Ovarian cancer is a disease produced by the rapid growth and division of cells within one or both ovaries—reproductive glands in which the ova, or eggs, and the female sex hormones are made. The ovaries contain cells that, under normal circumstances, reproduce to maintain tissue health.

3 main types of ovarian Cancer:

1. epithelial tumors arise from cells that line or cover the ovaries;
2. germ cell tumors originate from cells that are destined to form eggs within the ovaries; and
3. sex cord-stromal cell tumors begin in the connective cells that hold the ovaries together and produce female hormones.

Risk factors

• starting monthly periods early -- before the age of 12
• late menopause
• infertility
• having a first child after the age of 30
• history of breast cancer
• family history
• fertility drugs  

Symptoms

There may be no symptoms in the early stages of the disease. If there are symptoms, these can be vague, and might include pain or a bloated, dragging feeling in the lower abdomen.

Later stage symptoms result from the tumour growing in the pelvis. They can include:

• irregular periods
• vaginal bleeding in women after the menopause
• lower abdominal pain
• swollen abdomen
• pain during sexual intercourse
• constipation
• passing urine more often than usual

Treatments:

1. Surgery - Almost all women with ovarian cancer will need surgery. The extent of surgery depends on the specific type of cancer and how far it has spread. If it hasn't spread beyond the ovary, it may be possible to remove only the single affected ovary and its Fallopian tube.

2. Chemotherapy - Chemotherapy involves taking drugs which disrupt the growth of cancer cells. The drugs most commonly used to treat ovarian cancer are carboplatin and paclitaxel (Taxol), either alone or in combination..

3. Radiotherapy - Radiotherapy involves using high energy X-rays that destroy cancer cells, but cause as little damage as possible to normal cells. This is used less often than surgery and chemotherapy to treat ovarian cancer.

4.  Living with ovarian cancer

5. Ultrasound

6. Bloodtest

7. biopsy -- removing tissue from the ovary in an operation called a laparotomy

How can ovarian cancer be prevented?

• healthy diet (high in fruits, vegetables, grains, and low in saturated fat)
• birth control pills
• pregnancy and breast feeding
• hysterectomy
• tubal ligation
• removal of ovaries