About Ovarian Cancer

A malignant tumor that begins in the ovaries is called ovarian cancer. There are several types of ovarian cancer. Ovarian cancer that begins on the surface of the ovary (epithelial carcinoma) is the most common type. Ovarian cancer that begins in the egg-producing cells (germ cell tumors) and cancer that begins in the supportive tissue surrounding the ovaries (stromal tumors) are rare.

Ovarian cancer cells can break away from the ovary and spread to other tissues and organs in a process known as shedding. When ovarian cancer sheds, it tends to seed (form new tumors) on the peritoneum (the large membrane that lines the abdomen) and on the diaphragm (the thin muscle that separates the chest from the abdomen).

Ovarian cancer cells can also enter the bloodstream or lymphatic system (the tissues and organs that produce and store cells that fight infection and disease). Once in the bloodstream or lymphatic system, the cancer cells can travel and form new tumors in other parts of the body.

In many cases, women feel no symptoms of ovarian cancer until the disease has progressed significantly. Because early symptoms are often mild, the disease is relatively difficult to detect. Symptoms may include unusual feelings of fullness or discomfort in the pelvic area, unexplained indigestion or bloating that is not relieved with over-the-counter antacid pills, swelling and pain in the abdomen.

Treatment for Ovarian Cancer

Treatment depends on a number of factors, including the stage of the disease and the general health of the patient. Many treatment combinations, including surgery, chemotherapy and radiation therapy, may be used, depending on the individual patient.

At the Bone Marrow Transplant Center at Rush University Medical Center in Chicago, Illinois, patients with relapsed ovarian cancer who meet specific criteria may be eligible for high-dose therapy and autologous stem cell rescue. This treatment may be given either at early relapse or after second line chemotherapy has reduced the size of the recurrent disease. Three of the most effective drugs against ovarian cancer are used in this low toxicity autologous transplant.