Pathophysiology Of Ovarian Cancer Santa Maria
Pathophysiology of Ovarian Cancer
Joseph Santa Maria
NUR-334-01
Salve Regina University
Cancer is a condition that has the ability to affect people in all different types of ways, and in all different body systems. Women however may be likely to develop a specific type of cancer in the reproductive organs named the ovaries, or ovarian cancer. One of the downsides of this type of cancer is that its symptoms can be moderate for various months and may lead women to suspect the disturbances to be adjunct to premenopausal changes or the stresses of life. Symptoms can also vary among individuals in intensity, depending on how malignant and intense the diagnosis turns out. (Ignatavicius) Ovarian cancer can affect women of all ages, however those that are younger and afflicted tend to have a higher survival rate due to a higher status of overall health. (Furuya) Ovarian cancer manifests itself in the form of epithelial tumors that develop on the exterior of the ovaries. Their growth is hasty and cancer cells migrate quickly by direct extension into organs within close proximity and through circulating blood and lymph. The development of these tumors can be related to a response initiated through excessive estrogen exposure. (Ignatavicius) Symptoms generally include abdominal pain or swelling, as well as faint GI disturbances including dyspepsia. Unexpected weight loss, vaginal bleeding, and urinary frequency or incontinence may also be symptomatic of ovarian cancer. (Ignatavicius) These symptoms can all be related to the pathophysiology of the tumors causing an obstruction on the ovary, leading to the pain, swelling, and bleeding. Unfortunately ovarian cancer may not be diagnosed in its early stages due to the fact that it is not capable of being palpated for until the tumor has grown to a size of 4 to 6 inches (or 10 to 15cm). However, enlarged ovaries may be checked over through the use of transvaginal ultrasonography, chest
Joseph Santa Maria
NUR-334-01
Salve Regina University
Cancer is a condition that has the ability to affect people in all different types of ways, and in all different body systems. Women however may be likely to develop a specific type of cancer in the reproductive organs named the ovaries, or ovarian cancer. One of the downsides of this type of cancer is that its symptoms can be moderate for various months and may lead women to suspect the disturbances to be adjunct to premenopausal changes or the stresses of life. Symptoms can also vary among individuals in intensity, depending on how malignant and intense the diagnosis turns out. (Ignatavicius) Ovarian cancer can affect women of all ages, however those that are younger and afflicted tend to have a higher survival rate due to a higher status of overall health. (Furuya) Ovarian cancer manifests itself in the form of epithelial tumors that develop on the exterior of the ovaries. Their growth is hasty and cancer cells migrate quickly by direct extension into organs within close proximity and through circulating blood and lymph. The development of these tumors can be related to a response initiated through excessive estrogen exposure. (Ignatavicius) Symptoms generally include abdominal pain or swelling, as well as faint GI disturbances including dyspepsia. Unexpected weight loss, vaginal bleeding, and urinary frequency or incontinence may also be symptomatic of ovarian cancer. (Ignatavicius) These symptoms can all be related to the pathophysiology of the tumors causing an obstruction on the ovary, leading to the pain, swelling, and bleeding. Unfortunately ovarian cancer may not be diagnosed in its early stages due to the fact that it is not capable of being palpated for until the tumor has grown to a size of 4 to 6 inches (or 10 to 15cm). However, enlarged ovaries may be checked over through the use of transvaginal ultrasonography, chest