Ovarian cancer is a type of cancer that occurs when a malignant cluster of cells grows in the ovaries. When these atypical cells grow uncontrollably, the disease may spread to other tissues and organs in the body, which doctors refer to as advanced ovarian cancer.
Like most cancers, ovarian cancer is described by the size or extent to which the tumor has grown through the body. This disease is evaluated by the tumor stage: I, II, III, or IV. Any stage above stage III is considered advanced.
Learning you have advanced ovarian cancer can be a challenging journey, but it is not an impossible one. There are several subtypes and treatments available for advanced ovarian cancer. Dana-Farber’s Gynecologic Oncology Program, a world-leading program for cancer treatment and research, provides compassionate care for people with gynecologic cancers. The program offers diagnostic tests and advanced therapies based on the most up-to-date scientific findings, including the latest clinical trials.
Breaking down advanced ovarian cancer
Typically, advanced ovarian cancer will form a mass from cancerous cells in the tissue of the ovary or the fallopian tube. The ovaries produce hormones and eggs, while the fallopian tubes transport eggs and provide space for fertilization.
This disease can later spread to other parts of the female reproductive system, including the cervix and uterus. Without early treatment, the cancer may spread to lymph nodes or other distant areas of the body, such as the chest.
Signs and symptoms
Signs and symptoms of ovarian cancer include:
- Pain or swelling in the abdomen and/or pelvic area
- Gastrointestinal problems, such as gas, bloating, diarrhea, and/or constipation
- Urinary symptoms, such as pain with urination and urinary tract infections
- Shortness of breath
- Extreme fatigue
- Weight loss
- Inability to eat
- Feeling of fullness
Ovarian cancer can be difficult to detect because there are no screening options for individuals who are asymptomatic, and most individuals are asymptomatic in the early stage of the disease. These symptoms can be unrelated to advanced ovarian cancer, but it is important to be attuned to changes in your body. Remember to talk to your doctor about any concerns you have about your health. They can help.
Understanding risks and staying proactive
Like most cancers, ovarian cancer can occur because of genetic risks or possibly environmental factors or diet and lifestyle. Risk factors include:
- A family history of ovarian cancer. Genetic risk can be transmitted between generations through genes from either or both parents. Known gene mutations that confer increased risk of ovarian cancer and other cancers include BRCA gene mutations, Lynch syndrome genes, and other gene mutations that are less common.
- A history of hormone replacement therapy
- Late onset of menopause
If you are at higher risk, doctors recommend diagnostic tests, from an annual physical and pelvic exam to an ultrasound and genetic tests, especially if you are at a higher risk for BRCA gene mutations. Dana-Farber’s Centers for Early Detection and Interception specialized care teams can help you understand and reduce your individual risk of progressing to cancer.
Moving treatment forward through research
Dana-Farber researchers and physicians continue to make advances in our current understanding of ovarian cancer, from investigating PARP inhibitors as a targeted cancer therapy for BRCA gene mutations to cancer-targeting therapies such as antibody-drug conjugates. For example, Dana-Farber researchers have used trastuzumab-deruxtecan (T-DXd) to target a cancer-causing protein known as human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2) in ovarian cancers. This research, and others like it, driven by Dana-Farber researchers and physicians, has helped move the field forward by aiding the development of new treatments and hope to continue to make advancements for future patients with advanced ovarian cancer.
Many of these new therapies and research begin with clinical trials, which are scientific studies that test new treatments such as new diagnostic procedures and drugs. Consult your doctor to determine if you are a candidate for a clinical trial.
I am a 66yr. Old, a Stage 4, 10+yr. Uterine cancer survivor with continuous lifelong treatment…survived Hodgkins at age 17….also suffered 2 subacknoid bleeds in ’96….starting back on low dose Taxol for some recent slow progression….have had many many many different “cocktails” of chemo over the years…all treatment and brillliant Drs at MGH….God’s Blessings to all those surviving patients of all cancers…and their families…there is amazing strength in the power of prayer.
Congratulations to you! I was diagnosed with ovarian cancer stage III B in 2013 and have been on various chemo regimens, including a couple of clinical trials for most of the past 4 years at Yale. I am sure that you as a nurse, and I as a nurse practitioner, should be doing something nationally to change some of the terminology and outlook for those of us surviving with cancer — not survivors OF cancer. The issues and needs are quite different than those who are going in for a chemo treatment with other cancers and that is likely the cure for them. There are feelings of happiness, guilt, sadness, and everything in between. Praying for the cure though!