{"id":1429,"date":"2022-05-25T09:50:19","date_gmt":"2022-05-25T09:50:19","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.toplinemd.com\/gynecologic-oncology-center\/?p=1429"},"modified":"2026-04-21T19:56:16","modified_gmt":"2026-04-21T19:56:16","slug":"everything-you-should-know-about-ovarian-cancer-symptoms-and-treatment","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.toplinemd.com\/gynecologic-oncology-center\/everything-you-should-know-about-ovarian-cancer-symptoms-and-treatment\/","title":{"rendered":"Everything You Should Know About Ovarian Cancer Symptoms and Treatment"},"content":{"rendered":"<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">As the name suggests, ovarian cancer refers to a malignant mass on the ovary or ovaries. The cancerous cells multiply at a fast rate, often spreading and destroying other healthy cells and body tissues. Ovarian cancers are usually assessed and treated by a <\/span><a href=\"\/gynecologic-oncology-center\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">gynecologist oncologist<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, a physician who specializes in reproductive tract cancers. If you are experiencing <\/span><a href=\"\/gynecologic-oncology-center\/ovarian-cancer\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">early signs of ovarian cancer<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, it is essential to be seen by a medical expert as soon as possible to improve your chances for a better prognosis.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2>What Is the Role of Your Ovaries?<\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The ovaries are a pair of glands in the female reproductive system. Located on either side of the uterus, ovaries are about the size of an almond each and play a crucial role in conception and menstruation. The ovaries release the eggs during ovulation and produce two crucial hormones: progesterone and estrogen.\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Progesterone and estrogen are steroid hormones and play vital roles in the female body by regulating body shape, breast development, and body hair. In addition, these two hormones are also essential in other reproductive functions like pregnancy, menstrual cycles, and fertility.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><strong>What Are the Symptoms of Ovarian Cancer?<\/strong><\/h2>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-1431 aligncenter\" src=\"https:\/\/www.toplinemd.com\/gynecologic-oncology-center\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/198\/2022\/07\/What-Are-the-Symptoms-of-Ovarian-Cancer.jpg\" alt=\"Closeup of Sick Young Woman Suffering From Acute Side Back Pain\" width=\"1000\" height=\"562\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.toplinemd.com\/gynecologic-oncology-center\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/198\/2022\/07\/What-Are-the-Symptoms-of-Ovarian-Cancer-200x112.jpg 200w, https:\/\/www.toplinemd.com\/gynecologic-oncology-center\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/198\/2022\/07\/What-Are-the-Symptoms-of-Ovarian-Cancer-300x169.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.toplinemd.com\/gynecologic-oncology-center\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/198\/2022\/07\/What-Are-the-Symptoms-of-Ovarian-Cancer-400x225.jpg 400w, https:\/\/www.toplinemd.com\/gynecologic-oncology-center\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/198\/2022\/07\/What-Are-the-Symptoms-of-Ovarian-Cancer-600x337.jpg 600w, https:\/\/www.toplinemd.com\/gynecologic-oncology-center\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/198\/2022\/07\/What-Are-the-Symptoms-of-Ovarian-Cancer-768x432.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.toplinemd.com\/gynecologic-oncology-center\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/198\/2022\/07\/What-Are-the-Symptoms-of-Ovarian-Cancer-800x450.jpg 800w, https:\/\/www.toplinemd.com\/gynecologic-oncology-center\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/198\/2022\/07\/What-Are-the-Symptoms-of-Ovarian-Cancer.jpg 1000w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px\" \/><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The early signs of ovarian cancer may often go unnoticed, and for some women, the disease may not produce any noticeable symptoms at first.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The problem is that when a malignant mass forms on the ovaries, the symptoms can be easily attributed to other gastrointestinal or gynecologic conditions.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2>Here Are Some of the More Common Symptoms of Ovarian Cancer:<\/h2>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Unexplained weight loss<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Fatigue<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Back pain<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Abdominal swelling or bloating<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Quickly feeling full when sitting down to eat<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Pelvic area discomfort<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">A frequent need to urinate<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Constipation or other unusual bowel-movement changes<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">When experiencing these symptoms, women shouldn&#8217;t assume at first that they have a malignant mass on their ovaries, as these problems may very well signal other, more common (and less severe) medical conditions. Still, if these issues persist, lasting more than two weeks, it is important to schedule an appointment with your doctor to address these symptoms and rule out a possible malignancy.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2>What Causes Ovarian Cancer?