What Is Ovarian Cancer?

• Cancer starts when cells in the body begin to grow out of control. Cells in nearly any part of the body can become cancer and can spread.
• Ovarian cancers were previously believed to begin only in the ovaries, but recent evidence suggests that many ovarian cancers may actually start in the cells in the far (distal) end of the fallopian tubes.
• The ovaries are mainly made up of 3 kinds of cells. Each type of cell can develop into a different type of tumor:
1. Epithelial tumors start from the cells that cover the outer surface of the ovary. Most ovarian tumors are epithelial cell tumors.
2. Germ cell tumors start from the cells that produce the eggs (ova).
3. Stromal tumors start from structural tissue cells that hold the ovary together and produce the female hormones is estrogen and progesterone.
• Some of these tumors are benign (non-cancerous) and never spread beyond the ovary. Malignant (cancerous) or borderline (low malignant potential) ovarian tumors can spread (metastasize) to other parts of the body and can be fatal.
• Women who have previous family history of malignancy in any reproductive organs, women aged > 33yrs and who have not given birth to kids (nulliparous), women who have unhealthy lifestyle regarding diet/ sedentary habits/ smoking/ alcohol intake, irregular periods, obesity, other endocrine disorders – need to have a gyneacological check up every once in 6 months as a part of their health plan.
• Early detection can improve lifespan & better quality of life for the lady thro proper treatment plan and diagnosis.