Other types of ovarian cancer include germ cell tumors, which form in the egg-producing cells, and stromal tumors, which form in the tissues that hold the ovary together and produce hormones. In its early stages, ovarian cancer produces few, if any, symptoms. But as a tumor enlarges, Silber explains, it can put pressure on the bowel, bladder or other organs in the abdomen. This causes vague symptoms that are easily confused with other conditions, or often ignored by the woman experiencing them. Although there is no easy or ideal screening for ovarian cancer, a pelvic exam allows a physician to check the vagina, rectum and lower abdomen for masses or growths.
Blood tests can help strengthen a doctor s suspicion.
Like most ovarian patients, Pittala has had both surgery and chemotherapy to treat her cancer. It s the best practice, Silber says. Everybody is going to die some time. The difference is that I m faced with it, Pittala says. But I fight it by living in the present and taking care of myself.