excellent remedies for performing both of those task in the world of holistic cancer treatments, and more being uncovered all the time.

For starters besides stating the obvious of avoiding all foods that feed cancer such as sugar and foods or substances that weaken the immune system, a good cleansing fast is initially recommended. A juice fast is standard, drinking only fresh carrot, beet, apple, and ginger juice for example, to cleanse the colon and rejuvenate the liver. Periodic colon and liver cleanses are similarly helpful, as is a diet of green foods along with other super foods.

There are so many herbal remedies such as Essiac tea and amazingly effective diets such as The Budwig and Hallelujah Diet. The list is all but endless. Why not take advantage of all of them? If you do the research into alternative cancer cures and become seriously committed, your chances of not being one of the more than seventy-five percent of the women who according to ovarian cancer survival rates succumb to the disease, are as good as a zero chance of rain when the sun is shining.

Ovarian Cancer - The Facts You Need to Be Aware Of

2012-01-04T14:36:00.000-08:00

The leading cause of death from genital malignancies in women is ovarian cancer. It accounts for almost 4% of all cancer deaths in women although not the highest incidence among reproductive tumors. Over time, the mortality rates have increased, this is most likely because of lack of early detection methods. Caucasian women show higher incidence rates of ovarian cancer than African-American women.

The cause of ovarian cancer is not known. The risk factors includes age, women older than 40 years old; Family history, also heredo-familial disease can be a major risk factor; null parity, a woman who has not given birth to an infant capable of survival; history of infertility; history of dysmenorrhea; and the use of ovulation-stimulating medications increase the risk that the p53 which is a tumor suppressor gene to mutate.

Most of these types of cancer are epithelial, although some are adenocarcinomas which are tumors that arise from glandular structures, which mostly are a component of most organs of the body. Ovarian cancer tends to spread and grow silently until manifestations such as pelvic pressure felt on adjacent organs or abdominal distention tends to occur that is when the woman should seek medical care. During which these pressure-related manifestations occur, the malignancy has usually spread to the uterus, ligaments as well as to the fallopian tubes. Also, they tend to spread to the nearby organs and associated structures. The usual routes of metastasis for this cancer are lymphatic tissues, through the blood which is hemetogenous, through the local extension and peritoneal seeding. The cancer may also invade the bowel, liver and other neighboring organs. Aggressive metastasis has occurred when the pelvic blood vessels are already involved.

There are clinical manifestations of ovarian cancer. These are urinary frequency and urgency, pleural effusion, increase in abdominal girth, weight loss accompanied by malnutrition, ascites associated with dyspnea (difficulty breathing), pain caused by the pressure from the growing tumor and also from the effects of bowel obstruction, constipation and most of all general severe pain. As we all know, Pain is subjective. This means that whenever the person says they are experiencing severe pain that is what their experiences are and should be addressed.

The indicators usually do not appear until the malignancy is already established although sometimes not until it has already spread. Sometimes the malignancy is being diagnosed at an earlier stage, although most affected individuals may eventually have terminal cancer due to late diagnosis for the reason that it is asymptomatic.

Before a woman gets too alarmed about possibly having this type of cancer gather the facts and address it in a logical, informed way.Consult your physician and give him or her all of the symptoms and move forward in determining the proper diagnosis.

Ovarian Cancer Symptoms and Signs That You Need To Know

2012-01-04T03:56:00.000-08:00

Ovarian cancer symptoms and signs are often difficult to notice. Individuals may think the signs are down to something else. In the United Kingdom roughly 7000 women are diagnosed with ovarian cancer per year. If ovarian cancer is diagnosed early the treatment may be more effective, the people more at risk of developing this cancer are those aged 30+, and post menopausal women.

Women need to understand that just a cervical smear test is not sufficient enough to determine if she has ovarian cancer. That test only detects cells that are abnormal which can be a sign or symptom of cervical cancer.

Some of the signs that women need to look for is for example the sudden urge to no longer eat, or urinating frequently. These are two signs that come along with this form of cancer, but of course these are also symptoms of other issues as well. Therefore you should also look for other symptoms such as constant fatigue or pain in your neck or back area. Sudden weight loss is also another possible sign that you need to be aware of.

Other symptoms can include feeling bloated even if you have not ate anything, along with diarrhea and constipation. These are all things you need to take notice of if you suspect that you may have this form of cancer. It is important to note though that even if you experience all these symptoms that they only way to truly know is to get fully diagnosed by your doctor.

As it says above these symptoms can often be mistaken for something else. Many women may already feel abdominal pains before their period is even due along with a full or gassy feeling.

The symptoms and signs can be like similar to everyday problems that most people will suffer with, this accidental delay can cause the cancer to spread. This makes treatment much more intense, tiring and the success rate may be significantly lower than that if the cancer was diagnosed at an earlier stage.

This cancer can be hereditary, if any of your family have suffered with breast or ovarian cancer you should let your doctor know and always be aware of the ovarian cancer symptoms and signs. Ovarian cancer symptoms and signs are similar to those you would get with a menstrual cycle you may feel like it is not important enough to warrant a trip to the doctor, this can be detrimental to your health. Early detection of ovarian cancer may save lives! If you or someone you know is having any of these problems please get it checked out.

Ovarian Cancer - Early Symptoms?

2012-01-03T17:16:00.000-08:00

Ovarian cancer is the fifth leading cause of cancer death in women. It has been known for a long time as the "silent killer". It earned this name because of the supposed lack of symptoms when cancer of the ovary is in early stages, when it is still highly curable. Recent evidence suggests that early symptoms are often present but overlooked.

There are approximately 22,000 new cases, and over 15,000 deaths from ovarian cancer yearly. Most, but not all, cases of ovarian cancer occur in the post-menopausal years. In three out of four patients, cancer of the ovary is usually discovered during late stages when it has spread inside the abdomen to other organs. At that point, the cure rates are low. Symptoms may include abdominal bloating or pain, feeling full early, or pelvic pressure.

Unfortunately, early stage cancer may not cause many symptoms, or they may be vague and overlooked. Over the past five years, research has shown that some of these symptoms may actually occur earlier and are simply ignored by either the patient or the physician. The trouble is that these general symptoms are most often not related to cancer and are simply intestinal disturbances due to something you ate or a viral infection. If you have abdominal or pelvic symptoms that are new, seem unusual, persist for several weeks, or are worsening, tell your doctor. This is especially important if you have a family history of cancer, especially breast or ovarian cancer.

What happens after you talk with and are examined by your doctor depends upon what is found and your age. It may be necessary to undergo ultrasound, computerized tomography (CT) or other imaging studies as well as the CA-125 blood test.

Unfortunately good screening tools are lacking, but the next best thing is early diagnosis. Knowing your body and answering its call to action is very important. Equally important is to insist that your symptoms are explained fully by appropriate examination and testing. If not, it may be time for a second opinion with a gynecologist or gynecologic oncologist.

Symptoms of Ovarian Cancer

2012-01-03T06:36:00.000-08:00

Cancer that begins in the ovaries or the fallopian tubes is called ovarian cancer. The risk of ovarian cancer rises with age. More than 50 % of deaths due to ovarian caner occur in women between 55 and 74, and about a 25 % in women between 35 and 54. Ovarian cancer has been termed the 'Silent Killer' even in medical textbooks because there are no symptoms until a considerably advanced stage of the disease. Recent studies, however, show that though there are no symptoms that are characteristic to ovarian cancer, the following warning signs manifest a few months before the cancer is detected:

Pelvic, abdominal, or back pain

Weight gain or weight loss

Unusual vaginal bleeding or discharge (heavy menstrual flow or menopausal bleeding)

Discomfort during sex

Frequent or intense need to urinate; burning sensation or spasms while urinating

Feeling full even though you haven't eaten much

Vague gastro-intestinal problems, like gas, indigestion, loss of appetite, bloating, nausea and vomiting, bloody stool, prolonged constipation or diarrhoea

Unexplained increase in waistline

Shortness of breath

Fatigue

If you experience any of the above symptoms over two or three weeks and if it gets worse with time, you should get yourself tested for ovarian cancer. As these symptoms could be associated with any other disease or minor ailment, it is impossible to diagnose ovarian cancer on their merit alone. The doctor will conduct a pelvic exam, an abdominal or vaginal ultrasound, and a blood test to check for the presence of CA 125. None of these tests are conclusive in themselves. But, a positive count on two or more of the tests should be followed by a biopsy (laparotomy) or a laparoscopy to rule out or diagnose ovarian cancer.

A very small percentage of women facing these symptoms are diagnosed with the dreaded disease. And sometimes, women can reach the very last stages of cancer with no symptoms at all. The best you can do is to maintain a healthy lifestyle and undergo an annual examination to catch the cancer before it metastasizes.

5 Useful Ovarian Cancer Tests

2012-01-02T19:56:00.000-08:00

Ovarian cancer is contracted by around 7,000 women in the UK each year. It generally affects older women and develops when the cells of the ovary start to grow in a rapid and out of control way. There are a number of symptoms associated with ovarian cancer including a bloated stomach, irregular periods and abdominal pain. If you notice any of these symptoms then you should go see your doctor right away. They will then be able to perform the necessary tests. In this article I will be discussing five of these tests.

1) PHYSICAL EXAM:- The first ovarian cancer test your doctor will recommend is a physical exam. This will be performed by either your doctor or a gynaecologist and will involve them placing one or two gloved fingers in to the vagina. They will then put their other hand on the lower abdomen to feel the position, shape and size of the ovaries. If this test reveals any abnormalities your doctor will then suggest further testing.

2) BLOOD TEST:- Certain types of ovarian cancer produce a protein called CA125. Therefore, a blood test that reveals higher than normal levels of this protein may be an indicator for this type of cancer. However, there are other conditions such pelvic inflammatory disease that can cause blood levels of CA125 to be elevated so whilst this test can indicate ovary cancer it is not a certainty.

3) ULTRASOUND SCAN:- This test involves using sound waves to build an image of your ovaries. This image can then be investigated to see if your ovaries look normal. It can also reveal whether any lumps found are fluid or solid. If any sold lumps are found they may be cancerous and will require further investigation.

4) LAPAROSCOPY:- This ovarian cancer test involves a small incision being made in the abdominal wall whilst you are under general anaesthetic. An instrument called a laparoscope (a thin, flexible tube with a camera on the end) is then inserted in to this incision and this transmits an image of your ovaries on to a screen. Your doctor can then look at this image for any abnormalities which could potentially be cancerous. Most laparoscopes can also be used to take a tissue sample and these tissues can then be tested in a laboratory to see if they are cancerous.

5) ABDOMINAL FLUID ASPIRATION:- A swollen stomach is a potential sign of ovary cancer. If your stomach does become swollen then this fluid will need to be removed. To do this your doctor will give you a local anaesthetic, insert a long, thin needle in to your abdomen and drain the fluid in to a container. This fluid can then be examined in the laboratory for the presence of cancer cells.

I hope this article has given you a greater understanding of the possible tests for ovarian cancer. This type of cancer is much more treatable in the early stages so if you have any reason to believe you may be suffering from this disease go and ask your doctor about testing. They will then be able to recommend the most suitable test and determine whether you have contracted ovary cancer.

Whilst every intention has been made to make this article accurate and informative, it is intended for general information only. Ovarian cancer is a very serious, life threatening condition and you should discuss any concerns, treatments or lifestyle changes fully with your doctor.

Ovarian Cancer-PMS Symptoms - Treatment Options for Ovarian Cancer-PMS Symptoms

2012-01-02T09:16:00.000-08:00

Many health conditions have very similar symptoms and therefore it is imperative that if you have any unusual symptoms going on that you get a thorough physical from your doctor to help determine exactly what is going on. Ovarian Cancer and PMS -premenstrual syndrome are two conditions that have some of the same symptoms. The similar symptoms of Ovarian Cancer and PMS will be reviewed. Treatment options for both will be discussed as well.

Ovarian Cancer Symptoms

It has been believed that symptoms of Ovarian Cancer did not appear until the tumor spreads. Very recently however, it has been discovered that there may be early signs. These symptoms can be bloating, abdominal pain and frequent urination or intense urge to urinate. You may experience problems with eating or you may feel full really quickly.
If these symptoms have not appeared before or if they become severe, every woman should see their doctors' for cancer screening.

Other symptoms of ovarian cancer could include a feeling of heaviness in the pelvic/abdominal area, lower abdominal pain, and/or vaginal bleeding. Other symptoms may include irregular periods, unexplained back pain that gets continually worse, and increased abdominal girth. Some gastro-intestinal problems such as gas, indigestion, decreased appetite and problems eating the usual amount of food may be symptomatic of ovarian cancer.

Nausea, vomiting, and feeling bloated may also indicate ovarian cancer. Excessive hair growth may also occur.

