Ovarian Cancer

Ovarian cancer is the second most common form of the gynaecological cancers and makes up about 5% of cancers in women and is when normal cells in the ovary transform and grow to develop a malignant tumour.

What is Ovarian Cancer

Ovarian cancer is the second most common of form of the gynaecological cancers and makes up about 5% of cancers in women and is when normal cells in the ovary transform and grow to develop a malignant tumour. The ovaries are located deep in the pelvis and a tumour, as it grows, can affect organs such as the bowel or bladder.

We work together to combine the highest levels of consultant-led care and patient choice with the most advanced knowledge and understanding of the disease and its forms.

Learn More About Ovarian Cancer

There are a number of factors that are known to lead to an increase in the risk of developing ovarian cancers, such as;

Never had children or been pregnant
Prior breast cancer diagnosis
Family history including history of breast or bowel cancer
Age: more common as we get older and post-menopause, late menopause
HRT (Hormone Replacement Therapy)

The main ovarian cancers are:

Epithelial tumours or carcinomas, make up 90% of ovarian cancers and they are most often found in women over 40. This form of cancer has few early symptoms with one of the highest risk factors being family history.

Non-epithelial tumours, comprise stroma cell and germ cell tumours which are more ordinarily found in younger women and girls.

Early-stage ovarian cancer often goes undetected as there are rarely any symptoms until it is in its more advanced stages when it becomes less treatable and more widespread.

Symptoms

Symptoms of ovarian cancer may include:

feeling bloated
swollen abdomen
dragging feeling or pain in your side or lower abdomen
persistent mild indigestion or nausea
poor appetite or feeling full quickly
changes in your toilet habits; for i.e. constipation or having to pass water urgently
unusual vaginal discharge or bleeding (uncommon)
Pain in the pelvis or abdomen

Diagnosis

Ovarian cancer is usually diagnosed by the combination of a blood test (the CA125) and scans. A tissue sample (biopsy) may be required prior to surgery to remove the cancerous tissue from the pelvis and abdomen. Both ovaries and the womb are usually removed along with any obvious areas of ovarian cancer spread.