Overview

Ovarian epithelial cancer, fallopian tube cancer, and primary peritoneal cancer are diseases in which malignant (cancer) cells form in the tissue covering the ovary or lining the fallopian tube or peritoneum.

Symptoms

Pain, swelling, or a feeling of pressure in the abdomen or pelvis. Vaginal bleeding that is heavy or irregular, especially after menopause. Vaginal discharge that is clear, white, or colored with blood. A lump in the pelvic area. Gastrointestinal problems, such as gas, bloating, or constipation.

Causes

Family history of ovarian cancer in a first-degree relative (mother, daughter, or sister), Inherited changes in the BRCA1 or BRCA2 genes. Other hereditary conditions, such as hereditary nonpolyposis colorectal cancer (HNPCC; also called Lynch syndrome: type of inherited cancer syndrome associated with a genetic predisposition to different cancer types.), Endometriosis, Postmenopausal hormone therapy, Obesity, Tall height

Diagnosis

Physical exam and history,Pelvic exam,CA 125 assay (A test that measures the level of CA 125 in the blood) Ultrasound exam, CT scan, PET scan, MRI, Chest X- Ray, Biopsy

Prevention

Oral contraceptives,Tubal ligation( surgical procedure to prevent pregnancy), Giving birth ,Salpingectomy (surgical removal of one (unilateral) or both (bilateral) fallopian tubes, Breastfeeding Risk-reducing salpingo-oophorectomy (the surgery to remove the ovaries and fallopian tubes).

Treatment

Surgery, Chemotherapy : Carboplatin given with paclitaxel, Liposomal doxorubicin, Gemcitabine, Bevacizumab can be combined with liposomal doxorubicin, paclitaxel, to treat platinum-resistant cancer.

Everyday Life

Ovarian cancer can be difficult to detect in its early stages as symptoms are unclear and similar to those of other health conditions.

Resources

https://www.cancer.gov/publications/dictionaries/cancer-terms/def/ovarian-cancer

https://www.cancer.net/cancer-types/ovarian-fallopian-tube-and-peritoneal-cancer/treatment-options