PMS Symptoms

There are two believed causes of premenstrual symptoms. The first is low serotonin levels (brain chemical that helps control mood, sleep, and your appetite. Associated symptoms include mood swings, irritability, aggressive behavior, and anger. Fatigue and sleep problems may also occur. Anxiety, depression and concentration problems are also associated symptoms. Food cravings and an increase in your appetite may also occur.

The second possible cause is related to the hormonal fluctuations and may be headaches including migraines. Sore breasts, bloating, and back ache might also be experienced by some women. There are over 100 associated indicators related to PMS.

Treatments

Ovarian cancer can be treated in a number of ways. Surgery is an option and may include removal of just the diseased ovary or both can be removed. If this is the case, you will no longer be able to get pregnant and early menopause may occur if you have had it already.

Radiation Treatment uses extremely high energy x-rays to do one of two things; shrink the cancer cells or to kill them. With radiation you may experience the side effects such as nausea, fatigue, and diarrhea. Report these to your doctor immediately because there are ways to help. Chemotherapy is given most often after surgery.

They may be administered intravenously or by mouth. Once the drugs are in the blood stream they spread throughout the body. This is a good treatment when the cancer has spread beyond the ovaries.

Side effects from chemotherapy may include nausea and vomiting, loss of appetite, hair loss, and rashes on the hands and feet. Damage may occur to the kidneys or nerves. Tiredness due to low red blood cell counts, bleeding/bruising from minor cuts due to low platelet counts and mouth sores may occur. Once treatments are done most of these things go away. PMS treatments include prescribed medications; possibly anti-depressants which are used no matter the level of severity. These come with some very serious side effects and as a result many people are looking for natural treatments such as herbal supplements.

Herbal supplements of high quality should have been put through intense testing. The metabolism of the ingredients is tested at the molecular level and the interactions of the ingredients examined. They also should have been made to meet pharmaceutical grade standards. This guarantees that what the label says it contains, is really in the supplement. The safety, purity, and effectiveness of the supplement are also guaranteed. Before taking any supplement, check with your doctor because the herbs may have an effect on how prescriptions you may be taking for other conditions work.

Conclusion

Ovarian cancer PMS symptoms do have some commonalities such as a little lower abdominal pain, weight gain, irregular periods, and indigestion. These symptoms can indicate either Ovarian Cancer/PMS symptoms. It is very strongly recommended that if you suspect you have PMS or ovarian cancer, to get medical advice as soon as possible. Both can be treated but ovarian cancer may be more survivable if caught early rather than later: and that is usually the case.

Information About Ovarian Cancer

2012-01-01T22:36:00.000-08:00

Ovarian cancer is actually more than one form of cancer but they are all cancers which start in that area of the female reproductive organs known as the ovaries.

Unfortunately, ovarian cancer often has no noticeable symptoms in its early stages, allowing it to grow and develop for sometime before its victim becomes aware of it. When this cancer does begin to show symptoms, the symptoms are usually such things as the person becoming very tired easily, having a bloated stomach, feeling nauseous a good part of the time and being inflicted with either diarrhea or constipation.

Although other problems can cause these same symptoms, it is important that a woman should immediately be checked out by a doctor to find out what the problem is. It may not be this cancer, but then again it may be and the sooner it is caught and dealt with, the better.

Women who have had breast cancer or who have family members who have had some form of cancer are more apt to have ovarian cancer than women who have not had breast cancer or who have no family members with a history of cancer.

It has also been noted that women who have had children, especially those that have had them young, are less apt to develop ovarian cancer than those who have not had children.

The majority of the women who develop this cancer are those in their early senior years, ages fifty-five and up.

Because of the nature of ovarian cancer not to show symptoms in its earliest stages, in the majority of cases the presence of ovarian cancer necessitates what is known as a total hysterectomy, that is the total removal of the ovaries. After this, the person is usually treated aggressively with chemotherapy, that is chemicals that kill cancer cells.

Very rarely radiation is also used after surgery for this cancer. This treatment is one that can be done very quickly if it is determined that it is needed.

Treatment for this cancer is often followed by medications given to help the person maintain her femininity.

Unfortunately, these medications often have their own side effects, so it is important that the person use them only as long as they are necessary and keep her doctor appraised of any changes or problems noticed.

After being treated for this cancer, the person is able to live a normal, active lifestyle. It is important to that she eat a healthy diet and get plenty of exercise.

Each year a large number of women are victims of this cancer but also, with aggressive treatment many women are also over comers of ovarian cancer.

Ovarian Cancer Survival Rate

2012-01-01T11:56:00.000-08:00

Ovarian cancer is cancer of the ovaries, that part of a woman's body where a child grows. According to most medical statistics, over fifteen thousand women die each year from this cancer. Medical studies have also shown that 45% of the women who are diagnosed with ovarian cancer live five or more years after the initial diagnosis.

These are pretty grim statistics. Over half of the women diagnosed with ovarian cancer die in less than five years after the initial diagnosis. Many medical professionals feel that their studies seem to show that one very real reason for this is that cancer has little or no symptoms and so before it is discovered this cancer has developed and spread.

What can be done to increase these survival rates? One way is to have a gynecological examination performed regularly. Yes, this may well cause you to experience some pain, however not any where's near as much pain as the mental pain of sitting across from your doctor's desk and hearing that you are in the advanced stages of ovarian cancer and will most likely die within five years.

Ovarian cancer isn't just one type of cancer but rather an overall name given to several different forms of cancer which occur in the ovaries.

It is important to note that most medical studies seem to show that cancer is genetic, that is the tendency towards having ovarian cancer of any kind runs in families.

Medical professionals feel that their studies seem to show also that women who have a multiple number of children are less apt to contract some form of this cancer. This is also true of women who use oral contraceptive devices. These medical professionals have therefore theorized that their studies indicate that cancer is related in some way to ovulation, that is the discharge of a mature ovum from the ovary. They feel that various occurrences that surpress ovulation in some way actually serve to lessen the chances of the woman developing some form of this cancer.

It has also been shown that the majority of cases of this cancer happen to older women, many into their seventies.

The ovarian cancer survival rate can be increased by taking proper precautions. Listen to your doctor, have that pap smear as advised. Don't wait until something seems wrong to have yourself checked out, do it on a regular basis. Don't wait, it might be too late.

Ovarian Cancer Bracelets

2012-01-01T01:16:00.000-08:00

Ovarian cancer is deadly and has a very high mortality rate. It is a disease, which affects the ovaries initially and then spreads to the pelvic area. Surgery and chemotherapy are the only treatments that work in the initial stages.

Bracelets are accessories worn on the wrist. They could be a fashion statement, but can also serve a bigger cause when worn to symbolize a cause and to show solidarity. There are a variety of causes, including deadly diseases such as AIDS and cystic fibrosis that are supported by people the world over.

Ovarian cancer awareness bracelets are made of various materials such as sterling silver pieces and Swarovski crystals. They are endorsed with a ribbon charm and closed with a sterling silver toggle. They come in different designs, colors and sizes. Some bracelets feature encouraging phrases such as 'Cure Ovarian Cancer' and 'Together we shall survive.' These lovely bracelets are marketed in lattice bags and tied with ribbon. The fight for ovarian cancer awareness is represented by the teal fiber optic beads. The crystals signify the fight for survival and the ordeal of the patient. It is with a lot of pride that the supporter wears the bracelet.

A percentage of the income from the sale of every ovarian cancer awareness bracelet is given to recognized charities to support their awareness and services provided to patients suffering from the dreaded disease. Wearing these bracelets raises awareness of the disease. The charities try to provide monetary assistance to the ovarian cancer patients by trying to meet their daily living and medical needs. Along with spreading awareness and raising required funds, these bracelets help people understand the implication of the dreaded disease. The awareness efforts are promoted and supported by various welfare groups and charities that are operative worldwide.

Early Warning Signs of Ovarian Cancer

2011-12-31T14:36:00.000-08:00

What are the early warning signs of ovarian cancer? This is a very difficult question to answer, because while there are symptoms in the beginning stages of the disease, they tend to be so mild that both the woman herself and her doctors may not think the symptoms are indicative of ovarian cancer. This is particularly the case if the woman doesn't have ovarian cancer in her family's history. Yet, it's still helpful if women are at least aware of the most common signs of ovarian cancer. By knowing what the symptoms are, she may not discredit the possibility of ovarian cancer, especially if they get worse in a relatively short period of time. This article will help women obtain this knowledge by explaining in detail the two main warning signs: abdominal pain and urinary incontinence.

Abdominal Pain

The first sign of ovarian cancer that you should look out for is abdominal pain. This is due to the ovarian tumors attacking the abdomen, resulting in fluid build-up that puts pressure on the nerves. Yet, the pain may not feel much different than what a woman gets if she has a tummy ache or even bad gas. So, the key is going to be how long the abdominal pain lasts. Tummy aches and gas usually don't last too long, especially when the source of what is causing the problem gets taken care of. The abdominal pain will be chronic and worsen over time. In the latter stages of ovarian cancer, the pain will be accompanied with abdominal girth and digestive problems.

Urinary Incontinence

Urinary incontinence is also a very common symptom of ovarian cancer. This is when a woman has an abnormal urge to urinate more than normal. When she does go to the bathroom, she may or may not actually urinate. Sometimes a woman may even leak urine even if she has gone to the bathroom. Now, incontinence is a much more significant than abdominal pain, so it may prompt a woman to seek at least a check-up. However, even the gynecologist may not realise what the problem is. This is because urinary incontinence can be a symptom of other diseases, some of which aren't even serious. An example is a urinary tract infection, a condition that can easily be treated with antibiotics. Yet, if the urinary tract infection is really indicative of ovarian cancer, antibiotics will not get it to go away.

So, what does a woman do if she exhibits any of the early warning signs of ovarian cancer? She needs to go to the doctor and let them know she has concerns over whether or not her symptoms are a result of the condition. The doctor will evaluate whether or not she is at high risk for the disease. If she is the doctor will probably suggest ovarian cancer screening. If she isn't the doctor will probably wait to see if the symptoms progress before suggesting any official screening. The reason this is the case is because women who are not at high risk for ovarian cancer tend to get misdiagnosed when they get ovarian cancer screening. Doctors want to avoid the possibility of a woman getting unnecessary ovarian cancer treatment.

Ovarian Cancer Stages - Top 4

2011-12-31T03:56:00.000-08:00

We hear more and more that our friends or family have been diagnosed with cancer. Cancer is a terrible thing to happen to anybody. Ovarian cancer is one particular disease that seems to be on the rise so it is important for the female population to keep their yearly checkups on schedule. There are four stages that ovarian cancer goes through; let's review those ovarian cancer stages.

Stage 1 - The first stage is determining where the cancer is located and it can be in either one or both ovaries at this time. During this stage, the cancer is only located in the ovaries and has not moved elsewhere in the body. As this stage progresses, the cancer can be found in both ovaries and may at this time have moved to the outside and elsewhere in the body.

Stage 2 - This stage verifies if the cancer is found in one or both of the ovaries as well as that the cancer could now be on the outside of the ovaries as well as possibly other organs that are contained within the pelvic area. During this stage, the cancer spreads into the Fallopian tubes and/or the uterus. At the end of this stage, the cancer has spread to the uterus, colon, rectum, bladder, and into the lymph nodes. It is even possible at this point that the cancer can be found in the abdomen area.

Stage 3 - At this point, the cancer is found in one or both of the ovaries and has spread to other parts of the pelvic area. The cancer that can be found in the abdomen area are approximately 2cm or less but in the ovary(ies), the size could be larger than 2cm. Statistics show that most women are diagnosed with ovarian cancer during stage 3.

Stage 4 - This is the most extreme level the cancer reaches and is when the cancer has spread to other areas of the body. Surgery is usually performed to remove the cancer before further treatments are prescribed. Every attempt is made during surgery to remove the cancer which can be successful, but if the surgery is not then the patient must undergo chemotherapy treatments.

These stages were developed by the International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics or FIGO and are standard in assigning the ovarian cancer stages throughout the world.

Was Your Ovarian Cancer Misdiagnosed?

2011-12-30T17:16:00.000-08:00

As many as 30,000 U.S. women will be diagnosed with ovarian cancer this year. In 2006, between 15,000 and 16,000 women are likely to die from this silent killer. Ovarian cancer is the 5th leading cause of death among women, and it is responsible for about five percent of all cancer deaths. Chances are your doctor may have misdiagnosed you. That is often the case. A recent British study found 60 percent of all U.K. general practitioners had misdiagnosed their patients.

Three-quarters of British doctors surveyed incorrectly assumed that symptoms only occurred in the late stages of ovarian cancer. Based upon that information, it should be no surprise that Britain has one of the lowest survival rates for ovarian cancer in the Western World - of 6,800 cases diagnosed each year, more than 4,600 die.

