Ovarian Cancer
Ovarian cancer occurs when cells of the ovaries grow abnormally and develop malignant tumors. There are three main types of ovarian tumors:
Germ cell tumors start from the cells that produce eggs
Stromal tumors start from connective tissue cells that hold the ovary together and produce female hormones
Epithelial tumors start from the cells that cover the ovary’s outer surface
Ovarian cancer does not often cause symptoms in the patient until the cancer grows; however, some symptoms like pressure or fullness in the pelvic area, abdominal bloating, or increased urinary frequency may occur. Discussing the symptoms with a doctor early after they begin may ensure successful treatment and lead to better outcomes.
There are types of ovarian cancer that can grow and spread to the surfaces of other organs surrounding the ovaries, which makes early detection of ovarian cancer very important. Performing a biopsy will help determine if the tissue in these organs is cancerous.
The doctor’s choice of treatment will be based on the type of cancer and the stage of the disease. As with many other cancers, the three main treatments for ovarian cancer are surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation therapy. Sometimes more than one of these treatments—and possibly all three—will be used.
To review information about a treatment option for ovarian cancer for patients whose disease has progressed or recurred, click here. Please speak with your healthcare professional to determine if this treatment is appropriate for you.
An Introduction to CA-125 in Ovarian Cancer
For many women with ovarian cancer, there is confusion and misunderstanding about the meaning of the CA-125 test and what a change in CA-125 levels may mean. To learn more about CA-125 in ovarian cancer, click here.
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National Ovarian Cancer Coalition 
Nonprofit site features several local chapters and includes direct connections to live help, breaking news, clinical trials, support, and resources.
Ovarian Cancer National Alliance
Based in Washington, D.C., the Alliance coordinates a national effort to place ovarian cancer education, policy, and research issues prominently on the agendas of national policy makers and women's healthcare leaders. Features a media center, events calendar, document library, glossary, and links to more resources.
MedlinePlus
Developed by government agencies and other health organizations, this site contains information about drugs, an illustrated medical encyclopedia, lots of interactive patient tutorials, and the latest health news. Also features a "guide to healthy web surfing."
National Cancer Institute 
A detailed online booklet listing possible causes, symptoms, diagnosis, treatment, rehabilitation, and coping techniques for ovarian cancer.
MedlinePlus Encyclopedia
This page features a medical encyclopedia article related to ovarian cancer.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
Federally-supported site offers basic information about ovarian cancer plus statistics, publications, and local community activities.
MayoClinic.com
Not-for-profit hospital offers an introduction for those newly diagnosed with cancer; includes step-by-step information about signs and symptoms, causes, risk factors, and screening techniques.
National Cancer Institute Cancer Topics
Online version of booklet discussing possible causes, symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment of ovarian epithelial cancer, the most common type of ovarian cancer. Also contains lists of questions to ask your doctor.
The Gilda Radner Familial Ovarian Cancer Registry
This site houses an international registry of families with two or more relatives with ovarian cancer. Also offers a hotline answered by a trained specialist, newsletter, and informational pamphlets.
