Ovarian cancer is an uncommon type of cancer that develops from different types of cells within the ovaries. The most common ovarian cancer is epithelial ovarian cancer (EOC). It is also known as a silent killer due to the lack of notable symptoms until the condition is at an advanced level.

1. Risk factors
The primary cause of ovarian cancer development is unknown, but the following factors can increase the risk:

• A family history of ovarian cancer

People with two or more close relatives with this type of cancer have an increased risk of this disease.

• Inherited gene mutation

Gene mutation inherited from parents can also cause ovarian cancer. The genes that increase the risk are called breast cancer gene 1(BRCA1) and breast cancer gene 2(BRCA2). There is also a risk of having breast cancer because of these genes.

• Estrogen hormone replacement therapy

Long term use of this therapy with large doses can increase the risk of ovarian cancer.

• Age (when menstruation started and ended)

Beginning of menstruation at an early age or starting of menopause at a later age can increase the risk of ovarian cancer.

2. Symptoms
The early signs of ovarian cancer are generally overlooked because they’re similar to other common illnesses or tend to come and go. The symptoms include:

• Abdominal swelling and bloating
• Pelvic pain or pressure
• Pain during intercourse
• Urinary frequency
• Loss of appetite
• Nausea and vomiting
• Weight loss
• Feeling full after eating a little
• Abnormalities in menstruation, pubertal development, and abnormal hair growth

3. Ovarian cancer treatments
Treatment for ovarian cancer depends on many factors such as the type of ovarian cancer, its stage as well as the general health of the patient. Some methods used in ovarian cancer treatment are:

• Surgery

This is usually the first option to remove the cancer. The extent of the surgery depends on the stage of cancer. To remove the ovaries and fallopian tubes Salpingo-oophorectomy surgery is performed. A hysterectomy involves the removal of the uterus and any surrounding tissue that is affected. A lymph node dissection will remove the lymph nodes in the pelvis. Cytoreductive Surgery is done if the cancer has spread beyond the pelvic area so that cancerous tissues are reduced as much as possible through surgery.

• Chemotherapy

The use of certain medications to destroy cancerous cells is known as chemotherapy. This therapy is used to remove those cancer cells that were not removed by surgery. This therapy is done in a cycle over a period of a few weeks.

• Targeted therapy

This type of ovarian cancer treatment uses medications or other treatments to identify and target specific cancer cells without harming the other normal cells in the body. This therapy is usually used for treating ovarian cancer that returns after initial treatment.

• Hormone therapy

This therapy is used to prevent the supply of estrogen from reaching the cancer cells. Growth of cancer cells reduces by cutting off the supply of estrogen.

• Radiation therapy

This therapy isn’t commonly used as an ovarian cancer treatment option. But it may be used if there are traces of cancer in the reproductive system or to treat advanced stages of ovarian cancer.