Cancer ovary

Cancer of the ovary is a type of cancer that affects a woman’s reproductive system. It occurs when abnormal cells in the ovary grow and divide uncontrollably, forming a malignant tumor. Ovarian cancer is the fifth most common cancer among women, and the leading cause of death from gynecologic cancers in the United States. It most often affects women over the age of 50, but it can occur in younger women as well. The main symptoms of ovarian cancer include abdominal pain, bloating, feeling full quickly after eating, irregular periods, and changes in bladder or bowel habits. If these symptoms are present and persist over time, a woman should see her doctor for an evaluation. Diagnosis of ovarian cancer is usually made through a combination of medical history, physical exam, imaging tests, and the removal of a sample of tissue for microscopic examination (called a biopsy). Treatment for ovarian cancer typically involves surgery, chemotherapy, and/or radiation therapy. Ovarian cancer is a serious and potentially deadly disease, but it can be treated successfully if detected early. A woman should discuss any symptoms she is experiencing with her doctor, and receive regular gynecologic check-ups.