Ovarian Cancer, What Are The Symptoms?

Ovaries are part of a woman's reproductive organs. Ovarian cancer actually represents a group of different tumors that arise from diverse types of tissue contained within the ovary. The most common type of ovarian cancer arises from the epithelial cells (the outside layer of cells ) of the surface of the ovary. Other rare types of this cancer develop from the egg-forming germ cells or from the supporting tissue (stroma) of the organ. Benign (non-cancerous) tumors and cysts are also found in the ovary and are much more common than ovarian cancers.

The symptoms include:

1)Pressure or pain in the abdomen, pelvis, back, or legs

2)A swollen or bloated abdomen

3)Nausea, indigestion, gas, constipation or diarrhea

4)Feeling very tired all the time

Most often these symptoms are not due to cancer, but only a doctor can tell for sure. Any woman with these symptoms should tell her doctor. Its diagnosis include

Physical exam: Your doctor checks general signs of health.

Pelvic exam: Your doctor feels the ovaries and nearby organs for lumps or other changes in their shape or size.

Blood tests: Your doctor may order blood tests.

Ultrasound: The ultrasound device uses sound waves that person cannot hear.

Biopsy: A biopsy is the removal of tissue or fluid to look for cancer cells.

The risk factors that can lead to ovarian cancer include;

1)Family history of cancer: Women who have a mother, daughter, or sister with ovarian cancer have an increased risk of the disease.
2) Older women who have never been pregnant have an increased risk of this disease.
3)Age over 55: Most women are over age 55 when diagnosed with ovarian cancer.
4)Personal history of cancer

By: Mercy Maranga

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Mercy Maranga Reports on Health and Fitness issues. Visit Her Site here for more information on cancer and its treatment Cancer