Key Takeaways
- Ovarian cancer is a cancer that develops from abnormal cells in the ovary or fallopian tube.
- These abnormal cells can grow into a tumor and may spread to other parts of the body if not treated.
- Ovarian cancer is most commonly found in women aged 50–60 and above.
- Some types of ovarian cancer can occur in younger women, especially germ cell tumors.
- Women with BRCA gene mutations may develop ovarian cancer earlier than average.
- Early symptoms are often unclear and may resemble common digestive problems.
- Warning signs may include bloating, abdominal pain, feeling full quickly, or frequent urination.
- If symptoms last more than 2 weeks, or if you are in a high-risk group, you should consult a gynecologist.
What Is the Ovary?
The ovaries are important organs in the female reproductive system. They are small, almond-shaped organs, usually about 2–4 centimeters in size. There are two ovaries, located on each side of the uterus within the pelvis.
The ovaries have two main functions:
1. Producing and storing eggs
The ovaries store a woman’s eggs from birth. During the reproductive years, the ovary usually selects one egg each month to mature and be released during ovulation.
If fertilization does not occur, the uterine lining sheds and becomes menstruation.
2. Producing female hormones
The ovaries also act as a hormone-producing organ. They mainly produce two female hormones:
- Estrogen helps regulate female characteristics such as breast development, body shape, skin condition, and reproductive function.
- Progesterone helps prepare the uterine lining for pregnancy and supports the menstrual cycle.
What Is Ovarian Cancer?
Ovarian cancer is a cancer that occurs when cells in the ovary or fallopian tube become abnormal. These cells grow and divide uncontrollably until they form a tumor.
If ovarian cancer is not treated, cancer cells may spread to other areas inside the abdomen or to other parts of the body.
This is why understanding what is ovarian cancer, how it develops, and when symptoms may appear is important for women’s health.
When Does Ovarian Cancer Occur?
Although women of all ages can be at risk, ovarian cancer usually has different patterns depending on the type of cancer cell.
- Women aged 50–60 and above
This is the most common age group for ovarian cancer. It is often found after menopause and is commonly related to epithelial ovarian cancer, which develops from the surface lining of the ovary or related tissue.
This type may develop after abnormal cells gradually accumulate changes over many years.
- Teenagers to women in their 30s
In younger women, ovarian cancer is less common. However, germ cell tumors can occur in teenagers and women in their 20s or 30s.
Although this type is rare, it is one of the main types of ovarian cancer seen in younger age groups.
- Women with genetic mutations
For women who carry certain genetic mutations, such as BRCA1 or BRCA2, ovarian cancer may occur earlier than in the general population.
In some cases, it may be detected around the age of 35–40, depending on personal and family risk factors.
Ovarian cancer does not usually happen overnight. In many cases, it may stay hidden in the body for a long time before symptoms become noticeable.
When Does Ovarian Cancer Begin at the Cellular Level?
Ovarian cancer may develop gradually through several stages.
1. Accumulation of cell damage
It may begin when cells in the ovary or at the end of the fallopian tube slowly develop abnormalities. This may be related to repeated ovulation, chronic inflammation, or accumulated cellular damage over time.
2. Early formation stage
When abnormal cells mutate and can no longer be controlled by the body, they may start forming a small tumor.
At this stage, ovarian cancer often causes no symptoms at all. It may remain in this stage for months or even years.
3. Symptomatic stage
Symptoms may begin when the tumor becomes large enough to press on nearby organs, or when fluid begins to build up in the abdomen.
This is often when patients begin to notice unusual bloating, abdominal swelling, or pelvic discomfort.
Ovarian cancer is often called a silent disease because it is difficult to know exactly when it begins.
Why Is Ovarian Cancer Called a “Silent Killer”?
- The abdominal cavity has space for a tumor to grow. A tumor near the ovary may grow quite large before causing pain or obvious symptoms.
- In addition, ovarian cancer symptoms often resemble common conditions, such as indigestion, gastritis, or irritable bowel syndrome. This may cause many women to delay seeing a gynecologist.
