Sydney True
Psych 471 Reproductive Cancers Assignment
University of Nebraska-Lincoln
Fall 2010
Ovarian Cancer Research Paper
Ovarian cancer is a type of cancer that is characterized by the formation of the cancer cells
in the tissues of a woman”€™s reproductive glands, the ovaries. It is when normal ovarian
cells begin to grow uncontrollably that this cancer develops into dangerous malignant
tumors that can be found in one or both ovaries.
There are three types of these cells that are responsible for ovarian cancer: Surface
epithelium, Germ cells, and Stromal cells. Surface epithelial ovarian cancer is the type that
grows on the outer surface of the ovary. This is the most common form of this cancer,
appearing in about 90 percent of ovarian cancer cases. Of the more rare forms, germ cell
tumors originate specifically in the egg-producing cells and the Stromal ovarian cancer in
the supportive tissue encasing the ovaries.
In women, older age and obesity may increase the likelihood of developing ovarian cancer.
Other factors include a personal or family history of this or other types of cancer, women
who have taken estrogen after menopause (especially for longer than 5 years), and women
who have trouble conceiving.
The symptoms that are commonly associated with ovarian cancer are similar to some less
serious disorders, but in this case, they may occur more and become more severe. Cancer
Treatment Centers of America (CTCA) list on their website (www.cancercenter.com) that
the most general symptoms of ovarian cancer include: Bloating, nausea, constipation, or
