Ovarian cancer is one of the leading causes of deaths for women. And this cancer as well is the second most commonly diagnosed gynecologic malignancy in women. What causes this cancer isn't completely known and based on some studies; the prevalence of this cancer is evident in industrialized nations with exception of Japan.

As the women grows older, the higher the risk of having ovarian cancer. Also the risk of having this cancer is influenced by a number of factors. For example, the number of children a woman has will have an influence if she will have the cancer. Other factors involved include early age of first pregnancy and the woman's age on her last pregnancy. If the woman uses just a low dose of hormonal contraception, then this can lead to a protective effect. It has been noted as well that the chances of having ovarian cancer is reduced right after tubal ligation.

Aside from the use of contraceptives and ages of child bearing there are other factors that influence the probability of having the cancer. These factors include talc and asbestos exposure, the high dietary fat content and childhood mumps. Alcohol consumptions are also being investigated and the genetic factors as well. But according to American Cancer Society, there is no exact way of knowing if a person has ovarian cancer.

The Cancer Society admits that there are no true tests around that can detect this cancer at its earliest stage. In the absence of a test that can help doctors verify if indeed one person has the cancer, an exploratory surgical procedure is often made. This exploratory procedure is known as the laparotomy. During laparotomy, the cysts and other suspicious materials in the area are removed and then these are biopsied. If the doctor noticed that the lesion is cancerous, then the surgeon in charge will have to continue with the process called surgical staging in order for the surgeon to know how fast the cancer has spread.

Treatment For Ovarian Cancer

This cancer is often called as a silent killer since the symptoms that are associated with this cancer are not expected or not thought to develop until the advanced stages of the disease. When the disease is at its initial stage or already full-blown, a number of treatments can be used to address the cancer. One important treatment is thru surgery. This kind of treatment will do for the malignant tumors that are differentiated and are located at the ovary. For the more aggressive tumors, chemotherapy may be needed with surgery. If the cancer is at its advanced stage, the treatment will be a combination of chemotherapy and surgery is needed.

The choice of chemotherapy is the choice of standard care for patients who have this cancer. This is also used after surgery in order to treat any residual disease. Often chemotherapy is performed first just before the actual surgery and this depends on the histology of the tumor. Radiation therapy is a form of treatment as well but this kind of treatment is not effective on the cancer's advanced stages.