May 11, 2016 - Talcum Powder Ovarian Cancer Risks - In Part One of this article on the different types of Ovarian Cancers, the most common type—epithelial—and all of its subset types of ovarian cancers were discussed. The spotlight has been on ovarian cancer recently due to the potential risk of talcum powder cancer. A significant body of research has been done on whether talcum powder increases a woman’s risk of developing ovarian cancer. While some of the research reaches a strong conclusion of such a risk—some say the use of talcum powder in the genital region increases a woman’s risk of ovarian cancer by as much as 30-40 percent—other research has been inconclusive. Jurors, at least, appear to believe the research supporting the risk between ovarian cancer and talcum powder.
In two recent lawsuits against Johnson & Johnson, who manufactures baby powder with talc and Shower to Shower with talc, the plaintiffs were awarded $72 million and $55 million. Of course the question remains “How does talcum powder cause ovarian cancer?” While there appear to be few absolutely definitive answers to that question, the theory is that when talcum powder is used for feminine hygiene, the talc fibers migrate through the vagina, uterus and fallopian tube, landing in the ovaries where they create inflammation—a well-known precursor to all types of cancers. There are currently more than 1,200 talcum powder lawsuits filed against Johnson & Johnson, and very likely are many more to come.
What are the Rarer Types of Ovarian Cancer?
While epithelial ovarian cancers make up as much as 90 percent of all ovarian cancers, there are other, rarer types of ovarian cancers including:
- Primary Peritoneal Carcinoma Ovarian Cancers
- Germ Cell Ovarian Cancers—Only about one or two out of every 100 diagnosed cases of ovarian cancer are germ cell ovarian cancers. This type of cancer begins from the cells which produce a woman’s eggs. Germ cell ovarian cancer malignancies are most likely among teens and women in their twenties. Among germ cell ovarian cancers, there are the benign, or non-cancerous type, as well as:
- Dermoid Cysts
- Dysgerminomas
- Endodermal Sinus Tumors
- Mature Teratoma
- Choriocarcinoma
Other Rare Ovarian Cancers Include:
- Embryonal Carcinoma
- Granulosa Cell Tumors
- Stromal Ovarian Tumors—Stromal ovarian tumors are an extremely rare class of tumors which develop from the tissues cells which hold the ovaries together as well as fromthe tissues which produce estrogen and progesterone—female hormones.
- Sertoli-Leydig Stromal Ovarian Tumors—extremely rare type of stromal ovarian tumor.
- Sarcomas
How Ovarian Cancer is Staged
When a doctor determines how widespread a woman’s ovarian cancer is, it is called staging. Staging is done by taking samples of tissues and examining them under a microscope. Stage I ovarian cancer is present only within one ovary, both ovaries or the fallopian tubes and has not spread beyond those areas. Within Stage I are: Stage IA, IB and IC. Stage II ovarian cancer is in one ovary, both ovaries or the fallopian tubes and has spread to other organs within the pelvis.
Within Stage II are: Stage IIA and IIB. Stage III ovarian cancer is in one ovary, both ovaries, or the fallopian tubes and has spread beyond the pelvis to the abdominal lining and/or to the lymph nodes at the back of the abdomen. Within Stage III are: IIIA1, IIIA2, IIIA3, IIIB and IIIC. Stage IV ovarian cancer is the most advanced stage of ovarian cancer, having spread to the inside of the lungs, liver, spleen or other organs located outside the peritoneal cavity. Within Stage IV are Stage IVA and IVB.
If you have been diagnosed with ovarian cancer and believe it could be related to the use of Johnson & Johnson baby powder with talc or Shower to Shower, it is important to speak to a talcum powder ovarian cancer attorney as soon as possible to help protect your rights.