<\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Unfortunately, the medical and scientific community is still unsure what directly leads to the formation of these malignant masses on the ovaries. However, doctors have managed to identify specific risk factors that may contribute to the disease&#8217;s development.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">So far, experts have confirmed that ovarian tumors form when the cells near or directly in the ovaries show signs of DNA mutations. The DNA in these cells contains the code or instructions that are responsible for &#8220;telling&#8221; the ovarian cells how to perform their functions. The changes that happen in these cells instruct the cells to grow uncontrollably and quickly, forming a malignant mass on the ovaries.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">These malignant cells then persist and can metastasize, invade, and spread to other tissues nearby, attacking attack other body parts as well.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2>Are There Different Types of Ovarian Tumors?<\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The cell type where the malignancy starts usually determines the type of ovarian mass patients have. This can also potentially help experts determine the best course of cancer treatment.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Ovarian tumors may be:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><b>Stromal ovarian cancer<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: These are rare malignant masses that are generally diagnosed at earlier stages than most other types of ovarian cancers.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><b>Germ cell cancers: <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">These are relatively rare ovarian tumors that are primarily associated with younger patients.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><b>Epithelial ovarian cancer:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> This is the most common ovarian malignancy that can have several subtypes such as mucinous and serous carcinomas.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2>What Are the Risk Factors for the Development of Ovarian Tumors?<\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">All women are at risk for ovarian cancer. But there are several factors that may increase the possibility of developing the disease including:\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><b>Genetic predispositions:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> A certain percentage of these malignancies can be caused by genetic changes that patients inherit from their parents. More precisely, experts have determined that there are several genes that may increase the risk of developing ovarian cancer. For example, changes in the genes BRCA1 and BRCA2 may increase not just the risk of ovarian malignancies but may play a role in the development of breast cancer as well. Furthermore, gene mutations in RAD51C, BRIP1, and RAD51D genes may also increase the risk of ovarian tumors and lynch syndrome.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><b>Family history:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Those women who have blood relatives that have previously been diagnosed with ovarian cancer may be at a higher risk of developing the disease.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><b>Age: <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">As with most other malignancies, the risk of developing ovarian tumors increases with age. As a result, older women are most often diagnosed with these tumors.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><b>Obesity or excess weight: <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Excess weight may also increase the risks of forming malignant ovarian masses.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><b>Early menstruation and late menopause: <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Starting to menstruate early and entering menopause later may increase the risk of developing ovarian cancer.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><b>Hormone replacement therapy after menopause:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Exogenous hormone administration for mitigating menopause symptoms, in some cases, may also lead to the development of the malignancy.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><b>Endometriosis: <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">This painful disorder that might also increase the risk of developing ovarian cancer.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><b>No history of pregnancy: <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Those women who have never been pregnant might also be at a higher risk of developing malignant ovarian masses.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2><strong>Are There Ways to Prevent Ovarian Cancer?<\/strong><\/h2>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-1432 aligncenter\" src=\"https:\/\/www.toplinemd.com\/gynecologic-oncology-center\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/198\/2022\/07\/Are-There-Ways-to-Prevent-Ovarian-Cancer.jpg\" alt=\"Abdominal Pain Patient Woman Having Medical Exam With Doctor \" width=\"1000\" height=\"563\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.toplinemd.com\/gynecologic-oncology-center\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/198\/2022\/07\/Are-There-Ways-to-Prevent-Ovarian-Cancer-200x113.jpg 200w, https:\/\/www.toplinemd.com\/gynecologic-oncology-center\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/198\/2022\/07\/Are-There-Ways-to-Prevent-Ovarian-Cancer-300x169.