A similar discovery was made by University of California researchers, who announced last year, "Four in 10 women with ovarian cancer have symptoms that they tell their doctors about at least four months -- and as long as one year -- before they are diagnosed." According to their study of nearly 2,000 women with ovarian cancer, the researchers discovered physicians:

o First ordered abdominal imaging or performed gastrointestinal procedures instead of the more appropriate pelvic imaging and/or CA-125 (a blood test that can detect ovarian cancer).

o Only 25 percent of patients, who reported ovarian cancer symptoms four or more months before diagnosis, were given pelvic imaging or had CA-125 blood tests.

Patients with early symptoms are frequently misdiagnosed. Abdominal imaging or diagnostic gastrointestinal studies are less likely to detect ovarian cancer. According to the American Cancer Society's website, "The most common symptom is back pain, followed by fatigue, bloating, constipation, abdominal pain and urinary urgency. These symptoms tend to occur very frequently and become more severe with time. Most women with ovarian cancer have at least two of these symptoms."

By the time a woman reaches the fourth stage of ovarian cancer, her first-line treatment is often Carboplatin, Paclitaxel and Cisplatin as the specific chemotherapy for ovarian cancer. In the first stage, cancer is contained inside one or both ovaries. By stage two, the cancer has spread into the fallopian tubes or other pelvic tissues, such as the bladder or rectum. When the cancer has spread outside the pelvis area into the abdominal cavity, especially when tumor growths are larger than two centimeters on the lining of the abdomen, then ovarian cancer has reached stage three. The fourth and final stage of ovarian cancer is reached when the cancer has spread into other body organs, such as the liver or lungs.

If detected early, survival rates can be as high as 90 percent. Detected in the advanced stage, the survival rate falls to between 30 and 40 percent. Various imaging tests such as computed tomography (CT) scans, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans, and ultrasound studies can confirm whether a pelvic mass is present. A laparoscopy can help a doctor look at the ovaries and other pelvic tissue to in order to plan out a surgical procedure, or to determine the stage of the ovarian cancer. A biopsy, or tissue sampling, would confirm if there is cancer in your pelvic region, and would help determine how advanced it is. An elevated CA-125 blood test typically suggests the cancer has progressed to the advanced stage.

About 50 percent of ovarian cancer patients are already at an advanced stage by the time a correct diagnosis is made. Only 10 to 14 percent of women with advanced cancer are likely to survive more than five years.

Evaluation of Therapies

While research shows drinking black (or green) tea or taking the herbal supplement gingko biloba may be useful, as a preventative measure, or to reduce risk, a woman has few choices when her cancer has moved to the advanced stage. In the first stage, a woman faces surgical removal of the tumor, and possibly one or both ovaries, to increase her chances of survival. Beyond that, her choice is chemotherapy.

One major problem with chemotherapy is the side effects. The more advanced the cancer, the weaker one may be, reducing the survival rate potential. Survival rates have not changed very much over the past fifteen years. Chemotherapy can increase survival time by as much as 50 percent. But, quality of life suffers. The side effects and increased toxicity, accompanying chemotherapy, reduce how one spends the prolonged survival time.

Some of Paclitaxel's minor side effects, as reported by Medline Plus, may include nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, change in taste, thinned or brittle hair, pain in the joints of the arms or legs, changes in the color of nails, and/or tingling in the hands or toes. More serious side effects may include mouth blistering or fatigue. Some alarming side effects could include unusual bleeding or bruising, dizziness, shortness of breath, severe exhaustion, chest pain, or difficulty swallowing. The most common side effect of Paclitaxel is a decrease of blood cells.

Carboplatin has its own list of side effects. It can reduce platelet production, which can interfere with your blood's ability to clot. You may become anemic, feeling tired or breathless. Nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite and a general feeling of weakness are common with this chemotherapeutic agent.

The latest breed of drugs, such as Eli Lilly's Gemzar, are hardly getting praise. On March 10th, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) said it was skeptical of the benefits Eli Lilly's Gemzar, which was being used with Carboplatin to treat ovarian cancer patients. The FDA felt the 2.8 months increased survival time, provided by the Gemzar/Carboplatin combination failed to offset the treatment's increased toxicity.

In January, the New England Journal of Medicine reported on a remarkable new delivery system of chemotherapy, called the "intra-abdominal, or intraperitoneal, chemotherapy. Those who received the "belly bath" as it is now being called by the media can survive 16 months longer than those receiving intravenous chemotherapy. The major drawback is that 60 percent of the women in the study were unable to complete all six cycles of this chemotherapy. Those who did survived longer, but only two in every five women were able to advance to the end phase of the therapy.

One novel approach, now in Phase III trials at more than 60 research centers across the United States, is OvaRex ® MAb, a murine monoclonal antibody, a type of biotech drug derived from mouse cells. It is being tested by highly regarded United Therapeutics, based in Silver Springs, Maryland. Their lead drug Remodulin, an injection which treats pulmonary arterial hypertension, is currently being marketed inside and outside the United States. More than $32 million has been spent researching, and on the development of, OvaRex and may have it available on the market by 2008.

OvaRex was developed in Canada by a company called ViRexx Medical Corp, and first tested in that country. According to Dr. Lorne Tyrrell, Chief Executive of ViRexx, "The whole study has been set up with the FDA. This is a study where the drug has been given fast track approval and orphan drug status." Dr. Tyrrell is also on leave (until OvaRex become commercially available) as a Professor of Medical Microbiology and Immunology at the University of Alberta, and Director of the National Centre of Excellence for Viral Hepatitis Research.

OvaRex was tested in Canada, prior to the current Phase III trials in the U.S. "There have been a number of patients that have received OvaRex," said Dr. Tyrrell, "We've had really no adverse effects from these patients." Dr. Tyrrell explained the procedure, "After being injected intravenously, OvaRex binds to an antigen circulating in the blood." An antibody's general purpose is to neutralize an antigen. After an OvaRex injection, the murine monoclonal antibody binds to the CA-125 antigen.

In a way the body is tricked. But, the body is tricked in order to help "save" itself from the harmful antigen. When the OvaRex antibody is bound to the CA-125 antigen, the new combination is identified as a harmful unit. Before then, the antigen wanders through the body, without alerting the body's defense systems, the dendritic cells, to attack and destroy the harmful antigen. Because the body is trained to identify and zero in on a foreign protein, in this case a mouse protein, it alerts the dendritic cells. Until then, the dendritic cells "tolerate" the cancerous cells. The tolerance is what permits the cancer to spread throughout the body.
OvaRex seeks to break that tolerance. The murine monoclonal antibody is designed to target and bind exclusively to free floating CA-125 antigen.

The dendritic cells refuse to tolerate the foreign protein. When the antibody binds with the free-floating antigen, the dendritic cells recognize the complex (antibody plus antigen) as being foreign and engulf the new unit. The dendritic cells break down the key proteins of this unit, presenting all parts on the cells surface. At the point, the body's killer T-Cells are alerted to fight the internal threat to the body. Once activated, the T-Cells will replicate and create more killer T-Cells. Any tumor cells expressing the CA-125 antigen is targeted for destruction. The army of T-Cells move to attack the ovarian cancer tumor.

The principle behind OvaRex is to re-program the immune system to harness the body's defenses to prevent the growth and spread of the ovarian cancer. Will it cure ovarian cancer? "In most cases, it will be a delay," explained Dr. Tyrrell. "However, I think that, and everyone hopes that, often in some of these tumors, you're making incremental progress through careful clinical trials and adding new therapy. Each thing we do that improves the outcome when you start to look at the long term benefits of these, we hope that one day we will be able to cure this disease. We think this is a step. This has the potential to be an important step at helping to stimulate immune response to achieve a better outcome. Hopefully, one day we can improve that to where it is a cure."

COPYRIGHT © 2007 by StockInterview, Inc. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.

Ovarian Cancer and Oral Contraceptives

2011-12-30T06:36:00.000-08:00

Ovarian cancer is an especially deadly form of cancer because it often goes undetected until it spreads to a vital organ and disrupts the organ's functioning. Thus, it earned the name "silent killer." While an estimated 13,580 women have passed away in 2010 due to cervical cancer, this number is gradually decreasing. Doctors and researchers believe that the increasing use of oral contraceptives plays a role in ovarian cancer's decrease.

Ovarian cancer can begin with three different tumor types on and around the ovary. These small, almond-shaped organs can mutate and develop tumors in the epithelium, which is the thin layer of tissue that covers the ovaries. This accounts for 85-90% of ovarian cancer cases. Two rarer forms of tumors begin in the actual egg-producing cells, or germ cells, as well as the supportive and hormone-producing tissue, called stromal tumors.

From here, ovarian cancer can spread in two different ways. It can leach into nearby tissue, such as the pelvis, cervix, and lower digestive system. Additionally, pieces of the tumor can break off and spread through the circulatory and lymph systems. From here, the tumors can anchor themselves anywhere in the body and begin to grow again.

In a study conducted by the Harvard Medical School, researchers found that even using oral contraceptives for one year decreased a woman's risk of developing ovarian cancer by 10-12%. After five years of using oral birth control, the risk dropped by half. At first, doctors found that this reduction in cancer rates occurred no matter the hormone in the oral contraceptive. However, a more in-depth study found that a higher level of progestin decreased the cancer risk better than low-progestin pills.

While many women turn to oral contraceptives solely to prevent unwanted pregnancy, it also has the proven benefit of protecting you from ovarian cancer as well. Frustratingly, though, not all birth control pills are created equally. Some, such as YAZ, Yasmin, and Ocella, have been linked to devastating side effects such as stroke and heart attack.

Stage 3 Ovarian Cancer - A Happy-Ending Story

2011-12-29T19:56:00.000-08:00

Ovarian cancer most often presents in stage III, comprising more than 50% of all cases. Briefly, a stage 3 diagnosis means that cancer is found in one or both ovaries and has spread to other parts of the abdomen. This is a serious challenge for anyone to endure, but although it may seem initially overwhelming, I am writing this article as a measure of hope for those who are going through this right now.

Ten years ago a woman I knew, let's call her "Lisa," was diagnosed with stage 3 ovarian cancer. She had no risk factors of the disease, was diligent about going for her annual gynecological exams and checkups, and she never missed her yearly mammogram. Unfortunately, she was not aware of the early warning signs she was experiencing including indigestion, bloating, pelvic discomfort and pain, and a change in her menstrual periods. Had she realized these were signs and symptoms she should be on the lookout for, she would have seen a doctor earlier and it might have been the difference in stage 1 and stage 3. But she didn't know the symptoms to look for.

Once finally diagnosed, she underwent surgery with removal of a large tumor, and then 6 sessions of chemotherapy over a period of 15 weeks. During this time she listened to her doctor's prognosis (not great) and researched the disease, discovering the 5-year survival rate was somewhere around 20%. But she was a strong woman and she was determined to watch her 3 children grow up, finish college, have careers, and raise a family themselves. She was determined to beat this disease. She changed a few things in her life, exercising at least once a day, drinking more water, and eating healthier. Of course she had to go for checkups every few months for the first couple of years, and then every 6 months thereafter.

Just a few months ago, Lisa had the most amazing news. She went for her regular checkup at her oncologist's office and she was told that since she has been with no evidence of disease (known as NED) for 10 years she is now considered cured and she was discharged from the oncologist's care.

If you have been diagnosed with stage 3 ovarian cancer, don't even read the statistics because you are not a number. Especially in this day and time, it is so easy to find negative information on the Internet. I will tell you that I believe the reason for this is people go on the 'net with their problems and rarely go to talk about things that are going great in their life. This is why I wanted to share this with everyone. Take heart from Lisa's story and know that a cure is possible for anyone, regardless of what the numbers say.

Ovarian Cancer Symptoms

2011-12-29T09:16:00.000-08:00

The symptoms of ovarian cancer can appear months before the cancer is found. Unless a woman is getting the tests that would reveal the cancer these symptoms many times wont be diagnosed. This alone is one of the problems with detecting ovarian cancer in its early stages. The symptoms of ovarian cancer are quite often dismissed due to the fact that they can be rather benign.

Stomach swelling and digestive problems for instance which are common symptoms of the presence of ovarian can be easily dismissed and ignored. Stomach problems are something everyone experiences at various times in their life. Ovarian cancer afflicts more than twenty-two- thousand women annually in the U.S. If caught in the early stages this cancer is treatable as goes for many other cancers.

If detected in its early stages, before it has spread from the ovaries a woman has a ninety percent chance of living for at least another five years. Unfortunately, less than twenty percent of ovarian cancer is detected in its early stage, Due to the fact that the symptoms of ovarian cancer don't involve the ovaries themselves the cancer many times can be overlooked as tests like stomach imaging can overlook the ovaries.

