The Brain and Spine Institute is made up of experts in the field of neuroscience in order to bring patients the best healthcare in East Tennessee for a full range of neurological diseases and disorders.
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Centers of Excellence
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We provide a comprehensive continuum of cancer services, including prevention, outreach, diagnostic, treatment and support services delivered by our highly skilled staff with compassion and care.
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The Center for Women & Children's Health is a hub for supporting women's and children's individual healthcare needs. The center provides support, research and unmatched patient-centered care.
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Emergency and Trauma Services is the only Level I Trauma Center in the area and serves as the tertiary referral center for medical care in East Tennessee, serving Knox County and 21 surrounding counties.
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The Heart Lung Vascular Institute brings together expertise in clinical care, teaching and research. Patients receive exceptional healthcare combined with patient-centered care.
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Ovarian Cancer
Ovarian cancer is the 9th most common cancer among women, reports the American Cancer Society. It also estimated that more than 21,990 new cases of ovarian cancer would be diagnosed in 2011 just in the United States alone. Around half of women who are diagnosed with ovarian cancer are 60 or older.
Approximately 1 in 71 women will develop ovarian cancer. Ovarian cancer is a malignant tumor located on the ovaries. There are several types of ovarian cancer, but the most common type is epithelial carcinoma, cancer that begins on the surface of the ovary. Both germ cell tumors and stromal tumors are rare.
Although there is nothing that can predetermine who will develop ovarian cancer, there are several risk factors such as a family history, age (greater risk if over the age of 50), never having children, personal history of breast or colon cancer, fertility drugs, talc and hormone replacement therapy.
Recent reports have shown that breastfeeding, taking birth control pills, tubal ligation or those who have had their uterus and cervix removed may help prevent ovarian cancer.
Symptoms
Many times there are no ovarian cancer symptoms. However, the following is a list of symptoms that may appear.
- General abdominal discomfort and/or pain (gas, indigestion, pressure, swelling, bloating, cramps)
- Nausea, diarrhea, constipation, or frequent urination
- Loss of appetite
- Feeling of fullness even after a light meal
- Weight gain or loss with no known reason
- Abnormal bleeding from the vagina
See your doctor if you have any of these symptoms. Regular pelvic exams (beginning at the onset of sexual activity or at the age of 20 if not sexually active) and Pap tests will help detect uterine cancer and enable the person to begin treatment in its early stages.
Treatment
Ovarian cancer treatment includes surgery, chemotherapy or radiation therapy. Talk to your doctor about any symptoms or for the right treatments for you.
Click here to find out more about Gynecologic Oncology at UT Medical Center in Knoxville, TN.
For more information, visit the American Cancer Society or National Cancer Institute.