Dr. Balentine received his undergraduate degree from McDaniel College in Westminster, Maryland. He attended medical school at the Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine graduating in1983. He completed his internship at St. Joseph's Hospital in Philadelphia and his Emergency Medicine residency at Lincoln Medical and Mental Health Center in the Bronx, where he served as chief resident.
Cancer occurs when cells undergo a transformation and begin to grow and multiply without normal controls. As the cells grow and multiply, they form masses called tumors. Cancer is dangerous because it overwhelms healthy cells by taking their space and the oxygen and nutrients they need to survive and function.
Ovarian cancer occurs when a tumor forms in one or both of a woman's ovaries. The ovaries are a pair of small organs that produce and release ova, or human eggs. The ovaries also produce important hormones such as estrogen and progesterone. They are located in the lower abdomen (pelvis), on either side of the womb (uterus). Ova released by the ovaries travel through the fallopian tubes to the uterus, where they may or may not be fertilized by the male sperm.
Cancerous tumors are malignant. This means they spread to other tissues and organs. Not all tumors, however, are malignant.
In a process called metastasis, malignant tumors may encroach on and invade neighboring organs or lymph nodes, or they may enter the bloodstream and spread to remote organs such as the liver or lungs. Metastatic tumors are the most aggressive and serious of all tumors.
The type of cell that originated the abnormal growth determines the class of the ovarian tumors.
Epithelial tumors: These tumors arise from a layer of cells that surrounds the outside of the ovary called the germinal epithelium. About 70-80% of all ovarian cancers are epithelial. These are most common in women who have been through menopause (aged 45-70 years).
Stromal tumors: Stromal tumors develop from connective-tissue cells that help form the structure of the ovary and produce hormones. Usually, only one ovary is involved. These account for 5-10% of ovarian cancers. These tumors typically occur in women aged 40-60 years. Often, surgical removal of the tumor is the only treatment needed. If the tumor has spread, though, the woman needs chemotherapy.
Germ cell tumors: Tumors that arise from germ cells (cells that produce the egg) account for about 15% of all ovarian cancers. These tumors develop most often in young women (including teenaged girls). Although 90% of women with this type of cancer are successfully treated, many become permanently infertile.
Metastatic tumors: Only 5% of ovarian cancers have spread from other sites. The most common sites from which they spread are the colon (52%), breast (17%), stomach (10%), and pancreas (5%).
Within these main classes are many different subtypes of tumors.
Of markedly enlarged ovarian masses (>4 cm) found
in women who are still menstruating (have not been through menopause), about
20% are cancerous.
Of markedly enlarged masses found in women who have been through menopause, about 45-50% are cancerous.
The incidence of ovarian cancer varies greatly. Globally, Scandinavia, Israel, and North America have the highest rates. Developing countries and Japan have the lowest rates.
At least 15,000 women die each year from ovarian
cancer.
The 5-year survival rate is greater than 75% if diagnosis of the
cancer occurs before it has spread to other organs. However, the 5-year
survival rate drops to 20% when the tumor has spread to the upper abdomen.
In the United States, about 1 in 56 women develops cancer of the ovary. More than 26,000 new cases are diagnosed each year.
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Having a family history means that you have one or more blood relatives with breast or ovarian cancer.
They may be relatives who have died or relatives who are still alive.
They may be first-degree relatives (parents, sisters, brothers, and children).
Or they may be second-degree relatives (aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, and grandparents), or third-degree relatives, which includes first cousins.
Some family histories are stronger than others. Here is what determines whether your family history is strong:
How closely related you are to relatives with breast or ovarian cancer. Cancer in first-degree relatives increases your risk the most.
How many of your relativesClick here to see an illustration. had or have one of these cancers. The more relatives there are, the stronger your family history.
How young these relatives were when they were diagnosed. Having any relatives who were diagnosed before age 50 adds to your risk.
Whether you have both breast and ovarian cancer in your family. Having both adds to your risk.
Whether you have a father or brother who had breast cancer. Breast cancer in men is rare, but when it happens in your family, it adds to your risk.
Whether you have an Ashkenazi Jewish heritage. Breast and ovarian cancer rates are much higher among Ashkenazi Jews (Jews whose ancestors came from Eastern Europe).