This is not to say that every time a woman gets a stomach ache or pelvic pain she should dash off to be tested for ovarian cancer. In cases where problems are persistent though researchers have concluded that ovarian cancer should be considered. If tests have ruled out other causes than tests for ovarian cancer should be performed. Ovarian cancer is a relatively rare cancer in women, it afflicts a small part of the general population and makes up a small percentage of the cancers afflicting women in general.

For the woman stricken with this form of cancer the statistics mean nothing though. So it appears from research findings that women have to take a greater part in the detection of this disease due to the nature of the symptoms and the elusive nature of this disease and with early detection so imperative in determining the survival rate of women afflicted with ovarian cancer.

If tests have ruled out other causes for the symptoms than tests for ovarian cancer should be performed earlier in the diagnosis process. A womans early response to the persistent symptoms related to ovarian cancer can be the key to her survival. New research has discovered that ultrasound and the CA125 test were many times not effective in detecting ovarian cancer in its early stages even in women already at high risk for developing the disease.

Women at high risk include women with a family history of the disease and women predisposed to it due to genetic mutations that can make ovarian cancer more likely. Of the two tests the blood test has shown to be more effective in finding ovarian cancer but it can sometimes give false positive results. Statistics are not good for the early detection of the cancer so other means must be developed it seems.

Experts agree that more research is needed in the area of detection of the disease as this seems to be so critical in determining the survival rate for ovarian cancer. The symptoms will always be the same though so for their part women must make themselves more aware of this cancer and its early detection. Tracking the symptoms can only be of help. Keeping an accurate record of your early symptoms and being persistent during the evaluation process can be the difference between surviving and not surviving ovarian cancer.

3 Types of Ovarian Cancer Explained

2011-12-28T22:36:00.000-08:00

5 Most Common Symptoms of Ovarian Cancer

2011-12-28T11:56:00.000-08:00

Ovarian cancer presents a real risk to all women. Around 20,000 new cases are diagnosed each year. Unfortunately many of the symptoms go unnoticed, so it is important to know the 5 most common symptoms of ovarian cancer.

What makes ovarian cancer frightening is that many of the symptoms do not manifest until the later stages. One of the most common symptom is frequent bloating. This often goes overlooked because of the normal bloat that comes with a woman's monthly cycle.

Other notable symptoms include pain in your belly region, particularly around the pelvis region. People also experience difficulty eating and tend to feel full quickly. In addition, many women experience urinary problems. These can include urgency and frequency.

Make sure you are watching your menstrual cycle closely. Changes in your cycle can also be a symptom of ovarian cancer. These can include both an increase in bleeding and the stoppage of bleeding all together.

If you have three or more of these symptoms, daily for two weeks, it is important to see your physician. The symptoms typically start suddenly and feel much different from your normal menstrual or stomach troubles. They also happen each day and do not go away with medicine and time.

Ovarian cancer is the fifth leading cause for deaths among women. Over 100,000 women die each year from the disease. Therefore, it is very important that you listen to your body. If something does not seem right, visit your physician. Early detection is the key.

The Symptoms of Ovarian Cancer

2011-12-28T01:16:00.000-08:00

Ovarian cancer for a long time was known as a silent killer, simply because by the time the cancer was diagnosed it was too late for effective treatments to be given. Only about 20% of ovarian cancers are found before the cancer has begun to spread past the ovaries. This is mainly because many of the symptoms associated with ovarian cancer are almost the same as those associated with a lot of other common ailments.

The cancer begins in one or both of the ovaries which are located on the sides of the uterus. Each side of the uterus has one small, almond-sized ovary which is responsible for the production of the eggs and releasing them into the fallopian tubes. The ovaries are also responsible for producing estrogen and progesterone, which are two female hormones which tend to increase before and during ovulation. This increase in hormones may actually be what causes the tumors to form.

There are two types of tumors: cancerous, and non-cancerous.

The cancerous cells begin on the inside of the ovaries and spreading to the outside, and eventually if not treated will make their way towards the organs located in the pelvic area. They can also spread to other parts of the body through the bloodstream, or lymph nodes.

The non-cancerous cells do not spread, and are normally not considered a health threat, but they can contribute to the production of estrogen, which can cause cancerous cells to form.

It is critical that ovarian cancer is detected in its early stages in order to be able to better heal from the disease. But because the symptoms are similar to symptoms of other ailments it is often hard to distinguish between them. However, the symptoms associated with common ailments usually tend to go away within a day or two, but when the symptoms are associated with ovarian cancer they do not go away, but instead they gradually become worse as the cancer spreads.

Some of the symptoms are digestive disorders such as indigestion, gas, nausea, and constipation; bladder disorders where one urgently, or frequently needs to urinate; and trouble eating, as well as abdominal bloating or swelling. Pelvic pain, inconsistent menstrual cycles, pain during intercourse, lower back pain, and chronic fatigue or lack of energy are also symptoms of ovarian cancer.

If these symptoms occur for more than a week they should be checked out by a medical professional.

Changing to a raw food diet at the first signs of any symptoms may help to get rid of the symptoms, and even reverse the cancer if it has begun to form.

Ovarian Cancer Symptoms You Should Be Aware Of

2011-12-27T14:36:00.000-08:00

Ovarian cancer is a type of gynecologic cancer that originates in the cells of the ovaries. It is the fifth most common cancer in women. As a matter of fact, it causes more deaths than any other type of gynecologic cancer. Ovarian cancer is often goes undetected in its early stages and it is usually found when the cancer cells have already spread into the pelvis and abdomen.

There are several factors that increase a person's risk of developing this disease. Women who give birth earlier in life are less likely to get this cancer. Additionally, the more children they have, the lower the risk will be. Women who have inherited BRCA1 or BRCA 2 gene mutation are at greater risk than those who have not. Women with personal or family history of ovarian and breast cancer should be more careful about their health since they are at greater risk of developing the disease. Age is another major risk factor; most deaths caused by this disease occur in women age 55 and older.

As with other types of cancer, ovarian cancer is indeed a very scary disease. However, it does not mean that it can't be cured. If the tumor is detected early, there is a 90 percent chance it will be cured. If the cancer is detected late and has already spread to other parts of the body, the chance of survival is lower and it can even lead to death. Hence, you need to know what the early symptoms of ovarian cancer are.

When the tumor is in its early states, it tends to show warning signs which are often mistaken for symptoms of other diseases such as digestive and bladder problems. These include abdominal pain, bloating, difficulty eating, and feeling full quickly. Additionally, sufferers may also experience other symptoms such as abnormal menstrual cycles, heavy feeling in pelvic area, swollen abdomen, back pain, digestive problems (such as lack of appetite, indigestion, constipation, nausea and vomiting, weight gain or loss), excessive hair growth, as well as increased urinary frequency.

These symptoms are likely to be persistent and they tend to worsen over time. If you have experienced any of these symptoms for more than a week, you need to seek medical attention immediately. Your doctor will be able to tell if they are indeed symptoms of ovarian cancer or if they indicate other diseases. If you do have ovarian cancer, your doctor should be able to determine the suitable treatment options based on the diagnosis.

Ovarian Cancer Symptoms

2011-12-27T03:56:00.000-08:00

Ovarian cancer is known to be a silent killer. It takes the lives of close to 15,000 women across the United States each year and is usually difficult to detect. It is the leading cause of death among gynaecological cancers and the fifth among cancers of all kind. Much of the problem in providing adequate and fast treatment comes from the fact that it displays no tell-tale ovarian cancer symptoms to go by. Often enough, screening for cancer can fail at the first attempt and require multiple tests to provide a true positive result. Other than that, the early stages are very similar to other gynaecological problems that women display and are usually treated for the same. It can also be wrongly diagnosed as Irritable Bowel Syndrome and treated for that, further postponing correct therapy for cancer.

There are certain documented ovarian cancer symptoms, which when occurring together for long periods of time can be a cause for alarm. The loss of appetite, unexplained weight gain or loss, swelling in the abdomen and general pain in the stomach region are the first indicators of a disorder. After which, any kind of persistent bowel related problems, such as frequent urination, diarrhoea, excessive gas and constipation are further symptoms. Along with these, pain during sexual intercourse and irregular vaginal bleeding other than the time of menstruation is the extreme symptoms that definitely call for an immediate screening for ovarian cancer. Under such circumstances, going in for a simple pelvic examination is the first step one should take for confirming that the symptoms are indeed likely to be indicative of another disorder. After which, a CA 125 blood test and a Transvaginal Ultrasonography are required.

Further positive signs and ovarian cancer symptoms can be clarified with the help of these two diagnostic tools. They are quite helpful in diagnosing the disease. The CA 125 blood test measures blood levels over a period of days, keeping in mind the regular fluctuations of the levels and can be relied upon to give a true result after a given number of screenings. As the cancer advances in its stage, the results become far more accurate and can be received in one go, however this is detrimental to the health of the patient. One is suggested to use supplementary procedures and seek second opinions in case of persisting health problems. After the age of 40 years, it is advisable to keep such starting symptoms under very close scrutiny and consult a gynaecologist regularly.

Ovarian cancer symptoms are also at times confused for ovarian cysts, non-cancerous growths and vice versa. In these circumstances, all women must seek knowledge on ovarian cancer and apply it for better chances of catching the disease while it is still in its early stages of development. At this point, it can be removed without issue with surgery and further growth can be prevented. After it has reached the later stages of growth, remission becomes difficult to achieve and the life expectancy starts to plummet.

Ovarian Cancer - The Importance of Early Detection

2011-12-26T17:16:00.000-08:00

It is important for women to educate themselves about ovarian cancer and the risk factors for this disease. In the past, the belief was that this condition would strike without symptoms. But now the medical community is aware of the early warning signs. Women can protect themselves and dramatically increase their chances of surviving this disease by paying attention to their bodies and by knowing the symptoms.

This form of cancer is more prevalent than once thought. Recent estimates suggest that one out of every 55 American women will develop the disease. The reason that it takes the lives of so many women is they do not detect the symptoms during the early stages. Often, they find out that they have it when the chances for survival are slim.

During the early stages of ovarian cancer, a woman's ovary contains cancerous cells that begin multiplying abnormally. At this time, there are some warning signs. However, these symptoms are often dismissed as being normal feminine conditions such as menstrual cramps.

The early symptoms include pain in the pelvic region, rapid weight gain or loss, and pain during sexual intercourse. Other warning signs are a lack of energy, nausea, unusually heavy bleeding during the menstrual cycle, or extremely long periods.

A woman may experience one or more of these indicators. Anyone who experiences these symptoms for an extended amount of time should see a physician in order to find out if the discomforts are caused by the early stages of cancer. This is especially important if the symptoms last for more than one week.

A physician will do a biopsy along with a pelvic examination on a woman who may be experiencing the early symptoms of ovarian cancer. This will help determine if there are any abnormalities or cancerous or pre-cancerous cells. It will also reveal if treatment is necessary and which type of medication would be best in order to prevent the problem from advancing.

Detecting the disease during the early stages dramatically increases the chances that a patient can be cured. Unfortunately, many women do not become aware of their condition until it has progressed to the stages. By this time, it may have spread to other areas of the body, which lowers the chances for survival.

Ovarian Cancer Symptoms - Silent Symptoms You Must Know

2011-12-26T06:36:00.000-08:00

Ovarian cancer symptoms are very unlikely to be detected unless you have knowledge of the early signs and symptoms. The cancer holds its reputation as "The Silent Killer" because of the lack of obvious symptoms in its early stage when its still curable. In three out of four patients, the cancer has already spread from the lower abdomen to other organs before it was discovered in its later stages. And though, 95% of women do experience early signs prior to diagnosis, but sadly the majority of these women do not recognize it as symptoms of ovarian cancer. Therefore, it is crucially important to understand the hidden signs that may pass by swiftly in which it becomes too late to cure. Read thoroughly to learn some of the early signs and symptoms.

Signs & Symptoms

The following can also be from varies other health issues but be cautious if you experience one or more of the symptoms below for one to three weeks and contact your doctor immediately for a pelvic examination test, and a recto-vaginal component, which will show the best prediction of a timely diagnosis.

Symptoms include lower abdominal pressure or discomfort, increased frequent gas, lack of appetite, unusual weight change, abnormality in your menstrual cycles, sense of heaviness in the pelvic, increased frequency and urgency to urinate and/or burning or spasms while urinating, abdomen swelling, feeling full, constant bloating, indigestion, changes in bowel movements, unusual tiredness or fatigue, nausea and vomiting, vaginal bleeding or discharge especially when your not in your menstrual period, lower back pain that worsens over time, difficulty breathing, onset of acne, pain during or after intercourse, sharp pain in or around the ovaries or the pelvic area, and fever.

