Ovarian Cancer

What Happens

Ovarian cancer spreads when cancerous (malignant) cells enter the abdominal cavity. The cancer cells then grow on the peritoneal lining of the abdomen and other abdominal organs. In its advanced stage, ovarian cancer usually spreads to the lymph nodes and to other organs in the pelvis. This may cause kidney and bowel problems. Cancer may also spread to other organs in the body, such as the liver and lungs.

Cancer from other areas of the body can also spread to the ovaries. This most commonly occurs in cancers that involve the breast, stomach, colon, and the lining of the uterus (endometrium).⁴

Ovarian cancer usually is not found in its early stages because it causes few, if any, symptoms. Laparotomy surgery is done to confirm that cancer is present, to provide initial treatment, and to stage the cancer with biopsies of abdominal tissue, peritoneal fluid, and lymph nodes. The long-term outcome (prognosis) depends on the stage of your ovarian cancer when it is diagnosed.

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Author:	Shannon Erstad, MBA/MPH	Last Updated: July 10, 2007
Medical Review:	Anne C. Poinier, MD - Internal Medicine Ross Berkowitz, MD - Obstetrics and Gynecology
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