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.toplinemd.com\/gynecologic-oncology-center\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/198\/2022\/07\/Are-There-Ways-to-Prevent-Ovarian-Cancer-400x225.jpg 400w, https:\/\/www.toplinemd.com\/gynecologic-oncology-center\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/198\/2022\/07\/Are-There-Ways-to-Prevent-Ovarian-Cancer-600x338.jpg 600w, https:\/\/www.toplinemd.com\/gynecologic-oncology-center\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/198\/2022\/07\/Are-There-Ways-to-Prevent-Ovarian-Cancer-768x432.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.toplinemd.com\/gynecologic-oncology-center\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/198\/2022\/07\/Are-There-Ways-to-Prevent-Ovarian-Cancer-800x450.jpg 800w, https:\/\/www.toplinemd.com\/gynecologic-oncology-center\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/198\/2022\/07\/Are-There-Ways-to-Prevent-Ovarian-Cancer.jpg 1000w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px\" \/><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">While there are no guaranteed ways to prevent ovarian cancer, there are preventative measures that can reduce the risks:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><b>Discuss possible risk factors with your gynecologist:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> If you have a family history of ovarian cancer and <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.mayoclinic.org\/diseases-conditions\/breast-cancer\/symptoms-causes\/syc-20352470\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">breast malignancies<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, a conversation with your gynecologist can be helpful. You may be referred to a genetic counselor or, if cancer-inducing gene changes have been detected, you may be referred to a gynecologist oncologist to prophylactically remove your ovaries.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><b>Consider using birth control pills: <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Women are also encouraged to ask their doctor about the possibility of taking oral contraceptives as a preventative measure. Birth control pills may reduce the risk of ovarian tumors but have other associated risks. A conversation with your health care provider can help you weigh the risks and benefits.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2>What Are the Treatments for Ovarian Cancer?<\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Treatment is based on the stage of the tumor and often consists of a combination of surgery and chemotherapy. It is preferable to find a <\/span><a href=\"\/gynecologic-oncology-center\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">gynecologist oncologist<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> who not only performs the surgery but also coordinates, administers, and manages the chemo treatment in-house. Some chemo drugs are given orally and some intravenously. If the cancer is more advanced, you may need other types of treatment including radiation.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">A diagnosis of ovarian cancer can be overwhelming and the treatment decisions can be challenging. Trust in your gynecologist oncologist is essential and finding a practice that can provide the best medical and surgical treatment as well as emotional support is essential.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">At the Center for Gynecologic Oncology, our goal is to offer you the most up-to-date treatments and offer support and hope. With four locations in Miramar, Plantation, Hollywood, and Homestead, our practice is never far away.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Early detection of ovarian cancer improves your prognosis. Call us today and learn how we can help.<\/span><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>As the name suggests, ovarian cancer refers to a malignant mass on the ovary or ovaries. The cancerous cells multiply<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":3,"featured_media":1430,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":"","_links_to":"","_links_to_target":""},"categories":[14],"tags":[18,17,19,15,16],"class_list":["post-1429","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-ovarian-cancer","tag-causes-of-ovarian-cancer","tag-early-signs-of-ovarian-cancer","tag-mass-on-ovaries","tag-ovarian-cancer","tag-ovarian-tumor"],"aioseo_notices":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.toplinemd.com\/gynecologic-oncology-center\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1429","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.toplinemd.com\/gynecologic-oncology-center\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.toplinemd.com\/gynecologic-oncology-center\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.toplinemd.com\/gynecologic-oncology-center\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/3"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.toplinemd.com\/gynecologic-oncology-center\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=1429"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.toplinemd.com\/gynecologic-oncology-center\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1429\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.toplinemd.com\/gynecologic-oncology-center\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/1430"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.toplinemd.com\/gynecologic-oncology-center\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=1429"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.toplinemd.com\/gynecologic-oncology-center\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=1429"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.toplinemd.com\/gynecologic-oncology-center\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=1429"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}