- Abnormal Smear
- Abnormalities of the Uterus
- Abnormalities of the Vagina
- Adenomyosis
- Amenorrhea
- Atrophic Vaginitis
- Bacterial Vaginosis
- Barrier Contraception
- Bartholins Cysts
- Caesarean Section
- Cervical Cancer
- Cervical Screening
- Childbirth
- Chlamydia
- Clitoral Hoodectomy
- Colposcopy
- Colposcopy
- Contraceptive Pill
- Dysmenorrhoea
- Dyspareunia
- Ectopic Pregnancy
- Endometrial Hyperplasia
- Endometriosis
- Fibroids
- Gonorrhoea
- Heavy Periods
- Hormone Replacement Therapy
- Hymenoplasty
- Hysterectomy
- Incontinence
- Incontinence
- Infertility
- Intrauterine Devices
- Labial Reduction
- Loss Of Libido
- Menorrhagia
- Menstrual Disorders
- Miscarriage
- Natural Family Planning
- Oligomenorrhoea
- Ovarian Cancer
- Ovarian Cysts
- Pelvic Floor Exercises
- Pelvic Floor Restoration
- Perineoplasty
- Polycystic Ovaries
- Polymenorrhoea
- Post-Coital Bleeding
- Pregnancy Scanning
- Premature Menopause
- Progesterone Contraceptive Pill
- Pruritus Vulva
- Sterilisation
- Syphilis
- The Wart Virus
- Thrush
- Treatment for CIN
- Uterine Cancer
- Uterine Prolapse
- Vaginal Cancer
- Vaginal Cysts
- Vaginal Discharge
- Vaginal Infections
- Vaginal Prolapse
- Vaginal Tightening
- Vulva Cancer
- Vulval Anatomy
- Vulval Dystrophy
- Vulvodynia
- Well Women Checks
Ovarian Cancer
Ovarian cancer is a cancer that develops in a woman’s ovaries. It can be caused by a number of factors, and is treated in a number of ways. There are many symptoms that suggest the presence of ovarian cancer, and any women experiencing these symptoms should immediately consult their local GP or gynaecologist to explore the problem further.
Many women will experience symptoms that they may not necessarily associate with ovarian cancer. Symptoms of the disease can include a loss of appetite, sudden weight gain and inconsistency of bowel movements. Many women will not see these symptoms as signs of cancer, and will often overlook them as normal everyday problems. It is important to visit a specialist if you are experiencing any of these symptoms, or especially if you are experiencing more than one of the symptoms associated with the disease. Other symptoms include pain during intercourse and problems with a woman’s menstrual cycle.
The presence of these symptoms does not necessarily suggest the presence of cancer. They could be a result of many other conditions, such as ovarian cysts. These conditions are often harmless and can be easily treated. Initial screening involves an investigation inside the womb and ovaries, and a blood test. If the results of these tests indicate the presence of any tumours in the ovaries, further tests such as ultrasound scans or MRI scans may be performed to properly diagnose the condition.
Treatment depends upon the severity of the condition. If the cancer has spread, the entire womb and ovaries may have to be removed. It is often possible to perform chemotherapy to treat the problem if it is not severe. These treatments may not completely deal with the problem, and the cancer can sometimes occur again at a later date. If it has been caught too late, it may have spread further than can be dealt with.
The exact causes of ovarian cancer are unknown, but studies have shown that it is more common in women who have a history of the condition in their family, or women who are obese or have higher levels of oestrogen in their bodies. This hormone may be present in higher levels as a result of hormone replacement therapy. Due to the ambiguous nature of the disease, there is little women can do to prevent it’s onset. However, maintaining a healthy lifestyle is likely to decrease the chances of ovarian cancer.