Meyahealth
HomeGeneticsConditionOvarian cancer
Back to Condition
Ovarian cancer
Reviewed by Medicinsk Expert•Last updated: 2026-10-22•Condition

Ovarian cancer

Ovarian cancer is a disease where abnormal cells in the ovary multiply uncontrollably, often diagnosed in later stages, though early detection significantly improves survival rates.

Overview

Ovarian cancer occurs when cells in the ovary become abnormal and multiply to form a tumor. The ovaries are the female reproductive organs responsible for producing egg cells. In approximately 90 percent of cases, this cancer occurs after age 40, with most cases appearing after age 60.

The most common form begins in epithelial cells, which line the surfaces and cavities of the body. While these can arise on the ovary's surface, researchers suggest many originate in the fimbriae (fringes) of the fallopian tubes before migrating to the ovary. A related condition, primary peritoneal cancer, begins in the lining of the abdomen and is often considered collectively with ovarian cancer due to their similar origins and progression.

In about 10 percent of cases, the cancer develops in germ cells (precursors to egg cells) or hormone-producing granulosa cells.

Symptoms

Early-stage ovarian cancer often presents no noticeable symptoms. As the disease progresses, signs may include:

  • Pain or a feeling of heaviness in the pelvis or lower abdomen
  • Bloating
  • Feeling full quickly when eating
  • Back pain
  • Vaginal bleeding between periods or after menopause
  • Changes in urinary or bowel habits

Note: These symptoms are common to many conditions and do not definitively indicate cancer.

Causes & Risk Factors

Cancers result from a buildup of mutations in critical genes that control cell growth, division, or DNA repair. Most cases are sporadic, meaning the genetic changes (somatic mutations) are acquired during a person's lifetime and are not inherited. TP53 gene mutations occur in nearly half of all ovarian cancers.

Hereditary ovarian cancer involves germline mutations passed down through families. These are involved in more than one-fifth of cases. Key factors include:

  • BRCA1 and BRCA2: Mutations in these genes account for 65 to 85 percent of hereditary cases. They are "high penetrance," significantly increasing the lifetime risk of ovarian and breast cancer.
  • Lynch Syndrome: Accounts for 10 to 15 percent of hereditary ovarian cancers.
  • Low/Moderate Penetrance Genes: Variations in dozens of other genes may make small contributions to overall risk.

Inheritance

Most ovarian cancers are not inherited. When a predisposition is inherited, it typically follows an autosomal dominant pattern, where one copy of an altered gene in each cell increases the risk of developing the disease. It is important to note that individuals inherit an increased likelihood of developing cancer, not the disease itself.

Frequently Asked Questions

Currently, there is no recommended routine screening test for ovarian cancer in the general population because existing tests like the CA-125 blood test and transvaginal ultrasound have not been proven to reduce mortality in average-risk women. These tests often produce false positives, leading to unnecessary anxiety and surgery. Screening is generally reserved for women with a known high-risk genetic mutation, such as BRCA1 or BRCA2, or a strong family history of ovarian or breast cancer.
family history of breast cancer, particularly if diagnosed at a young age, can indicate an increased risk for ovarian cancer due to shared genetic mutations like BRCA1 and BRCA2. Women with these mutations have a significantly higher lifetime risk of developing ovarian cancer compared to the general population. If you have a family history of breast or ovarian cancer, it is advisable to speak with a genetic counselor to determine if genetic testing is appropriate for you.
Treatment for early-stage ovarian cancer typically involves surgery to remove the uterus, ovaries, and fallopian tubes, along with lymph nodes and any visible tumors. This is often followed by chemotherapy to kill any remaining microscopic cancer cells. The specific regimen depends on the stage of the cancer, the type of tumor, and the patient's overall health. In some cases, targeted therapies or immunotherapy may be considered based on genetic testing of the tumor.
While early-stage ovarian cancer is often asymptomatic, persistent symptoms that last for more than two weeks warrant a medical visit. Key warning signs include new or worsening bloating, feeling full quickly when eating, pelvic or abdominal pain, and changes in urinary or bowel habits. It is critical to note that these symptoms are common in benign conditions like irritable bowel syndrome or fibroids, so they do not confirm cancer, but they should not be ignored if they are new or persistent.
Source: MedlinePlus, National Library of Medicine

MedlinePlus brings together authoritative health information from the National Library of Medicine (NLM), the National Institutes of Health (NIH), and other government agencies and health-related organizations.

Meyahealth

Ⓒ 2026. All rights reserved by MEYA

About UsTerms & PolicyFAQ