The link between ovarian cysts and ovarian cancer

Although it is not a fact, studies did find that those who have constant onsets of ovarian cysts or had polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) showed a much increased risk to developing ovarian cancer. Ovarian cysts effects a high majority of women worldwide. Statistics has shown that almost 80% of all women will develop an ovarian cyst at some point in their life, but not all women will experience symptoms. It is vital to learn how to treat cysts or PCOS and reduce your risks of developing cancer.

Treating ovarian cysts and decreasing your cancer risks

You can decrease your cancer risks simply by treating your ovarian cysts or PCOS before they start to get dangerous. Taken birth control or hormonal pills will not take away cysts or PCOS because prescription medication may only cover some symptoms but do not actually prevent the cysts from reoccurring. However, changing to the right diet, exercise, and alternating to natural treatments such as herbal remedies, were found to dramatically shrink and even prevent cysts and PCOS from reoccurring and lowering risks to developing cancer. It is surely something your doctor never mentions to you, but many women actually found great success using natural treatment options that eliminated their cysts within a very short period of only two month.

Ovarian Cancer Survival Rates - Useful Facts

2011-12-25T19:56:00.000-08:00

What are the realities behind the ovarian cancer survival rate? Probably the most integral aspect is coming up with a diagnosis in the early stages, particularly if cancerous problems occur in your family history. Even if it does not, it is important for women to minimize the risk of it by nursing your baby, delivering your first little one between the ages of 20 and 35, using birth control pills, or undergoing a hysterectomy.

If you were clinically determined to have cancer of the ovaries, you no doubt know extremely well that internet websites generally present the ovarian cancer survival chances in a very undesirable light. All the same, exactly what a large amount of the websites via the web do not show is that women of all ages have a significantly increased ovarian cancer survival rate if they're diagnosed sooner rather than later. Just one fourth of all women are actually identified as having ovarian cancer in the early stages. The rate of the survival with regard to those specific females will be an astounding 90%. The majority of sites may not present these marvelous probabilities though, mainly because 75% of women will not have the blessing of being diagnosed in the early stages.

If the woman is among the 75 percent that do not get a diagnosis promptly when it comes to cancer, how does the woman raise her odds when she's clinically diagnosed? Just how can the woman's cancer prognosis be improved upon? Whenever ladies hold off until they see ovarian cancer warning signs, it could actually be far too late to get categorized within the one quarter of women. Having said that, there are many times when ladies notice signs and symptoms, for example puffiness around the abdominal area, which usually encourages them to see a medical doctor. Frequently, signs or symptoms are mistaken for something considerably less dangerous, but when a woman actually possesses the smallest idea that she may have cancerous ovaries, she will need to visit a medical doctor without delay.

When a woman has cancer of the ovaries in her own family's background, she should go get evaluated for cancerous cells or ovarian cysts without delay. Sometimes, however, screenings will not be 100 percent reliable, hence an incorrect diagnosis could sometimes happen. But if somebody is actually diagnosed competently, it could very definitely end up being the tool that spares her life.

An issue defining the actual ovarian cancer survival rate is certainly the exact phase the woman is currently in. You'll discover various cancer stages any time the ovaries are concerned, and the further along the stage of cancer, the worse the rate of survival. That's why it's very necessary to spot it quickly, mainly because the earlier it is diagnosed and treatment is started, the greater the survival rate. As an illustration, the stage three rate of survival will be a whole lot different in comparison with the stage one rate of survival, so immediately after a woman is clinically diagnosed, that female ought to obtain therapy.

One more ingredient that determines the actual chance of survival is age. The more aged a woman might be, the lower the chance that she might be equipped to drive back cancer as well as a younger woman could. This is definitely an additional rationale why ladies should be evaluated and treated early if they're at an increased risk or have already been diagnosed.

For those who have previously been clinically determined to have ovarian cancer, or if you think that you might possibly be afflicted with it, the most crucial detail to be aware of is that it is not necessarily over. You'll find so many strategies that can help you pull through, and the ovarian cancer survival rates are much greater the quicker you start treatment.

Ovarian Cancer - Ayurvedic Herbal Treatment

2011-12-25T09:16:00.000-08:00

Cancer of the ovaries is known as ovarian cancer. A personal or family history of cancer, age over 55, older women with no history of pregnancy, and a history of prolonged estrogen treatment, are risk factors for ovarian cancer. Common symptoms include a swollen or bloated abdomen; pressure or pain in the abdomen, pelvis, back or legs; nausea, indigestion, gas, constipation or diarrhea; and feeling very tired all the time. Surgery and chemotherapy, and rarely radiation therapy, are the standard line of treatment for this condition.

The Ayurvedic treatment of ovarian cancer is aimed at treating the cancer, preventing its spread and prolonging survival. Medicines like Triphala-Guggulu, Kanchnar-Guggulu, Punarnavadi-Guggulu, Mahamanjishthadi-Qadha, Chandraprabha-Vati, Ashokarishta, Dashmoolarishta, Kuber-Vati, Ashoka (Saraca indica), Deodar (Cedrus deodara), Varun (Crataeva nurvala) and Latakaranj (Caesalpinia crista) are used in this condition.

Medicines which act on the 'Rakta' dhatu (tissue) are useful in this condition. These medicines include Patol (Tricosanthe dioica), Kutki (Picrorrhiza kurroa), Saariva (Hemidesmus indicus), Patha ( Cissampelos pareira) , and Musta (Cyperus rotundus). Medicines like Kanchnaar-Guggulu and Mahamanjishthadi-Qadha are used in high doses to prevent the spread of the disease locally or to other parts of the body.

Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera), Shatavari (Asparagus racemosus), Suvarna-Sutshekhar-Ras, Suvarna-Parpati, Suvarna-Raj-Vangeshwar-Ras, Suvarna-Malini-Vasant, Trivanga-Bhasma, Suvarna-Bhasma and Heerak-Bhasma are used to improve the immune status of the body. To prevent or reduce side effects from conventional therapy, medicines like Laxmi-Vilas-Ras, Shrung-Bhasma, Ashwagandha, Shankh-Vati and Laghu-Sutshekhar-Ras are used.

Thus, Ayurvedic medicines can be used as additional therapy to modern, conventional treatment; to bring about a faster response, to prevent recurrence, and improve quality of life and overall survival of the patient. It is important to note that all such patients should be under the regular care and supervision of an Oncology team.

Ovarian Cancer: Symptoms, Risk Factors and How to Detect It

2011-12-24T22:36:00.000-08:00

Today I will talk about a killer to many women. This is one of the cancers that threaten women's life because in many cases it is asymptomatic

Let's talk in brief about the "ovaries". The ovaries are glands present on the sides of the uterus. The ovary has 2 functions:

1. To produce hormones (oestrogen and progesterone)

2. During child-bearing period, it releases an egg monthly

After menopause, the ovary ceases to release eggs but continues to produce hormones but at a lower rate. This cancer occurs when cells in the ovary start to multiply and grow rapidly.

In many women who have ovarian cancer, there are no symptoms. And if there are symptoms, they are non-specific.

Symptoms include:

- Abdominal discomfort or fullness
- Dyspepsia
- Pelvic pain
- Constipation
- Back pain

Because the symptoms are non-specific, usually patients present when spread has occurred. That's why it is a "silent killer."

There are risk factors for ovarian cancer, such as:

- Low parity
- Delayed childbearing
- High fat diet

Genetics can play an important role. A gene known as BRCA 1 gene is associated with breast - ovarian cancer syndrome.

Our goal is to detect it as early as possible and that will be by doing a routine yearly pelvic examination in the pre-menopausal and post-menopausal women. Besides a periodic ultrasonography coupled with CA-125 can be used to screen ovarian cancer

Once diagnosed, the treatment options will depend on its type. There are many types of ovarian cancer and each one has it's treatment.

Ovarian Cancer Teal Ribbon of Hope

2011-12-24T11:56:00.000-08:00

The ovarian cancer teal ribbon of hope is some particular type of ribbon that is basically designed for purposes of giving support to those women who have undergone the ordeal of suffering from cancer of the ovaries. Not only can it be worn to give hope to the survivors of ovarian cancer but it is also a ribbon hope for the families of the survivors. It comes in different forms to fit the taste of the one wearing it. For instance there is a large variety of ovarian cancer teal ribbon of hope that comes in form of wrist watch and also bracelet depending on one's taste. There are also the teal ribbons found on necklaces that are either beaded or made of glass and have the ribbon embedded on them.

Whatever the design of the ribbon it matters less because the most important thing is that awareness about ovarian cancer is raised to the world and these women who have suffered the disease known to be terminal have a ray of hope in their lives and this is a big inspiration to them because it enables them feel thought of and allows them to live each day with a gratuitous heart. The ovarian cancer teal ribbon of hope advocates for awareness and this is made possible by the ways in which this ribbon is displayed. T shirts are the major way in which ovarian cancer teal ribbon of hope has been used to raise awareness.

Others are found as badges, others are displayed on mugs and cups, some are found as key holders, some are on caps and the most unique is that there are even tattoos for this teal ribbon. This thus shows how much people have taken cancer of the ovaries into account and are doing all ways possible to ensure that this becomes common knowledge to everyone and if there is any stigmatization, it becomes a form of teaching and a lesson to those that are estranged to the disease. People have very different reasons as to why they wear the ribbon since it is how the whole thing that revolves around ovarian cancer touched them. Others are activists of the disease and wear the ribbon for such reasons; others wear it for reasons based on cure as well as those who have reasons of advocacy and support.

The ovarian cancer teal ribbon of hope in the recent past has enabled the education on this disease which was the basic reason for its existence in the first place. This further aids in terms of funding and legislation in the national level. So many organizations have come up with similar ways of assisting and have also worked with hospitals in order to raise funds and also do more research on cancer of the ovaries. This is basically the main agenda of such organizations and the ovarian cancer teal ribbon of hope has been the best way to spread the word on it and helping to eradicate the ignorance on cancer of the ovaries and to give the affected hope for the future.

Ovarian Cancer Back Pain

2011-12-24T01:16:00.000-08:00

Well, many women in America are diagnosed with pre-ovarian cancer. Pre-ovarian cancer back pain is a common symptom of the disease which is many-a-time treated as a normal back pain mistakenly in the initial stage of cancer. Yes, your doctor can miss it, so you need to be cautious if suffering from chronic and stubborn back pain problem.
Just look at some statistics now. According to a recent study, close to 30,000 women of US will be diagnosed with ovarian cancer in the year 2006. It is also stated that between 15,000 to 16,000 deaths due to ovarian cancer are likely to happen this year. It accounts for 5 % of all the types of cancer deaths.

What encourages this silent killer to go on mercilessly? What are the doctors doing? How is that, that by the time this disease is detected, it is too late! Why it could not be detected at the first stage?

There is dispute among the researchers. British doctors did not make the correct survey when they arrived at the conclusion that symptoms came to the fore at the late stages of the ovarian cancer. So, when they detected the cancer, it was too late.

But, contrary were the findings of the University of California researchers. They concluded that some definite symptoms could be detected four months before and some even before one year. Hence, better treatment was possible.

"The most common symptom is back pain, followed by fatigue, bloating, constipation, abdominal pain and urinary urgency. These symptoms tend to occur very frequently and become more severe with time. Most women with ovarian cancer have at least two of these symptoms."

-American Cancer Society

Most of the back pain treatments are frustrating. They provide temporary relief here and there. So, you get fed up with the treatment that does not work.

Can Ovarian Cancer be found early? Why ovarian cancer? Every disease tends to cause some symptoms- some specific and some vague. In case of ovarian cancer, it could be abdominal swelling, vaginal bleeding on a high scale, pressure in the pelvic region, leg pain, problems related to digestion--gas trouble, continuous bloating, chronic indigestion and recurring stomach pain and most importantly, the back pain! So, if you take disease by disease treatment, without knowing about the root cause- ovarian cancer will take control slowly, steadily but firmly. After some months, your doctor will find the situation out of control as it is a belated diagnosis!

How You Can Survive Stage 4 Ovarian Cancer

2011-12-23T14:36:00.000-08:00

Natural Remedies For Ovarian Cancer

2011-12-23T03:56:00.000-08:00

Ovarian cancer begins to form in one or both of the small, almond-sized ovaries which are located on the sides of the uterus. The cancer forms on the cells on the inside of the ovaries and spreads to the outside, and eventually to other parts of the body. There are ovarian tumors which are not cancerous, and usually are not considered to be a health threat.

Ovarian cancer is treatable if caught at an early stage, but the sad part is that most of these cancers go unnoticed until it is too late. Only about 20% of these cancers are diagnosed before they have spread past the ovaries. Many of the symptoms of ovarian cancer are those similar to other common diseases, which is why these symptoms go undiagnosed.