“Ovarian cancer does not begin when symptoms appear. It often begins long before symptoms become noticeable.”
Therefore, waiting until symptoms become severe may delay diagnosis. Regular gynecologic checkups and appropriate pelvic assessment, such as pelvic ultrasound when recommended by a doctor, may help detect abnormalities earlier.
How Does Ovarian Cancer Develop?
The development of ovarian cancer is related to natural processes in the female body, genetic factors, and other risk factors.
1. Repeated ovulation theory
Every month during ovulation, the surface of the ovary changes as an egg is released. Afterward, the body repairs the area.
If ovulation happens repeatedly over many years without long breaks, such as pregnancy, the ovary must repair itself again and again.
During this process, DNA errors may occur. Over time, these errors may cause normal cells to become cancer cells that continue dividing uncontrollably.
2. Genetic mutations
Some cases of ovarian cancer are related to inherited genetic mutations, especially BRCA1 and BRCA2.
Normally, these genes help repair damaged DNA. However, if a person has a mutation in one of these genes, the body may not repair abnormal cells properly. This can increase the chance of cancer cell growth.
3. Fallopian tube origin theory
Modern research has found that many aggressive types of ovarian cancer, especially high-grade serous carcinoma, may not begin directly in the ovary.
Instead, they may begin from abnormal cells at the end of the fallopian tube. These abnormal cells may later move to the ovary and grow there.
This is one reason why fallopian tube health is now an important part of ovarian cancer prevention and treatment discussions.
4. Other contributing factors
Other factors may also contribute to ovarian cancer risk.
Hormonal factors may play a role, especially prolonged exposure to estrogen in some situations.
Chronic inflammation, such as endometriosis, may also increase irritation in the pelvic area and may be associated with a higher risk of certain ovarian cancer types.
Types of Ovarian Cancer
There are several types of ovarian cancer. Each type begins from a different cell group and may occur at different ages.
1. Epithelial ovarian tumors
This is the most common type of ovarian cancer. It begins from the cells on the surface lining of the ovary.
This type accounts for most ovarian cancer cases and is more commonly found in women over 50 years old.
Subtypes include serous, mucinous, and endometrioid tumors.
2. Germ cell tumors
This type begins from the egg-producing cells of the ovary.
Germ cell tumors are rare and are more commonly found in younger women or teenagers. Many cases respond well to treatment, especially when found early.
3. Stromal tumors
Stromal tumors begin from the supportive tissue of the ovary, which is involved in hormone production.
This type is rare. However, it may be detected earlier than other types because it can cause hormone-related symptoms, such as irregular periods or bleeding after menopause.
Warning Signs of Ovarian Cancer You Should Not Ignore
When ovarian cancer symptoms appear, they often resemble digestive or urinary problems.
Common symptoms may include:
- Persistent bloating
- Chronic indigestion or abdominal fullness
- Lower abdominal or pelvic pain
- Feeling full quickly after eating
- Loss of appetite
- Frequent urination
- Abdominal swelling
- Unexplained changes in bowel habits
If these symptoms continue for more than 2 weeks, especially if they are new or unusual for you, it is recommended to consult a gynecologist.
Click to read more: Ovarian Cancer Symptoms: Early Warning Signs You Should Not Ignor
Who Is at Higher Risk of Ovarian Cancer?
- Women aged 50 and above
- Women with a close family member who had ovarian cancer
- Women with BRCA1 or BRCA2 gene mutations
- Women who have never been pregnant
- Women with endometriosis
- Women with a personal or family history of breast, ovarian, or related cancers
Conclusion
Ovarian cancer occurs when abnormal cells in the ovary or fallopian tube grow uncontrollably and may spread to other parts of the body. It may develop gradually over time and often causes no clear symptoms in the early stage.
Because ovarian cancer symptoms can be vague and similar to common digestive problems, women should pay attention to persistent changes in their body. If bloating, pelvic pain, feeling full quickly, or frequent urination lasts more than 2 weeks, it is important to seek medical advice.
