What causes ovarian cancer?

Written by Liu Liang

Oncology

Updated on March 29, 2025

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The causes of ovarian cancer, and its mechanism of onset, are not yet very clear. Some risk factors that have been relatively well established in relation to the occurrence of ovarian cancer include early menarche, which means starting menstruation at an earlier age, late menopause, and not having a history of pregnancy; these conditions are some of the risk factors for ovarian cancer. Additionally, the occurrence of ovarian cancer is also somewhat related to familial or genetic factors.

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Written by Gong Chun

Oncology

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How is ovarian cancer treated?

Our treatment principle is that once an ovarian tumor is detected, surgical treatment should be performed. First and foremost, we need to confirm the diagnosis. Second, we should clarify the pathological staging of the ovarian cancer to guide the treatment. It's not a single approach; it's a comprehensive treatment plan. For example, if it is early stage and there are no surgical contraindications, we can proceed with surgical treatment. After the surgery, we can provide adjunctive chemotherapy. If surgery is not immediately feasible, we can also provide neoadjuvant therapy to reduce the stage before proceeding with ovarian cancer surgery. Moreover, there is now targeted therapy and immunotherapy for ovarian cancer, so it is a comprehensive treatment plan.

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Written by Liu Liang

Oncology

46sec

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Location of abdominal pain in ovarian cancer

Ovarian cancer in patients manifests as tumors in either both ovaries or one ovary. Therefore, the abdominal pain they experience is lower abdominal pain, not bloating or sudden, noticeable increase in abdominal size. Additionally, the primary pathway for the metastasis of ovarian cancer is through implantation, allowing widespread metastatic implants in the pelvic and abdominal cavities. There is also local spread of the tumor to the uterus, fallopian tubes, and surrounding pelvic tissues. Thus, the location of abdominal pain in ovarian cancer is in the lower abdomen, specifically pain and bloating in the pelvic area.

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Written by Liu Liang

Oncology

51sec

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What are the symptoms of ovarian cancer?

Some early symptoms of ovarian cancer patients include a lump in the abdomen that can be felt during gynecological examination or by the patients themselves. In advanced ovarian cancer, as the tumor progressively enlarges, there may be symptoms like abdominal pain, bloating, decreased appetite, and weight loss. Moreover, the tumor may compress other organs in the pelvic cavity, causing symptoms such as a feeling of heaviness in the lower abdomen or even constipation. Additionally, many patients with ovarian cancer may develop significant ascites, which can also cause abdominal distension, decreased appetite, and even nausea and vomiting, along with other gastrointestinal symptoms.

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Written by Liu Liang

Oncology

45sec

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Is ovarian cancer hereditary?

The onset of ovarian cancer may be somewhat related to family history or genetic factors. Therefore, patients with a family history of ovarian cancer may have a higher risk of developing the disease compared to the general population. However, this doesn't mean that a patient with ovarian cancer will definitely pass the condition to their offspring; it merely indicates a certain level of heredity. Furthermore, for those with a family history of breast cancer, colon cancer, and endometrial cancer, it is crucial for their descendants to undergo enhanced screenings for ovarian cancer and these diseases, as their risk of developing these conditions may be higher than that of the average person.

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Written by Gong Chun

Oncology

1min 5sec

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What are the symptoms of ovarian cancer?

Ovarian cancer often does not present symptoms in its early stages and can be detected during gynecological examinations. Secondly, as the tumor grows, it can cause abdominal swelling and discomfort, and abdominal masses may be felt during examinations. Ascites may also develop. The severity of these symptoms depends on the size and location of the tumor, the nearby organs it invades, and the histological type of the tumor. Thirdly, if the tumor infiltrates or compresses surrounding tissues, it can also lead to abdominal pain, back pain, and pain in the lower extremities. If it compresses the pelvic veins, swelling in the lower limbs may occur. If the tumor is functional, it can produce symptoms related to excess estrogen or androgen. In its later stages, the condition may manifest as cachexia and severe anemia, among other signs of a severe illness state.