Some of these symptoms are constipation and other digestive problems, bladder disorders, lower back pain, fatigue or lack of energy.

The best defense against ovarian cancer is to switch to a raw food diet, and avoid most cooked foods and all processed and junk foods if possible. You should also drink lots of fluids and engage in regular exercise. If the symptoms are present there are many home remedies which can be taken along with a raw diet, and may help to relieve and even reverse the symptoms.

Ginger has shown to be able to destroy cancerous cells in ovarian cancer. This is due to the antioxidants and other cancer fighting agents that ginger contains. To take advantage of this, simply start adding ginger to your daily diet in your salads, teas, stir-fries and baked dishes. However, the best way to consume ginger is in its raw state.

Wolf-berry berries also known as goji berries can also help to reduce the symptoms, simply by adding them into your diet. These berries are great by themselves, in trail mixes or in your morning smoothies.

Other essential foods to include in your regular diet are graviola, strawberries, raspberries, cranberries, blueberries, rosemary, sage and avocados. You can also make tea from the leaves of spearmint, bamboo leaves, Korean pepper, grape seeds and dandelion roots.

To make the most out of these foods you should avoid eating toxic foods that contain unnatural ingredients and high amounts of processed sugar as they contribute to the formation and growth of cancerous cells. Red meat has also been linked to cancer, and thus you should avoid or at least reduce your intake of that as well.

Ovarian Cancer Symptoms

2011-12-22T17:16:00.000-08:00

Ovarian cancer is a difficult to diagnose disease simply because the symptoms are so similar to many common ailments and other diseases. Medical professionals did not realize this for many years, and thus they were unable to detect the cancer at an early stage.

Ovarian Cancer Symptoms

The symptoms of ovarian cancer include digestive problems such as feeling full, bloating, gas, nausea and constipation. Bladder disorders such as the need to urinate frequently, inconsistent menstrual cycles, lower back pain, pelvic pain and pain during intercourse are all symptoms as well. These symptoms are often common among women, and thus when they arise they are often ignored until it is too late.

The best way to determine whether or not these are ovarian cancer symptoms or just symptoms of a common ailment is to take note of how long they persist. If they are the result of a common ailment they will disappear within a few days to a week. However, if they are the result of cancer cells, then they will linger around and gradually become worse as time goes on.

Medical help should be sought immediately at the first sign of the cancer so that the growth can be halted.

Who is at Risk?

Ovarian cancer can affect women of all ages, but it mainly affects older women who have gone through menopause. The risk increases with age, but some studies show that the hormone replacement therapy that is administered during menopause may play a role in the development of the cancer.

According to studies, the formation of the cancer may also be related to higher levels of estrogen. Estrogen is a hormone that is produced during ovulation, as well as by fat cells. Thus those who are obese or overweight, and began menstruating at an early age, or stopped menstruating at a later age are at a higher risk.

Treatments

Ovarian cancer is highly treatable with natural remedies as well as with conventional treatments if diagnosed early enough. The conventional methods of treatments for ovarian cancer are the standard treatments such as surgery, radiation and chemotherapy. However the type of treatment a patient will receive depends largely on how far the cancer has spread.

There are also many natural ways to treat the cancer. The Gerson Therapy is widely known to naturally help cure all types of cancers with fresh fruit and vegetable juices. These juices are high in antioxidants that help to flush out the harmful toxins that contribute to the formation of cancer cells. Thus drinking lots of freshly squeezed juices and eating raw foods high in antioxidants and other essential nutrients can help to prevent cancer from forming in the first place.

Can Ovarian Cysts Cause Cancer?

2011-12-22T06:36:00.000-08:00

Can ovarian cysts cause cancer? This is a common question many women ask, especially those who have been diagnosed with having ovarian cysts, or even those who merely suspects they have ovarian cysts. If this question concerns you, let's clarify something now: ovarian cysts are very common and affect most women of child bearing age. However, they are mostly harmless and experts estimate only about 15 cases out of a whopping 100,000 (that's only about 0.015%) cases of ovarian cysts turn into cancers.

Although the percentage is rather small, it must also be noted that cancerous ovaries tend to hide any symptoms until they are larger. This makes it very important for women to check with their doctors early if they suspect that something is amiss. It is also a very good practice to have annual pelvic examinations as this will allow your doctor or gynecologist to detect any ovarian cysts, polycystic ovaries and even possible cancers early.

One of the tests that doctors use to determine whether an ovarian cyst is cancerous is a blood test called the CA-125 test. However, it is important to note that sometimes, some cancer growths in the ovaries do not produce enough CA-125 to be detected by this test so it is not foolproof. And even if CA-125 is detected, it may be also caused by other non-cancerous health conditions.

In some cases, not only can ovarian cysts cause cancer,they can also cause other possibly life threatening complications, especially if they develop further into PolyCystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS). These complications may take the following forms:

1. Cardiovascular disease - linked to insulin resistance, decreased fibrinolysis, increased C-reactive protein levels and increased carotid intimal thickness.

2. Diabetes - linked to insulin resistance and exhaustion of the pancreas.

3. Pregnancy related problems - linked to hypertension and pre-eclampsia.

4. Elevated LDL - bad cholesterol.

5. High blood pressure.

So, to recap: Can ovarian cysts cause cancer? Yes it can, but it is relatively rare. Cancer, as well as ovarian cysts and PCOS have been linked to an imbalanced lifestyle where people are over-stressed at work, eating the wrong kinds of food and practically living a life where their bodies are continuously challenged to maintain its balance. Practitioners of holistic healing and natural living believe that it is when this balance is lost that disease and health complications arise. To complement your current healthcare, you may want to explore natural remedies to reduce or prevent the occurrence of ovarian cysts, PCOS and cancerous cysts.

What is Ovarian Cancer?

2011-12-21T19:56:00.000-08:00

Women have two ovaries in their lower abdomen, one on each side of the uterus. The ovaries are part of the reproduction system. There are two jobs that ovaries do; they produce hormones (estrogen and progesterone), and they release eggs that travel down the fallopian tubes to the uterus.

Ovarian cysts can be found on the outer surface of an ovary or inside it. An ovarian cyst contains fluid, and it can also contain solid matter. It is very important to know that most ovarian cysts are NOT cancer. They are benign cysts that will go away all by themselves over time.

When a doctor finds a cyst on an ovary, he will not rush the patient into an emergency surgery. MOST OVARIAN CYSTS ARE BENIGN! He will watch the cyst over a period of time, and if the cyst doesn't shrink and go away, or if the cyst gets larger, the doctor will then order tests to determine whether the cyst is in fact a problem.

Ovarian cancer cells can invade all parts of a woman's reproductive system. It can invade the fallopian tubes and the uterus as well as the ovaries. Ovarian cancer cells are sometimes shed from the original tumor. They shed cells can cause new tumors to form in the abdomen. Ovarian cancer cells can also spread cancer through the lymphatic system to lymph nodes in the pelvis, abdomen, and chest.

Family history seems to be the largest risk factor. Women who have a mother, a daughter, or a sister who has had ovarian cancer are at a much greater risk for developing ovarian cancer than the rest of the population. Women who have a family history of cancer of the breast, uterus, colon, or rectum may also have an increased risk of ovarian cancer.

The best policy for women is to have regular physical exams. If there is a family history of ovarian cancer, breast cancer, or cancer of the uterus, colon, or rectum, it is important to tell your doctor about your family history.

How to Find Out If You Have Ovarian Cancer

2011-12-21T09:16:00.000-08:00

Ovarian Cancer: More Deadly Than Breast Cancer

2011-12-20T22:36:00.000-08:00

A few years ago I was asked if I knew what the most deadly gynecologic cancer was and I answered "Well, breast cancer of course." Oh, how I was wrong. The American Cancer Society estimates that the average five year survival rate of breast cancer at any stage to actually be 89 percent. While no cancer is good that's a pretty good rate. The correct answer to the question is ovarian cancer, and its five year survival rate (estimated by the American cancer society) is only 46 percent. We need to find out why this cancer is so deadly.

Cancer is a dangerous and mysterious thing to people that don't know much about it. Well, everyone is made up of cells, cells are what make up tissue and tissue is what makes up our organs. Normally when a cell gets old and tired it dies just like we do and a new cell takes its place. Our body produces these new cells by growing and dividing healthy cells. Sometimes our body overproduces cells and this is when tumors (mass of tissue) are formed. These tumors aren't always cancer; when they are not they are called benign tumors. When they are cancer they are call malignant; these are the ones that can be life-threatening. Both types of tumors can be removed but the cancerous ones are more likely to grow back and only they also can spread to different parts of your body. When this happens the cancer cells are breaking away from the original tumor and entering the blood stream to use it like a highway to travel around your body. When the cancer cells spread like this it's called metastasis and the cancer can start to go new tumors. If these cells reach any of your organs and start to go new tumors and this is when damage can be done.

They call it ovarian cancer because the tumor first starts at the ovaries and is made up of over productive ovarian cells. The ovaries are part of the women's reproductive system and are attached to the uterus by the fallopian tubes. When a malignant tumor starts to grow these areas can also be affected because of their close proximity to the ovaries. When this tumor starts to shed cancer cells the cells typically go to the abdomen first because it's closest to where the reproductive system is located. Then as I said before the cancerous cells can start to affect your lymph nodes and enter your blood stream to travel to different organs.

Ovarian cancer is so deadly because it's very hard to detect. Every year more than 14,600 women die from ovarian cancer in the United States. This may not seem like a lot when you think of all the billion people that live here but when about 20,000 women are diagnosed with ovarian cancer each year that number seems like a lot. So this means that on average 7 out of 10 women will die from this disease and this is all because it is so hard to detect. In order to detect it you have to know what the symptoms are. The most common symptoms are pain in the abdomen, pelvis, back or legs because of where the cancer is located in your body. You can also have a swollen or bloated abdomen because it can fill up with fluids. You will also feel very tired all the time and would have some nausea, indigestion, gas, constipation, or even diarrhea. Some less common symptoms would be shortness of breath, the urge to urinate often, and unusual vaginal bleeding. Now these are pretty general symptoms and many other disease or illnesses can cause them and that's why it's so hard to detect because ovarian cancer is not typical the very first thing we think of when we have one or more of these symptoms.

Most women would think if there was a problem that it would show up on their Pap test which is a once yearly screening that women get from their doctor. However, a Pap test is only screening for cervical cancer and it cannot be used to diagnose ovarian cancer. When women do go in to your doctor for the Pap test he or she should be doing a pelvic exam as well, during this they will feel your ovaries and organs in close proximity for any lumps or changes in shape and/or size. More often than not the doctors will not be able to feel a tumor until they are a substantial size. This is why we look to other testing as well as the pelvic exam to diagnose this cancer. If women who have abdominal bloating or pain and would go to the doctor, they may check your abdomen for fluid buildup. If they some find some a sample can be taken to test for ovarian cancer cells as part of the diagnoses. There is also blood testing where your doctor would check your CA-125 level to see if it is high. The CA-125 is a substance that is found on the surface of the ovarian cancer cells but also on some normal tissue, this is why a high level might indicate cancer. Unfortunately this test cannot be used as the only test for diagnosing ovarian cancer. It is mainly used for monitoring a woman that has already been diagnosed and is going through treatment or as an early detection for the return of cancer after treatment has been completed. The next way to get diagnosed is by having an ultrasound done. There are two different types of ultrasounds that can be done; the first is the less invasive of the two. This is where they take the ultrasound device and press it up against your abdomen and the sound waves that it produces bounce off the organs to produce a picture for us to see. By using this they would be able to get a picture of the ovaries to see if there was a tumor or any abnormalities. The second type of ultrasound they can do is a transvaginal ultrasound and it does the same things as the regular one however this device is inserted into the vagina for a much better view of the ovaries. The last test to help diagnose this cancer is a biopsy. They will only do a biopsy if blood test and one of the ultrasounds have indicated that there may be a tumor. A biopsy is when they take a sample of tissue or fluid to look for cancer cells. Once they biopsy has been done a pathologist will look as the sample under a microscope for any cancer cells. If there are some found then they will be described as either grade 1, 2, or 3 and this is based off of how abnormal the cells look.

Once the doctors have determined that there are cancer cells present they have to determine what stage the disease is in before they can start any treatment. In order to find out what stage the cancer is in the doctor must know grade the tumor is which we discussed earlier and they also may need to run a series of more test such as a CT scan or a chest x-ray. The CT scan is where they would give you some contrast material and the machine would then take several pictures to get a clearer picture of your pelvis and abdomen to see any tumors or abdominal fluid. The chest x-ray is used to see if the cancer has spread to your lungs and if there is any fluid buildup there as well.