For women in high-risk groups, especially those with a family history of ovarian cancer or BRCA gene mutations, early consultation with a gynecologist can help with risk assessment and appropriate health planning.”มะเร็งรังไข่เกิดจากการที่เซลล์บริเวณรังไข่หรือท่อนำไข่ มีการแบ่งตัวผิดปกติจนควบคุมไม่ได้ ซึ่งอาจเกิดจากการซ่อมแซมตัวเองซ้ำ ๆ จากการตกไข่ทุกเดือน หรือเกิดจากความผิดปกติทางพันธุกรรมที่ส่งต่อกันมาในครอบครัว วิธีการป้องกันที่ดีคือหมั่นตรวจคัดกรองอย่างสม่ำเสมอโดยไม่ต้องรอให้มีอาการ และโดยเฉพาะกลุ่มเสี่ยงผู้ที่มีญาติสายตรงเป็นมะเร็งรังไข่ ผู้ที่มีการกลายพันธุ์ของยีน BRCA1/2 เพื่อเริ่มวางแผนดูแลสุขภาพตั้งแต่เนิ่น ๆ ได้”
FAQ: Ovarian Cancer
Q: What is ovarian cancer?
A: Ovarian cancer is a cancer that develops when abnormal cells in the ovary or fallopian tube grow and divide uncontrollably. These cells may form a tumor and can spread to other parts of the body if not treated.
Q: Can an annual Pap smear detect ovarian cancer?
A: No. A Pap smear is used to screen for cervical cancer only. Ovarian cancer may require other evaluations, such as transvaginal ultrasound, pelvic examination, blood tests, or further imaging depending on symptoms and risk.
Q: Can an ovarian cyst or endometriosis turn into ovarian cancer?
A: Most ovarian cysts are benign and do not become cancer. However, some conditions, such as endometriosis, may be associated with a higher risk of certain ovarian cancer types. A doctor can recommend follow-up based on the appearance and behavior of the cyst.
Q: Can birth control pills reduce the risk of ovarian cancer?
A: Some studies have shown that oral contraceptive pills may reduce the risk of ovarian cancer in certain groups. However, they may not be suitable for everyone, so you should consult a doctor before using them for any medical purpose.
Q: Can I still get ovarian cancer if I have no family history?
A: Yes. Ovarian cancer can occur even without a family history. However, having a close relative with ovarian or breast cancer may increase your risk and should be discussed with a doctor.
Q: What kind of bloating should raise concern?
A: Bloating that is new, persistent, occurs almost daily, or lasts more than 2 weeks should not be ignored, especially if it comes with pelvic pain, feeling full quickly, or frequent urination.
Q: If ovarian cancer is found, does the uterus always need to be removed?
A: Not always. Treatment depends on the cancer type, stage, age, fertility goals, and overall health. A gynecologic oncologist will recommend the most appropriate treatment plan for each patient.
Q: Where can expats get checked for ovarian cancer symptoms in Bangkok?
A: Expats and international patients can consult the Women’s Health Centre at BNH Hospital in Bangkok for evaluation of pelvic symptoms, ovarian health concerns, and personalized women’s health screening recommendations.
Article by
Kunthida Rithirangsriroj, M.D.
Women Health Centre
Specialty
Obstetrics and Gynaecology , Gynaecological Oncology
Language
Thai, English
– 2012 Thai Board of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Chulalongkorn University
– 2014 Thai Subboard of Gynaecological Oncology
– Obstetrics and Gynaecology
– Gynecologic Oncology
– General OB/Gyne
– Colposcopy
– Minimally invasive surgery
– Women health screening : cervical cancer screening, transvaginal ultrasound, breast cancer screening
– 2006 Doctor of Medicine, Chulalongkorn University
– 2012 Thai Board of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Chulalongkorn University
– 2014 Thai Subboard of Gynaecological Oncology
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