1.
OVARIAN CANCER
Presented by
Mr. B kalyankumar Msc (N)
Dept Of MSN

2.
INTRODUCTION
Ovaries are reproductive glands found only in females
(women). The ovaries produce eggs (ova) for
reproduction. The eggs travel from the ovaries through
the fallopian tubes into the uterus where the fertilized
egg settles in and develops into a fetus. The ovaries
are also the main source of the female hormones
oestrogen and progesterone. One ovary is on each side
of the uterus.

3.
DEFINITION
Cancer that forms in tissues of the ovary(one of a
pair of female reproductive gland) most ovarian
cancers are either ovarian epithelial cancers or
malignant germ cell tumors.

4.
CAUSES
 Genetics: If you have a family history of ovarian, breast,
fallopian tube, or colorectal cancer, your risks for developing
ovarian cancer are higher.
 Reproductive history: Women who use birth control actually
have a lower risk of ovarian cancer, but women who use fertility
drugs may have a higher risk. Likewise, women who’ve been
pregnant and breastfed their infants may have a lower risk, but
women who’ve never been pregnant are at an increased risk.
 Age: Ovarian cancer is most common in older women , ovarian
cancer can find after menopause.

5.
TYPES OF OVARIAN CANCER
 The ovaries are mainly made up of 3 kinds of cells. Each type
of cell can develop into a different type of tumor :
1. Epithelial tumors start from the cells that cover the outer
surface of the ovary. Most ovarian tumors are epithelial cell
tumors.
2. Germ cell tumors start from the cells that produce the eggs
(ova).
3. Stromal tumors start from structural tissue cells that hold the
ovary together and produce the female hormones oestrogen and
progesterone.

6.
 Some of these tumors are benign (non-cancerous) and never
spread beyond the ovary.
 Malignant (cancerous) ovarian tumors can Spread
(metastasize) to other parts of the body.

7.
CLINICAL MANIFESTATIONS
 Pain in the pelvis, the lower abdomen
 Back pain
 Indigestion or heartburn
 More frequent and urgent urination
 Pain during sexual intercourse
 Changes in bowel habits, such as constipation
 Nausea
 Weight loss
 Breathlessness
 Tiredness
 Loss of appetite.

8.
DIAGNOSTIC PROCEDURES
 History collection
 Physical examination
 Blood investigations (CBC, Lipid profile)
 CA-125
 Ultrasound
 X-ray
 CT Scan
 MRI
 Biopsy.

9.
MANAGEMENT
The extent of the surgery depends on the stage of the cancer.
 Salpingo-oophorectomy: Surgery is done to remove the ovaries
and fallopian tubes.
 Hysterectomy: The surgeon removes the uterus and any
surrounding tissue that is affected.
 Lymph node dissection: The surgeon removes lymph nodes in
the pelvis .
 Cytoreductive surgery: If the cancer has spread beyond the
pelvic area, the surgeon will reduce as much cancerous tissue as
possible. This may include tissue from the gallbladder and other
organs. This procedure can help relieve symptoms and make
chemotherapy more effective.

10.
 Chemotherapy
 Hormone Therapy
 Radiation therapy.

11.
NURSING MANAGEMENT
Pre operative nursing interventions
 Assist patient to seek information on stage of cancer
and treatment options. Explain about side effects of
radiation and chemotherapy.
 Give explanation to patient about physical preparation
and procedures that are performed pre and post
operatively.
 Administer analgesics and tell the patient that heavy
lifting, strenuous exercise and sexual intercourse may
increase pain.
 Encourage small, frequent, bland meals/liquid
nutritional supplements as able.

12.
 Observe the patient for sign of shock, check wound dressing
regularly. If there is a wound drain checks amount and type of
drainage regularly.
 Haemorrhage may occur within 24 hours, the nurse should
observe for signs of internal and external bleeding.
Haemorrhage is more common after vaginal hysterectomy
 Give appropriate analgesic drugs as prescribed
 Encourage frequent changes of position in bed, activity
decreases pain by increasing circulation.
 Monitor stool characteristics and frequency. Restrict oral fluid
and food until peristalsis resumes.
POST OPERATIVE INTERVENTIONS