OVARIAN CANCER |
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DESCRIPTIONOvarian cancer is a malignant growth in the ovary that is likely to spread to other body parts and threaten life. One or both ovaries are involved. It may spread to the lungs and bone. Ovarian cancer can affect females of all ages but is more common in adults than in children.
Appropriate health care includes:
Physician's monitoring of general condition and medications.
Surgery to remove the cancerous ovary and other affected areas, including the Fallopian tubes, the uterus, and the other ovary (sometimes).
Radiation treatment.
Psychotherapy or counseling to learn to accept and cope with cancer.
SIGNS & SYMPTOMS
Frequently no symptoms occur until the tumor becomes large. The earliest symptoms include:
Vague discomfort in the lower abdomen.
Gastrointestinal upsets.
Irregular menstrual periods.
Later symptoms:
Deep voice.
Excessive hair growth.
Unexplained weight loss.
Anemia.
An enlarged, hard, and sometimes tender mass in the lower abdomen.
Pain with intercourse.
CAUSES
Unknown.
RISK FACTORS
Unknown.
PREVENTING COMPLICATIONS OR RECURRENCEYour daughter should have yearly pelvic examinations, which offer the best chance of early detection and cure, starting in her late teens or when she become sexually active.
BASIC INFORMATION
MEDICAL TESTS
Your own observation of symptoms.
Medical history and physical exam by a doctor.
Laboratory blood studies.
Sonogram (See Glossary) of the abdomen.
X-rays of the abdomen.
Surgical diagnostic procedures, such as culdoscopy and laparoscopy (See Glossary).
POSSIBLE COMPLICATIONSDeath from spread of cancer to other body parts.
PROBABLE OUTCOME
25% to 50% of women with ovarian cancer survive at least 5 years after treatment.
TREATMENT
HOME CAREFollow your surgeon's instructions for home care following surgery.
MEDICATION
Your doctor may prescribe:
Anti-cancer drugs.
Pain relievers.
Female hormones until menopause.
See Medications section for information regarding medicines your doctor may prescribe.
ACTIVITY
No restrictions after recovery from surgery.
DIET & FLUIDS
Your daughter should eat a normal, well-balanced diet that is high in protein to promote repair of body tissues.
OK TO GO TO SCHOOL?When appetite has returned and alertness, strength, and feeling of well-being will allow.
CALL YOUR DOCTOR IF
Your daughter has symptoms of an ovarian tumor.
The following occurs after surgery:
-- Increased pain, swelling, redness, or drainage from the surgical wound.
-- Pain or swelling in the leg.
-- Signs of infection, such as fever, chills, headache, or muscle aches.
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