Ovarian Cancer: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment
Medically reviewed by Achuta Uppu, MD, Internal Medicine. Last reviewed: October 23, 2026.
What kind of doctor treats Ovarian Cancer?
A gynecologic oncologist, a doctor who treats cancers of the female reproductive organs, usually leads ovarian cancer care. A gynecologist, a doctor who treats the female reproductive system, and an oncologist, a cancer doctor, may also help. A direct primary care or concierge doctor can be a first stop for an evaluation and can refer you to a specialist when needed.
What is ovarian cancer?
Cancer is a disease in which abnormal cells in the body grow out of control and form a tumor. Ovarian cancer is a cancerous tumor that forms in the tissues of an ovary. The ovaries are a pair of female reproductive glands that make eggs and female hormones.
The most common type is epithelial cancer. It begins in the cells that cover the ovary. Fallopian tube cancer and primary peritoneal cancer form in the same kind of tissue. They are treated the same way. The fallopian tubes are long, slender tubes, one on each side of the uterus.
Symptoms
Ovarian cancer may not cause early signs. When signs do appear, the cancer is often advanced. Signs and symptoms may include:
- Pain, swelling, or a feeling of pressure in the belly or pelvis.
- A sudden or frequent urge to urinate.
- Trouble eating or feeling full.
- A lump in the pelvic area.
- Gut problems, such as gas, bloating, or constipation.
These signs also may be caused by other conditions and not by ovarian cancer.
Causes and who gets it
Ovarian cancer happens when there are changes, called mutations, in a cell's DNA. Often, the exact cause of these genetic changes is unknown. Most ovarian cancers are caused by genetic changes that happen during your lifetime. Hereditary ovarian cancer comes from genetic changes you are born with. It makes up about 20 percent of all cases.
Risk factors include:
- Older age, especially after menopause.
- A family history of ovarian cancer in a mother, aunt, grandmother, or sister.
- Inherited changes in the BRCA1 or BRCA2 genes.
- Other genetic conditions, such as Lynch syndrome.
- Endometriosis.
- Hormone therapy after menopause.
- Extra body weight.
Having a risk factor does not mean that you will get cancer.
How doctors diagnose it
Your provider will ask about your medical history, symptoms, and family health history. They will do a physical exam, including a pelvic exam, and will likely do imaging tests. Imaging tests take pictures inside the body. They include ultrasound, CT, PET, and MRI scans.
A blood test called CA-125 measures a substance released by cells into the bloodstream. A high level can be a sign of cancer or of another condition, such as endometriosis. Often the only sure way to know is a biopsy, which checks a sample of tissue. A biopsy is done during surgery to remove the tumor.
Treatment
Treatment depends on the type of cancer and how much there is. Most people have surgery to remove as much of the tumor as possible. Surgery can remove the uterus, the ovaries, and the fallopian tubes. It can also remove the omentum, a layer of tissue in the belly.
Chemotherapy uses drugs to stop cancer cells from growing, either by killing them or by stopping them from dividing. One type is intraperitoneal chemotherapy. A thin tube carries the drugs straight into the space that holds the belly organs.
Targeted therapy uses drugs to find and attack certain cancer cells. PARP inhibitors are targeted drugs. They block DNA repair and may cause cancer cells to die. Your provider may suggest genetic testing. Knowing about a gene change may help decide your treatment plan.
Cancer treatment can cause side effects, so ask your care team what to expect.
When to see a doctor
See a doctor if you have belly or pelvic pain or swelling, trouble eating, or a lump in the pelvic area. If the signs get worse or do not go away on their own, check with your doctor. Then any problem can be found and treated as early as possible. Call 911 or go to the emergency room for severe belly pain, vomiting that will not stop, trouble breathing, or chest pain that lasts two minutes or more.
How a direct primary care or concierge doctor fits in
A direct primary care doctor charges a flat monthly fee instead of billing insurance, while a concierge doctor usually charges more and often works alongside insurance. Such a doctor can review your symptoms, order first tests, and refer you to a gynecologic oncologist. They can also help coordinate your care.
Common questions
Does ovarian cancer cause symptoms early?
Not always. By the time you do have signs or symptoms, the cancer is often advanced.
Is ovarian cancer hereditary?
Sometimes. Hereditary ovarian cancer is about 20 percent of all cases.
Can birth control pills lower the risk of ovarian cancer?
Yes, taking oral contraceptives lowers the risk of ovarian cancer. The longer they are used, the lower the risk may be. The pill also raises the risk of blood clots. This risk is higher in women who also smoke.
Can surgery lower the risk of ovarian cancer?
Yes, for some women. Women at high risk may choose risk-reducing surgery to remove the fallopian tubes and ovaries when there are no signs of cancer. Tubal ligation, surgery that closes both fallopian tubes, is also linked to a lower risk.
Sources
- MedlinePlus - Ovarian Cancer
- National Cancer Institute - Treatment of Ovarian Epithelial, Fallopian, & Peritoneal Cancers
- National Cancer Institute - Ovarian, Fallopian Tube, & Primary Peritoneal Cancers Prevention
Medical Disclaimer
This content is for general educational and informational purposes only and is not medical advice. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment, and reading it does not create a doctor-patient relationship. Always seek the advice of your physician or another qualified health provider with any questions about a medical condition, and never disregard or delay seeking professional advice because of something you read here. If you think you may have a medical emergency, call 911 (or your local emergency number) immediately.
