Germ cell cancers are very uncommon, accounting for no more than 5% of
ovarian cancers. They arise from the germ cells, or egg making cells, of
the ovary, and usually occur in women under the age of 40. They are most
common in teenagers or women in their twenties.
For years people have worried about the possible risks associated with
having children after surgery and chemotherapy
for malignant
germ cell tumours. However, some recent studies would indicate that
neither the woman nor the baby are at any increased risk. There seems to
be no increased risk of the tumour recurring as a result of pregnancy, and
the baby does not seem to be at any increased risk due to the mother's
chemotherapy. Also, the pregnancy does not seem to have any increased risk
of complications.
Very often there are no symptoms in the early stages of ovarian germ
cell cancers, and many are only found by chance during a routine
gynaecological check-up. However, if a woman notices any of the following,
she should see her family doctor for a check-up.
The study of the occurrence and the causes of disease in the population
is called Epidemiology. An epidemiologist studies how common a specified
disease is, who is affected by it, and what are the factors that are
associated with developing that disease, as well as studies aimed at
controlling the disease.
How Common Is Ovarian Cancer?
Ovarian cancer is ranked 5th to 7th most common among cancers occurring
in women, and it will affect 1 to 2% of white women in their
lifetime.
Ovarian Cancer Genetics
Cancerous growth of the cells covering the surface of the ovaries
appear to result from an accumulation of damage to different types of genes
in those surface cells. Factors that increase risk probably act (directly
or indirectly) by increasing the chance that genetic damage occurs in the
cells covering the ovary.
