Why Is Ovarian Cancer So Deadly - Essay Example

This paper will offer a detailed pathophysiology, etiology, epidemiology, and prognosis of ovarian cancer.

Introduction

Ovarian cancer stands solely as the number one death cause (Yabro, 2011). According to Gale (2009), current statistics indicate that, out of every 70 women, 1 of them is at risk of developing ovarian cancer. Needless to say, women above the age of 65 accounts for more than 48% of ovarian cancer incidences (Yabro, 2011). As age advances, so do the chances of developing ovarian cancer. Sadly most ovarian cancer incidences are usually diagnosed at an advanced stage when the intra-abdominal extent of the spread is way too high. This does not work in the patient’s best interest seeing as they may be subjected to a harsher less physically friendly diagnosis as they are at an advanced stage.

Pathophysiology of Ovarian Cancer

The most common pathophysiological theories of ovarian cancer engross the conception that it starts with the dedifferentiation of cells covering the ovary. In the course of ovulation, these cells are absorbed into the ovary, where they multiply (Gale, 2009). Ovarian cancer extends to the omentum and peritoneal surfaces. It extends through lymphatic invasion, intraperitoneal implantation, hematogenous dissemination, and local extension. Intraperitoneal implantation is the most common way through which ovarian cancer cells spread. Malevolent cells can embed in any place in the peritoneal cavity. The most common ovarian cancer is epithelial ovarian cancer. Hall (2010) denotes that it emerges from epithelium overlying the ovaries.

Etiology of Ovarian cancer

The exact cause of ovarian cancer is unidentified (Gale, 2009). However, numerous contributing and risk factors have been discovered. These include reproductive and genetic factors. In reference to Gale (2009), the risk of epithelial ovarian cancer is high in women who have not given birth and those with late menopause. Women who are mothers or have been pregnant at one point have a reduced risk of attaining ovarian cancer. Additionally, the use of oral contraceptives reduces the peril of ovarian cancer. Yobra (2011) suggests that ovarian cancer is associated with ovulation. In essence, repeated ovarian epithelial trauma triggered by follicular euphoria leads to genetic modifications within the epithelial surface. On the other hand, family history is a significant factor in ovarian cancer risk. In reference to Hall (2010), the lifetime peril of attaining ovarian cancer is 1.8% among the population. However, if one family member has had it, then the probability of attaining the disease is 4 to 5%. When two family members have had it then the risk is at 10%.

Epidemiology

The prevalence of ovarian cancer in the United States is estimated to be 0.033% among women aged 50 years and above. 57 years is the average age at diagnosis. However, it is estimated that, in 2015, the prevalence of the disease will be 0.05% (Gale, 2009). Ovarian cancer is among the most prevalent illnesses among women in the United States and across the world. This makes it account for almost 6% of the deaths among women in the United States.

Conclusion

The topic of ovarian cancer requires so much more public attention than it is currently receiving. Cancer has been dubbed “the silent Killer” (Hall 2010). This is because its symptoms can easily be mistaken for other illnesses, such as irritable bowel syndrome. The most likely symptoms are such as abdominal bloating, any form of gastrointestinal problems such as nausea and diarrhea, as well as back or pelvis pain. The fact that there is no screening for ovarian cancer, unlike breast cancer mammograms also complicates the situation direly. Ovarian cancer has received particularly little awareness and as such, women cannot detect the disease through symptoms and hence only discover it at an advanced stage.