Ovarian Cancer

Ovarian cancer is a type of gynecologic cancer. It occurs in the ovaries, the part of the female reproductive system where eggs and hormones are produced.

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Compared to other cancers, ovarian cancer is relatively rare, yet is one of the leading causes of cancer deaths among women. Ovarian cancer often doesn’t have noticeable symptoms and is not easily detected at an early stage.

Expert, individualized ovarian cancer care

University of Iowa Health Care Holden Comprehensive Cancer Center is one of the only cancer centers in Iowa where all patients are treated by a team of board-certified specialists in gynecologic oncology. They understand every aspect of the disease, and they know about the most recent treatment options — from chemotherapy to radiation therapy to surgery.

Advanced blood tests and imaging techniques for detecting ovarian cancer better allows our team design a treatment plan that is tailored to you and your specific treatment needs. This can often lead to better patient outcomes.

Causes of ovarian cancer

The cause of ovarian cancer is unknown. Most ovarian cancers are diagnosed in women age 60 and older, though the disease can affect younger women.

Risk factors for ovarian cancer include:

Family history of the disease

Genetic changes in the BRCA1, BRCA2, or other genes

Taking hormone replacement therapy after menopause

Obesity

Smoking

Certain conditions actually lower the risk of ovarian cancer. These are called protective factors and include:

Taking oral contraceptives

Having surgery to close both fallopian tubes

Having surgery to remove one or both fallopian tubes

Having given birth to one or more children

Having breastfed an infant

Some women who have a high risk of ovarian cancer, including the inherited changes to the BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes, elect to have a surgery to remove the fallopian tubes and ovaries.

Signs and symptoms of ovarian cancer

Ovarian cancer often doesn’t have noticeable symptoms. Symptoms for ovarian cancer can also be pretty general, and they might not be recognized as something serious.

Symptoms of ovarian cancer include:

A heavy feeling in the pelvis

Pain in the lower abdomen

Bleeding or other unusual discharge from the vagina

Weight gain or loss

Unexplained back pain

Gas, nausea, vomiting, or loss of appetite

How ovarian cancer is diagnosed

Ovarian cancer can be difficult to diagnose because it doesn’t have specific symptoms. In addition to reviewing your health history and your family history, your provider may perform the following tests to determine if you have ovarian cancer:

Pelvic exam. During this examination, your provider presses on your pelvic area to check for any irregularities.

Computed tomography (CT). A CT scan helps your providers see the size, shape and structure of your ovaries.

Biopsy. This test involves taking a sample of tissue and viewing it under a microscope to see if any cancer cells are present.

Blood tests. Blood tests can tell your provider more about your overall health and organ functions.

Cancer patient in hallway at Holden Comprehensive Cancer Center

Every cancer diagnosis is unique.

That’s why getting a second opinion matters. Our cancer experts can confirm your diagnosis and help you understand all your treatment options.

Learn more about getting a second opinion

Treatments for ovarian cancer

Common treatment for ovarian cancer includes a combination of surgery and chemotherapy. Treatment will depend on the type and stage of cancer and may also include targeted therapy, hormone therapy and radiation therapy.

UI Health Care has the largest team of board-certified gynecologic oncologists in Iowa.. They are experts in the latest minimally invasive techniques including robot-assisted procedures, which can mean enhanced precision for the surgeon, smaller incisions, faster recovery, and less pain.

We also offer clinical trials that give you access to the most recent, advanced treatment options. This may include drugs not yet on the market and other treatments under development that have the potential to increase survival rates and improve quality of life.

Comprehensive ovarian cancer care

In addition to your cancer care, UI Health Care offers additional support for ovarian cancer patients through several initiatives, including:

Genetic counseling: Our genetic counselors analyze your family history to calculate your risk for having a genetic mutation and will counsel you on which genetic test, if any, to undergo.

Fertility preservation. Our specialists in fertility and reproductive endocrinology can help women who want to have children preserve their fertility before beginning treatment