There are four stages of ovarian cancer; the first stage is called stage 1. Stage 1 is where cancer cells can be found on one or both ovaries or in abdominal fluid. Only 15 percent of the total women diagnosed have stage 1 and they have a 5 year survival rate of 93.8 percent (statistics). Stage 2 is where the cancer has spread to other reproductive organs such as the fallopian tubes and the uterus. It can also be found in abdominal fluid as well as other tissue in the pelvis area. The 5 year survival rate for stage 2 is 72.8 percent and only 17 percent of women diagnosed have this stage. Stage 3 is where the cancer has spread to the lymph nodes and can be also found on the outside of the liver. This is the most common stage that women are diagnosed (62 percent) with only a 28.2 percent survival rate or 5 years (statistics). The last stage is stage 4 and this is when the cancer can be found in the lungs or in any other organs. So, at this point it has traveled out of both the pelvic and abdominal areas. This has the lowest survival rate of 27.3 percent and the lowest percent of women diagnosed at 7 percent (statistics).

Once the doctor has determined what stage you are in you can start treatment accordingly. Most women will have surgery to remove cancer cells and also both ovaries and fallopian tubes, your uterus, any nearby lymph nodes, as well as the omentum which is a thin fat pad that covers the intestines. If you only have stage 1 sometimes the doctors will leave the uterus intact and only take one ovary and fallopian tube but this depends on your age and whether or not you would like to become pregnant and have children. If the cancer is one of the other stages (2, 3 or 4) then they might have to go in further and remove as much cancer as they possibly can. They can also do chemotherapy as a form of treatment. This is when "anticancer" drugs are given to kill the cancerous cell. The drugs can be given by either inserting them into the vein (IV), intraperitoneal (IP) which is given directly into the abdomen through a very thin tube, or by mouth via pill form (ovarian cancer 13). The side effects to the chemotherapy can be hair loss, vomiting, and diarrhea. This is because the drugs also harm normal cells, so it can damage your hair cells (hair loss) and the cells that line your digestive tract (vomiting and diarrhea) but it can also damage your blood cells and make your body bruise easier and you would be more susceptible to get infections because your blood cells are what help fight infections off.

As of right now we cannot explain why one women may develop this cancer and another will not but there are some women that are at higher risk. If you have any women in your family that has had ovarian cancer, specifically your mother, daughter, or sister you or a family member are at a higher risk. But, also if you or any other family members have had uterus, colon, rectum, or breast cancer you or a family member will be at a higher risk. Most women that are diagnosed with this disease are over the age of 55 and have never been pregnant. If you or a family member is at an increase risk you want to talk to your family member to make sure they are aware of these risks. Then I would encourage those at risk people to consult your doctor and see if anything can be done to make sure if you would so some signs of cancer, it could be detected early.

They may recommend genetic testing to see if you have a certain mutation of the BRCA 1 or BRCA 2 gene which has been linked to ovarian cancer and breast cancer. If you go and have this testing done you will have to provide a detailed family history and also give a blood sample. They will test they blood for mutations in your DNA, specifically looking at your BRCA 1 and 2 genes. When you get the results back they will let you know if they found a mutation and if they did you know that you for sure are at an increase risk. If they don't find a mutation they will still put you into an at risk category based on your family history. This testing has been very important in determining the links between certain mutations and ovarian cancer. The more data we can collect the better off we are on finding a connection.

The most important thing to remember is that this is the most deadly gynecologic cancer with very nonspecific symptoms, 15,000 women die from this cancer every year. If you or anyone you know are having any of these symptoms you should talk to them and encourage them to contact their doctor in hopes of early detection. The earlier the detection the better chances you or a family member has of not becoming one of the 15,000.

Three Types of Ovarian Cancer

2011-12-20T11:56:00.000-08:00

Ovarian tumors are not necessarily cancerous, depending on the type of cells from which the tumor started. Primarily, there are three types of ovarian tumors including epithelial tumors, germ cell tumors, and stromal tumors. Epithelial tumors grow out of cells on the outside of the ovaries. Germ cell tumors start with egg cells. Stromal tumors grow from cells involved in female hormone production. All three types of tumors can develop into ovarian cancer, although cancerous germ cell tumors are rare. Other types of ovarian cancer exist but are extremely rare.

Early symptoms of cancer include abdominal swelling, pelvic pressure, loss of appetite due to feeling full quickly, or sudden urge to urinate. More advanced ovarian cancer symptoms include worsening early symptoms, but also may include other symptoms that appear on a daily basis lasting several weeks for which there is no explanation.

While many of these symptoms may relate to other conditions, you should still talk to your doctor, as ovarian cancer is often not caught until after it has spread. Additional symptoms might include fatigue, digestive upset, low back pain, pain during intercourse, or marked menstrual changes.

Your ovarian cancer prognosis will vary greatly depending on the results of staging after a diagnosis has been made. Staging is the process doctors used to determine how advanced the cancer is or the likelihood that it has spread. Ovarian cancer stages are ranked using Roman numerals I through IV, then further subdivided into A, B, or C.

Stage I, the earliest stage of cancer, has an 89% relative five-year survival rate. This means that patients whose cancer is caught at the earliest stage have an 89% chance of living longer than five years. Stage II has a 66% relative five-year survival rate. Unfortunately, Stage IV, the most advanced stage, has only an 18% relative five-year survival rate.

The primary treatments are surgery, radiation, and chemotherapy. One or even possibly all of these treatments maybe necessary depending on your particular situation, type of cancer or, current health condition, and staging. Ovarian cancer cures often necessitate the removal of one or both ovaries. However, not all ovarian cancers require surgery.

If you're currently undergoing traditional cancer treatments and wish to find a natural complementary treatment or you have tried traditional treatment only to have it fail and are seeking alternative natural treatments, we invite you to spend some time on All-Natural-Cancer-Cures.com for information regarding natural treatment options.

Stages of Ovarian Cancer

2011-12-20T01:16:00.000-08:00

There are four specific stages of ovarian cancer. Knowing these stages will help you to determine what your treatment options are and what symptoms to look for so you can get the upper hand on the silent killer.

Stage one is when the cancer is limited to the ovaries only. Within this there are three stages. Stage 1A is when the cancer is limited to just one ovary, 1B is when the cancer is in both ovaries and 1C is with tumors on either one or both ovaries and a tumor on the surface.

Stage two is when the ovarian cancer involves one or both ovaries with pelvic extension. Stage 2A is when the cancer has extended to the uterus and/or the tubes, 2B is when the cancer has extended to the pelvic tissues and 2C is a tumor with a ruptured capsule that contains malignant cells.

Stage three is ovarian cancer that involves one or both of the ovaries and the cancer has spread outside the pelvis. Liver metastasis can equal stage three ovarian cancer. Stage 3A is when the cancer is limited to the pelvis but microscopic examination shows seeding in the abdominal cavity, 3B is when the cancer has become implanted on abdominal surfaces but nothing is above two centimeters in diameter and 3C is any abdominal cancers over two centimeters in diameter.

Stage four is a growth on one or both of the ovaries with distant metastasis. Stage 4A is an extension of metastasis to the uterus and/or the tube, 4B is an extension to the pelvic tissues and 3C is a ruptured capsule with malignant cells.

La verità dietro tassi di sopravvivenza del cancro ovarico

2011-12-19T14:36:00.000-08:00

What is the truth behind the survival rates of ovarian cancer? Now, "the truth behind the survival rate of ovarian cancer" you enter in a search engine, you changed the type of information can be found. This is because most Web sites, the emphasis put on the truth behind the survival rate generally negative angle of ovarian cancer. For example, only 50 percent of women with ovarian cancer living in the United States more than five years. And this statistic has no official hopes that the disease will remain in the adoption of a five-year period.

Then, is this really the truth behind the survival rates of ovarian cancer? Yes and no. You don't say what many Web sites, is this ovarian cancer, survival rates much more positive for women, who diagnosed his condition was beginning. In fact, for the 25% of women who are in this category, the ovarian cancer survival is an astounding 90 percent. Most sites still not speak on this subject, because the majority of women in the later stages of disease, receive the stadiums where the disease is diagnosed too advanced for long-term survival.

How you can increase the chances of getting a part of 25 percent, soon diagnosed with a woman? Is a very difficult to answer the question. Waiting for some symptoms of ovarian cancer women enough to start an early diagnosis. But there is a problem with this strategy. Before most of the symptoms is not radical with ovarian cancer. Incontinence, abdominal swelling and painful sex, the three main symptoms of the disease, can be easily confused with the conditions that are less severe. And even when his wife, which are signs of ovarian cancer is suspected, it is possible that the condition has progressed is still up to a point that has become irreversible. This is because the symptoms are the same as the strong or very small tumors.

So what is the best solution for a woman? Well, if ovarian cancer in her family history, should always adjust ovarian cancer, screening, if you have symptoms. However, to underline is that ovarian cancer screening, at least in its current state not fully tested. Has a high rate of errors in diagnosis, a woman could be subject to unnecessary surgery, chemotherapy or other types of ovarian cancer treatment. However, if a woman in a category of high risk of ovarian cancer that could test that saves lives.

Finally, when it comes to the truth behind the ovarian cancer survival rates, there is another more promising side. The key to early detection, try, especially if you have the disease in your family. For everyone, it is preferable to adopt preventive measures, because the risk of errors in diagnosis of ovarian cancer diagnosis might be too high. Prevention: breastfeeding with your baby before birth control, but 35 to 20 pills and a hysterectomy.

Ovarian cancer

2011-12-19T03:56:00.000-08:00

Ovarian cancer is named for the development of cancer tissues and cells in the ovaries (an organ found in women, which is an important part of the female reproductive system). Like any type of cancer, the idea of ovarian cancer is very disturbing to every woman. If ovarian cancer is detected early, can be really lethal. In some cases, ovarian cancer may lead to the removal of the ovaries.

Reduce the risk of ovarian cancer-theories

Many studies and research are conducted throughout the world to find ways to reduce the risk of ovarian cancer and to develop a cure for ovarian cancer. If you look at the Council, or if you are going through books and newspaper articles, you will find a number of different things, to reduce be proposed that the risk of ovarian cancer. So, you will notice that there are no proposals on the use of oral contraceptives for the reduction of ovarian cancer. Some other methods offer fallopian tubes as effective means to reduce the risk of ovarian cancer for associate (of course, you should go for this option only if you are certain that you shouldn't try to have more children). There are others who propose the removal of the ovaries (close to menopause or menopause) from surgery as an effective means to reduce the risk of ovarian cancer. There are other theories that, even for a long time, that a woman has nursed babies with them in the chest and the age are connected, in which she had her last child.

An approach to the fight against ovarian cancer risk

Thus, all studies and newspaper articles appear to prevent many different things for ovarian cancer (or at least reduce the risk of ovarian cancer) suggests. But make it difficult for you to decide what should be your approach to combat the risk of ovarian cancer. The best thing to do is contact an expert and ask for their opinion on which approach is best suited for you against the risk of ovarian cancer. Since doctors/consultants (working in the field of cancer of the ovaries) know much more about ovarian cancer and methods for the threat, it would be able to guide you in so much better when you approach (reading this article, etc.). However, you don't get too worried about the risk of ovarian cancer so that at the end of your life with the thoughts and fears overwhelming ovarian cancer is messed up.

Symptoms of ovarian cancer

2011-12-18T17:16:00.000-08:00

Symptoms of ovarian cancer in the announcement are, especially if is growing for some time and cancer of the mass is large enough. Some women may feel some symptoms such as abdominal pain, even in the early stages. Symptoms are vague and often even benign conditions, tend to where common victims often ignore them.

Ovarian Cancer Screening is difficult in an early stage, because the two small, in the form of almond deep organs within the abdominal cavity, one on each side of the uterus.

The most common symptoms include bloating, pressure, pain or discomfort caused by fluid building or masses in the abdominal cavity. Fluid can also collect the lungs, causing respiratory problems, in which the cancer spreads to the membrane.

Due to the pressure on the stomach can also lose an appetite or an abundance of experience after a meal extremely light. If the tumor starts the pressure on the bladder or intestines, the victim may experience frequent urination, nausea, vomiting, gas, diarrhea or constipation. Some other symptoms are fever, back pain and bleeding, though not as common. You may also experience unexplained weight gain or loss, unusual tiredness or changes in bowel habits.

If symptoms despite the usual procedures, diet, exercise or the use of laxatives, the patient should delay step in consultation with a doctor. The signs and symptoms of ovarian cancer are vague or silent, only a small percentage of cases in the early stages are recognized. Symptoms start to occur at an advanced stage, when the tumor growth puts pressure on the bladder and the rectum and fluid begins to form.

