Low Malignancy Potential (LMP) Epithelial ovarian tumors are also known as borderline tumors. When a doctor examines a LMP epithelial ovarian tumor on a CT scan or ultrasound, the tumor appears much the same as invasive epithelial ovarian cancer. In order to determine whether the tumor is invasive or LMP, a sample of the tumor is taken during the surgical procedure to remove, stage and debulk the tumor. Despite the fact that this type of tumor has a low potential for malignancy, women who are through having children may choose to have their ovaries, fallopian tubes and uterus removed. If the patient wants to conceive, then only the ovary with the epithelial cancer as well as the fallopian tube on that side will be removed.
The surgical staging procedure will determine whether there is any spread of the tumor outside the ovaries, or outside the pelvic region. In order to determine this, surgical staging may include removal of some lymph nodes as well as omentum, as well as washings of the pelvic region and abdomen. Assuming the cancer was only found in one ovary, no further treatment will be recommended for LMP epithelial tumors. Follow-up visits every six months for at least five years following the initial diagnosis are generally recommended. If, during surgery, it is found the tumor has spread outside the ovary or ovaries, the surgeon will remove as much of the tumor as possible.
When an LMP tumor spreads, deposits may be left on the abdominal lining, or on the surface of other organs found in the pelvic region and abdominal area. If the LMP epithelial cancer has spread into other organs, it may be classified as invasive, however if no spread of the tumor is found, the patient will generally be observed for a specific period of time. Chemotherapy treatments could be offered for more invasive epithelial cancers.
Does the Use of Talcum Powder for Feminine Hygiene Increase Ovarian Cancer Risk?
Many women who have been diagnosed with ovarian cancer may have questions regarding whether their cancer was the result of using talcum powder for feminine hygiene. Many studies over the past three decades have pointed to an increased risk of ovarian cancer among women using talcum powder in the genital region. Some of these studies concluded there was as much as a 30-40 percent increase in ovarian cancers in women using talcum powder. [Talc is contained in both baby powder with talc and in “Shower to Shower”.] The theory is that the talc fibers may migrate through the vagina, uterus and fallopian tubes, landing in one or both ovaries where they cause serious levels of inflammation. Inflammation has been linked to the development of many different types of cancers, including ovarian cancer.
At this point, more than 1,200 talcum powder ovarian cancer lawsuits have been filed against Johnson & Johnson from women who used J & J baby powder with talc and/or Shower to Shower with talc for feminine hygiene, then developed ovarian cancer. Three of the trials have been decided in favor of the plaintiffs, and while some thought J & J might decide to settle the remaining talcum powder ovarian cancer lawsuits in light of these losses, the company continues to maintain that talcum powder is safe, therefore required no warnings. If you have been diagnosed with talcum powder ovarian cancer, you may need help on the legal side, and may also have questions regarding the ovarian cancer itself, as well as the available treatments.
Consider Legal Assistance if your Ovarian Cancer was Talcum Powder related
If you have been diagnosed with ovarian cancer and you used talcum powder for feminine hygiene, you could benefit from speaking to a knowledgeable talcum powder ovarian cancer attorney. Obtaining experienced talcum powder ovarian cancer legal help can be crucial during this difficult time. You may be entitled to compensation for your injuries.