Treating Ovarian Cancer

What is Ovarian Cancer?
Ovarian cancer is a malignancy in the ovary or ovaries, part of the female reproductive system. The ovaries make hormones - vital to a woman's well-being - and eggs.

How Prevalent is It?
The Ovarian Cancer National Alliance reports that one in about every 57 women will be afflicted. About 23,000 women are diagnosed every year, and of that number, about 15,000 will die. And the numbers have been increasing.

Does This Type of Cancer Run in Families?
There is a definite genetic predisposition toward ovarian cancer in some families. If you have a near relative (mother, sister, daughter) who has been diagnosed with ovarian cancer, you are at higher risk than a woman with no ovarian cancer in her family. Every close family member so diagnosed increases your risk.

Gene mutations (changes in the gene) are behind many ovarian cancers. These may be inherited. They make up 5%-10% of all ovarian cancers. Ovarian cancer may be associated with breast and colon cancers.

How Many Types of Ovarian Cancers Are There?
There are three types of ovarian cancers: epithelial carcinoma, germ-cell tumors, and stromal tumors.

Epithelial Tumors
These tumors originate in the cells that form the outer surface of the ovary. Ovarian epithelial cancer has some serious side effects, such as premature menopause and infertility. You and your doctor may decide on a course of chemotherapy to treat your epithelial cancer. Typically, you will work out a schedule of chemo applications followed by a break. Drugs have different chemo schedules; you and your doctor should examine carefully every one before deciding on a plan.

Germ-cell Tumors
These tumors arise in the egg-producing centers of the ovaries, and account for about 3% of ovarian tumors. They are found most often in teens and young women. They are aggressive, but amenable to treatment: about 90% of these tumors can be cured.