If these vague symptoms continue for four to six weeks, it is advisable for a thorough review of the CRE-vaginal, go. REC-vaginal pelvic examination the doctor simultaneously inserts a finger into the rectum and the other in the vagina.

Overview of ovarian cancer phase 3

2011-12-18T06:36:00.000-08:00

Ovarian cancer is a serious level III cancer that has spread, are part of the pelvic region and organs and lymph organs (liver, intestines, etc.), and is easier to diagnose. It is used in the forecast made by a physician.

Ovarian cancer III is set for the determination of the TNM system rating. TNM is the size of the tumour, for registration, status of node metastasis or spread and the class of the tumor. We finally let doctors how long a patient has live, and if they will survive. These factors include:

Each part is defined as follows:

Determination of the TNM scoring system

Tumor size-distribution of phase III, the tumor may be defined only as one of the following values:

T3: the tumor is in an ovary (or two); the tumor has invaded the tissues in the pelvic region outside the pelvic region and lymph node (s); In cancer cells of fluids (ascites) washing stomach or abdominal cavity (peritoneal washing liquid)

Zum: cancer is in an ovary (or two); the spread of the tumour tissue includes in the pelvic region, outside the pelvic region and also the pelvic region

Münster: cancer is in an ovary (or two); the tumor has spread in the pelvic region, outside the pelvic region, fabrics and is also the pelvic region, now see a maximum size of 2 cm and without a microscope

T3c: tumor is an ovary (or two); incorporates the tumor tissue found in the pelvic region, pelvic region and also the pelvic region, now of 2 cm or in size and is easy to see

Inclusion of node-is like cancer in phase III of the classification:

N1: tumor spread to lymph nodes

Supply of metastasis or spread-like phase III cancer found was, can only be used the following classification:

M1: distant metastasis found somewhere

Grade of the tumor.

The classification of cancer shows the maturity of the cancer cells in the ovaries (s). How cancer is now in phase III, can be classified only as follows:

Class 2: a combination of normal and cancerous cells. Cancer cells represent on all cells

Class 3: a few might remain normal cells; most or all the cells are carcinogenic

The level is low, the slower growth, a cancer and better patient survival. More degrees, faster the tumor can grow or spread and greatly decreases the chance of survival. In this case phase III has greatly reduced the ability of patients with cancer of the ovaries of recovery or survival.

Scene groups

Step groups are used for the order of the factors the TNM classification system. Groupings are as follows: phase III

Phase III

Stage IIIa: N0, M0, Zum

Stage IIIb: Münster, N0, M0

Stage IIIc: T3c, N0, M0 or T (changed), N1, M0

Symptoms of ovarian cancer

2011-12-17T19:56:00.000-08:00

Ovarian cancer, a disease, one of the two ovaries, is an effect on women of complaints recognised difficult. In the United States, is considered to be the fifth between gynecological tumors more fatal (effects on female reproductive organs). It is said, 57 women diagnosed with ovarian cancer, and close to half of women with cancer called may die in a period of five years.

Ovarian cancer: overview

Ovarian cancer is malignant ovarian growth of one or both. The cells of the ovaries are gradually increasing and exceptionally until it can be controlled. Therefore, tumors can be benign or malignant start form excessive tissue. Those that cause cancer are the evil one.

Tumor growth may not necessarily initiate ovary or ovaries, but can spread to the ovaries in other parts of the body, often in the chest. Malignant tumor in ovaries can spread in other parts of the body. This generally affects cases of epithelial ovarian effects on epithelial cells (tissue cells found on the surface of the ovary).

Symptoms of ovarian cancer

It is important for women who knowingly fatal cancer can affect women of all ages of the nature and symptoms of ovarian cancer, like this. However, older women are the highest risk of ovarian cancer, like her, especially after the age of 50 years.

Most of the time, shows no sign of cancer of the ovaries, until cancer spread or its is advanced. This is a higher risk of woman, as it may be too late, before they are able to detect symptoms of ovarian cancer. In addition, there are very few symptoms of cancer, other illnesses may be confused as the symptoms.

The first symptom of ovarian cancer is vague abdominal discomfort and swelling caused by excess fluid in the abdominal cavity. You feel more full, even though he ate little. Over time it has intensified the swelling of the abdomen, which some of your clothes you can is more appropriate. Usually, it is this unusual get swelling (a woman's monthly retention), the majority of women from medical check box.

Bloating accompanied by urine patterns and habits of indigestion, unexplained changes in the digestive tract. There are frequent departures to the bathroom in the absence of a urinary tract infection or other health problems. You may feel nausea, very tired and feel like vomiting sometimes. You may hear during sexual intercourse, even in sorrow and pain.

Pain and swelling in the swimming pool area is also on physical examination. It is swelling in the basin. In very rare cases, a woman with the scene in their abnormal bleeding from menopause.

Other vague and not specific to the symptoms of ovarian cancer are back and unterernährten of leg pain, loss of appetite, look to weight gain or weight loss and unusual bleeding into the vagina (heavier and longer than usual menstrual bleeding).

Recognition of the symptoms of ovarian cancer

Screening is a way to recognize the symptoms of ovarian cancer. Once the patient is protected, to reduce the morbidity and mortality from cancer of the ovary better. One of the most effective ways to detect at an early stage breast cancer is due to pelvic and rectal examination.

To hear the whispers ovarian cancer-en

2011-12-17T09:16:00.000-08:00

Ovarian cancer is the leading cause of cancer death among women. Almost 80% of respondents have experience a repeat treated for ovarian cancer. The chances of death in the first five years of treatment, nearly 50% is the level 2, 3 or 4, whatever. These grim statistics are now a reality for my life. I am a survivor of ovarian cancer.

One of the reasons is therefore fatal ovarian cancer because it is very difficult to see. Cancer was often at the moment everywhere is diagnosed, spread to other parts of the body. There is no reliable screening for ovarian cancer because there would be for the breast and cervical cancer. Can only examine a Ob/Gyn. be recognized that it is therefore important for all women who seek, obtain annual reviews.

Is a tumor marker CA-125 in the blood, which may indicate the presence of ovarian cancer. Is used as a screening procedure because it is not sufficiently reliable. However, it can be used in cases where a woman experiencing high risk, the mark of the CA-125 in the Dominican Republic for further testing.

A woman's worst nightmare is a diagnosis of cancer. Early detection is the best way, cancer, widespread and grows to prevent. Take care of you and take the time to get your annual audit. You can save your life.

Stages of ovarian cancer

2011-12-16T22:36:00.000-08:00

There are four levels of ovarian cancer. If you are diagnosed, your doctor will determine which of the stages, to which you belong. If you are diagnosed in the early stages, you have more chance of survival. On the other hand, diagnosed in later stages may mean cure the disease progressed too with conventional means. Therefore, or so, you should consult the ovarian cancer aware of these steps so that you know what to expect progress. Each of these steps are described in detail below.

Level 1-1 phase is the first step, through women. Where you learn in the ideal case, you want to ovarian cancer and phase 1 is the most treatable stage. The only problem is detected at an early stage cancer. With stage 1 ovarian cancer has a person with cancer in one or both ovaries, if in step 1 c is-and fluid possible abdominal and could have distributed in women. Ovarian cancer can include also 1 C ovarian fracture influenced by the presence of tumors.

Level 2-phase 2, indicating that tumors of the ovaries were widespread. However it has not passed the pelvic region. The bodies that might be affected by the metastatic ovarian cancer include the bladder or rectum. And as in level 1, it is possible that the tumors cause ovarian failure.

Section 3-with 3 stage ovarian cancer, tumors in abdominal cavity were widespread. You can stick the lymph nodes, the groin area or region which lies behind the cervix. Cancer is visible from the tissues of the abdomen (abdominal fluid not as in phase 1 and 2). Tumours begin to grow to 2 cm and from there.

Day 4-step is the most deadly of the scene. At this time, the cancer of abdominal cavity and pelvic region provided to flee. Each institution is to attack, but more commonly the liver or lung. It should be noted that these organs will attack tumors, which were the treatment of ovarian cancer instead of doctors of lung cancer or treatment of liver cancer will provide treatment. Because the cause of the problem is thus being attacked ovaries, to try and treat suffering that tumors require it.

All-in-All, want to avoid coming to the stage of ovarian cancer at any time diagnosed as 1. You increase your chances of getting along at this point go to the doctor if you have abdominal pain or urinary incontinence because they are very early signs of ovarian cancer diagnosed. Also, if you are at high risk for the condition, the doctor is pressed for the screening of ovarian cancer. Sure, it might be diagnosed, but if you have the condition, screening can help save lives.

Ovarian cancer-what is this?

2011-12-16T11:56:00.000-08:00

Ovarian cancer is a common type of cancer that is the or operation of ovarian cancer growth. Because organs are affected, the disease only on women and work is symptoms such as abdominal pain, bloating, reduction of hunger and constant urinating. Is the form that most cancers often gynaecological, with something more than eighty thousand patients diagnosed each year with him.

The nature of the symptoms are subtle and common condition, he sometimes confused the symptoms of other diseases. The result is combined with the fact that women experience more meaningful sign because the rule quickly diagnosed condition enough. It is common practice tips that complained of regular constipation, stomach pain, or swelling, obtain their physician as soon as possible to visit. If not diagnosed and treated in time, can the disease more severe problems such as the barriers of the colon and painful fluid in the pelvic region.

Because the disease is so widespread and so some useful brochures on the set of symptoms could be fatal, the American Cancer Society and the society of Gynecologic Oncologists inform women more. The Declaration stresses the importance of an annual review and one of the four most common take very seriously the symptoms of the disease.

If correctly, ovarian cancer is diagnosed at an early stage, is close to 90 percent curable, but the percentage drops significantly over the years that it is therefore very important for women to listen to their bodies.

Now, the exact cause of the disease is not known, but there are a number of credits-be the factors of the border, we risk higher infection with it. Examples of high-risk patients are women at the age of forty years, with parents who suffer from the disease, those who have never given birth and those who have undergone hormone replacement therapy after menopause. Number of factors, like other types of cancer, infertility and endometriosis can be related to genetics.

However, they are the ones who give birth to more sons, having their children early in life, some birth control pills and never undergo tubal ligation operations on a lower risk of ovarian cancer.

As with all other forms of cancer have previously specified that the disease is better captured one screening, which unfortunately has a long term disease are expected to make a total recovery, although due to the absence of official examinations. About 60% of all girls, get a diagnostic phase three or four are already state.

A doctor with a woman who presented with symptoms quickly checks for signs of this condition. This includes a detailed pelvic examination, blood tests and abdominal ultrasound. If this is enough characters to reveal that a cancer he y that then make an experimental procedure, in order to confirm.

Cancer-ovarian cancer

2011-12-16T01:16:00.001-08:00

Desperate after pregnant women can become cancer if parameter take fertility drugs. Mary Rossing, PH.D. and colleagues at the University of Washington in Cancer Research Center found that 2-1/s time women, fertility medication than normal risk of developing ovarian cancer, in particular using clomiphene term Ling of drugs at the Stanford University School of medicine three times greater risk of ovarian cancer in women with fertility drugs.

Ovarian cancer is probably derived from genetic errors how cells divide to repair the ovary after it breaks down to release an egg. From pregnancy, causing ovulation for months at a time when returns, have shown much to reduce the risk for a woman with ovarian development is it that everything that stimulates ovulation will have the opposite effect.

This genetic disease that can also be corrected by good nutrition. All diseases sanctioned as we are influenced by genes or caused. Just because you were born with defective genes, does not mean that you must live with them. The fact is that the body was destroying enzyme developed machinery and repair defective nuclear DNA (genes). This offensive line depends on good nutrition for optimal performance. Emanuel Cheraskin, m.d., says: "Think the gene as the seed, the environment and the Earth". "You can cultivate a healthy plant good soil even if it starts with a low seed."

A friend told me that he recently discovered the obesity gene. "It at the bottom of a container of ice-cream Haagen Daz discovered" Ride.

The consumption of dairy products is related to a higher than normal incidence of cancer. In 1989, Daniel Kramer of gynaecologist increased Harvard Medical School in Boston linked Galactose consumption with a risk of ovarian cancer. Galactose is toxic for human eggs may be it in a way that interferes with our offensive line enzyme.

If you want to avoid ovarian cancer, eating fatty food and attention of fresh vegetables, whole. Harvey Risch, m.d., Department of epidemiology and public health, Yale University School of medicine, found that the properties of cholesterol-raising poor Tran, fatty acids, saturated fat eggs a woman increases the chances of getting cancer of the ovaries. He found the fiber to reduce the risk of foods, reduces cholesterol. Concluded that the reduction in saturated fatty acids intake and the consumption of vegetables may reduce the risk of ovarian cancer. If your cholesterol is high, and you worry about cancer, you take at the age of garlic extract.