ABC’s of Ovarian Cancer

Ovaries are part of the women’s reproductive system, which are about the size of an almond. Ovaries in women produce the hormones progesterone and estrogen; which release the eggs and travels from the fallopian tube to the uterus (womb) where it waits for the fertilization by the sperms. When a women reaches menopause, her ovaries doesn’t release eggs and there is a fall in the hormones levels. Cancers starts from the cells, which are the building blocks which are makes the tissues. And these tissues together make up the organs. Due to various reasons a cell can undergo various changes; suddenly these cells undergo an uncontrolled cell division which can be a benign or malignant tumor. Fortunately benign tumors are not cancer and rarely they are life-threatening. Generally most of the benign tumors can be removed by surgery and they do not grow back. Cells of benign tumors don’t spread to other parts of the organs. Malignant tumors are cancerous and life-threatening. Malignant tumors can also be removed, but they sometimes tend to grow back. If the malignant tumors couldn’t be removed, the patient is administrated with various anti-cancer drugs and chemotherapy. Malignant tumors invade and affect the tissues and organs which are nearby, they even have the tendency to enter the lymphatic system.

Ovarian cyst will be found on the surface of the ovary or some times inside it. These cysts contain fluid and occasionally have solid tissue. Majority of ovarian cysts are not cancerous, some these cysts disappear after sometime. If the ovarian cyst is conferment to be cancerous, then you need to know that ovarian cancer can invade, and slowly spread to other tissues and organs. Initially ovarian cancer spreads into uterus and fallopian tubes. These cancer cells are known to shed or break off from the ovarian tumor and enter other organs. Cancer cells might also spread through the bloodstream to other important organs such as lungs and liver. Some of the symptoms include abdomen, pelvic and back pain, bloated abdomen, indigestion, nausea, constipation or diarrhea. Family history of cancer plays an important role and cancers are known to be hereditary. Women over 55 years and who have never been pregnant have great chances of getting this disease. Taking more plant-based foods, lesser animal products and regularly exercise are best for women.