What is Ovarian Cancer?

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.