Description
There are many types of ovarian cancer, and cure and treatment success depends on how early ovarian cancer is detected. Ninety-five percent of women will live longer than five years, if ovarian cancer is detected before it has spread beyond the ovaries. Presently, only 25% of ovarian cancer cases in the U.S. are diagnosed in the early stages, because there is no simple screening test for ovarian cancer. Also, once symptoms develop and a woman seeks medical care, the cancer is often advanced. In advanced stages, 5-year survival rates drop to 28%. Ovarian cancer is the fifth leading cause of cancer deaths among women.
Symptoms
# None in the early stages
# Family history of ovarian cancer should alert a woman that she should be followed closely.
# Abdominal pressure or bloating
# Changes in bowel or bladder patterns
# Nausea, feeling full early when eating, constipation, and gas
# Excessive fatigue
# Weight loss
# Bowel obstruction
Diagnosis
# Pelvic examination reveals an enlarged ovary
# Ultrasound
# Computed tomography (CT)
# Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)
# Blood tests (CA-125, CEA)
# Laparoscopy
# Exploratory laparotomy
Treatment
# Surgery to remove all visible cancer and involved structures
# Chemotherapy
# Radiation therapy
# Supportive care
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