Ovarian cancer starts in the ovaries and can spread to other pelvic organs and abdominal cavity. The document discusses the definition, types, staging, grades, signs and symptoms, risk factors, diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of ovarian cancer. It also outlines several nursing interventions for patients with ovarian cancer including education, symptom management, preventing complications, addressing body image issues, and psychotherapy.

1. Prepared by :
Jwan Kareem Salh
Msc.Student
Ovarian cancer

2. Content
Definition of ovarian cancer
Types of ovarian cancer
Stage of ovarian cancer
Grade of ovarian cancer
Signs and symptoms of ovarian cancer
Risk factor of ovarian cancer
Diagnosis of ovarian cancer
Treatment of ovarian cancer
Prevention of ovarian cancer
Nursing intervention of ovarian cancer

3. Definition
Ovarian cancer is a disease in which, depending on the
type and stage of the disease, malignant (cancerous) cells
are found inside, near, or on the outer layer of the
ovaries. An ovary is one of two small, almond-shaped
organs located on each side of the uterus that store eggs,
or germ cells, and produce female hormones estrogen
and progesterone.

5. Types of ovarian cancer
Epithelial tumors start from the cells that cover the
outer surface of the ovary. Most ovarian tumors are
epithelial cell tumors.
Germ cell tumors start from the cells that produce
the eggs (ova) occur in young woman.
Stromal tumors start from structural tissue cells that
hold the ovary together and produce the female
hormones estrogen and progesterone.

7. Staging ovarian cancer
Stage I. Cancer is found in one or both ovaries.
Stage II. Cancer has spread to other parts of the
pelvis.
Stage III. Cancer has spread to the abdomen.
Stage IV. Cancer is found outside the abdomen.

9. Signs and symptoms
Abdominal bloating, pressure, and pain
 Abnormal fullness after eating
 Difficulty eating
An increased urge to urinate
Other symptoms, such as:
Fatigue
Indigestion
 heartburn
 constipation
 back pain
Menstrual irregularities
Painful intercourse

10. Grades of ovarian cancer
GX: The grade cannot be evaluated.
GB: The tissue is considered borderline cancerous. This is commonly
called low malignant potential (LMP).
G1: The tissue is well-differentiated (contains many healthy looking
cells).
G2: The tissue is moderately differentiated (more cells appear
abnormal than healthy).
G3 to G4: The tissue is poorly differentiated or undifferentiated
(more cells appear abnormal, and lack normal tissue structures).

11. Risk factors
Age (<12 Years and ≥50 years).
Inherited gene mutation(BRCA1 and BRCA2).
Estrogen hormone replacement therapy.
 Age when menstruation started and ended.
Never being pregnant(nulliparity).

12. Cont…
Fertility treatment(clomiphene citrate,
gonadotropins,IUI,IVF).
 Smoking.
Family history.
 Poly cystic ovarian syndrome.
Pelvic inflammatory disease.
Endometriosis.

14. Diagnosis
Medical history.
Pelvic examination.
Imaging tests, such as ultrasound or CT scans, MRI.
Blood test, which can detect a protein (CA 125).
Chest x-ray.
Biopsy.
Positron emission tomography scan(PET).

16. Treatment
Surgery
o Oophorectomy the surgical removal of one or both ovaries. Women
who have only one ovary removed may still become pregnant.
oIf both the ovaries and fallopian tubes are removed, it is called
bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy.
o Hysterectomy(the surgical removal of the uterus and cervix) and
removal of other tumor that may have spread outside the ovary, is
done in more advanced ovarian cancer. Once the uterus is removed, a
woman is no longer able to become pregnant.

17. Cont….
Chemotherapy
oItis recommended for women with ovarian cancer after surgery.
o It is a drug treatment that uses chemicals to kill fast-growing
cells in the body,These drugs can be injected into a vein or
taken by mouth.
o The drugs can be injected directly into the abdomen
(intraperitoneal chemotherapy).
o It can also be used before surgery for advanced cancer to
enable the removal of as much of the ovarian cancer cells as
possible.

19. Prevention
 Avoiding certain risk factors.
Using Oral contraceptive.
Gynecologic surgery (tubal ligation and
hysterectomy,bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy).
Breast feeding.
Pregnancy.

22. Nursing Interventions
Teach women about;
o The importance of having routine screenings for
cancer of the reproductive system. (pap smear, and
pelvic exam).
oThe risk factors of the reproductive system.
oMenopause signs and symptoms after bilateral
oophorectomy.
oHormone replacement therapy and the side effects.
o Manage client's pain related to chemotherapy .
o Monitor for infection .

23. CONT…
o Teach client how to prevent DVTs after surgery, i.e. frequent
changes in positions, leg exercises to promote circulation.
Explain the need for increased intake of fruits, vegetables, and
whole grains. Also, a decreased fat intake of <30% of calories.
 Administer anti nausea (antiemetic) medications as needed.
Assess patient for body image changes as a result of disfiguring
treatment.
Psychotherapy.