What Is Asbestos Exposure Related Ovarian Cancer?

The International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) has listed asbestos as a cause of ovarian cancer. The toxic fibers can accumulate in the ovaries, the question remains how they can get in there. Researchers suspect that the fibers are transported by the lymphatic system.

Asbestos is not the only environmental factor that may cause ovarian cancer. Toxic solvents, organic dusts, herbicides, talc may also cause it. Talcum powder used to be mixed with asbestos to produce make-up powders. The use of talc on the genitals is suspected as causing ovarian cancer. Apart from environmental factors there are other factors such as family history, number of pregnancies or hormonal cycle.

Ovarian cancers may form either inside the ovary or on the surface of the ovary.

Symptoms of Asbestos Exposure-Related Ovarian Cancer

This cancer is asymptomatic in its early stages. Later the symptoms become more noticeable and may include:

• loss of appetite,
• pain in the lower abdomen and lower back,
• weight gain and
• abnormal vaginal bleeding,

However these symptoms may be mistaken for other ailments.

Diagnosis of Asbestos Exposure-Related Ovarian Cancer

If the family doctor suspects an ovarian cancer, then s/he will refer the patient to a specialist gynecologist. Blood tests to check the level of CA125 protein may be carried out.