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Kennedy's Disease & Ovarian Cancer

Some diseases only affect one gender. Kennedy's Disease is genetic and results in the slow breakdown of muscles. It only affects men, although women may carry it. Other diseases only affect women. For example, ovarian cancer strikes female reproductive organs.

  1. Kennedy's Disease

    • Kennedy's Disease is an X-linked genetic disorder affecting men. This means the gene for Kennedy's Disease appears only on the X chromosome, and men are at risk because they only have one. Also known as spinobulbar muscular atrophy (SBMA), the defining characteristic is the breakdown of anterior horn cells in the spinal cord. This results in progressive muscle weakness and atrophy. Kennedy's disease progresses slowly, and is diagnosed through genetic testing. There is no current treatment.

    Ovarian Cancer Symptoms

    • Ovarian cancer has no known cause. It begins in the ovaries (female reproductive organs responsible for egg production). Many symptoms are vague. Early signs include bloating, pelvic pain and difficulty eating. Others are unexplained back pain, digestive problems, abnormal menstrual cycles, vaginal bleeding and changes in weight. These don't always indicate cancer, however. See your physician if you have any combination of these symptoms daily for several weeks.

    Ovarian Cancer Diagnosis and Treatment

    • The first step is a physical checkup, followed by a pelvic exam--which can reveal the presence of a mass. Blood tests such as blood chemistry, CA-125 and CBC testing may aid in diagnosis. Doctors may conduct imaging tests, including CT scans and ultrasounds. A pelvic laparoscopy may be done to biopsy tissue and further evaluate symptoms. Surgery is standard, and the stage of cancer determines the type of surgery. This may be the only treatment necessary for early stages. Later stages may require chemotherapy.

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