Verified By Apollo Oncologist November 6, 2020
6979Ovarian cancer is one of the most common forms of cancer in women. It is usually observed in women who are menopausal (over 50 years), though there are some rare cases of younger women developing ovarian cancer.
The female reproductive system has two sets of ovaries on either side of the uterus. The ovaries house ova, or eggs, that are released every menstrual cycle for fertilization. One ovum is released every cycle. The ovaries are almond-sized and are also responsible for the production and release of the hormones estrogen and progesterone.
Unfortunately, there are no specific factors or causes that scientists can point out as the cause of ovarian cancer. However, there are certain factors that have been shown to contribute to the development of cancer.
When any cell becomes cancerous, it means that the cell’s DNA has an anomaly. This error or mutation causes the cell to multiply and grow quickly, which causes a tumor. This tumor then breaks off and spreads to other parts of the body. The tumor cells thrive, while healthy cells die.
Ovarian cancer symptoms are easy to miss since they can be mistaken as other conditions. However, it is important that you check for the symptoms, as early detection is extremely important for successful treatment. The early ovarian cancer symptoms include:
Some other ovarian cancer symptoms you should check for are:
The type of ovarian cancer is defined by which type of cell it begins from. There are three types of ovarian cancer. These include:
The risk factors for developing ovarian cancer include:
Unfortunately, there are no regular screening tests for ovarian cancer. Since the ovaries are located deep in the abdomen, you or your doctor will not be able to feel any tumor. This is why it is imperative that you screen yourself for ovarian cancer symptoms, and bring any recurring issues up with your doctor.
Call 1860-500-1066 to book an appointment.
Your doctor might want to conduct a pelvic examination to check for any irregularities. If the tumor has grown large, then they are able to feel it press against the bladder or rectum. Some other tests your doctor might ask for include:
It is important to note that only a biopsy can confirm if you have ovarian cancer.
What are the Stages of Ovarian Cancer?
The stage of cancer is an indicator of how far cancer has progressed through the body. There are four broad stages of ovarian cancer:
Stage 1
Stage 2
In this stage, the cancer would have spread to the other organs in the pelvic region.
Stage 3
Stage 4
How Is Ovarian Cancer Treated?
Ovarian cancer treatment depends on the type and the stage of the cancer of the patient. Most women who have been diagnosed with ovarian cancer will require some type of surgery to remove the tumor as a part of their treatment plan.
Surgery
Surgical treatment for ovarian cancer depends heavily on the type of cancer. In the case of epithelial ovarian cancer, the staging of the cancer is crucial for the treatment plan. Most women with epithelial ovarian cancer will need hysterectomies, where the uterus is removed, accompanied by the removal of the fallopian tubes and ovaries. However, if the cancer is detected early enough, and the woman is of child-birthing age, then your doctor can probably remove the tumor without removing the reproductive organs.
An important aspect of surgical treatment for ovarian cancer is debulking. This refers to the removal of all cancerous growths that are more than 1cm in size. This improves the prognosis of the patient considerably.
Stromal and germ cell ovarian cancer surgical treatment is focused on the removal of the cancerous tumor. Your doctor will rely on reliable imaging tests to detect the location, and the extent of the cancerous tumors.
Radiation therapy involves the use of high-energy x-ray particles to destroy the cancer cells. However, this therapy is not very effective against ovarian cancer and is usually not recommended for most patients.
Chemotherapy is the treatment of cancer using drugs. It is usually used to destroy any remaining cancer cells after surgery or to shrink a particularly large cancerous tumor to make its removal easier during surgery.
Conclusion
Unfortunately, most cases of ovarian cancer are detected only once it has spread through the pelvis and the abdomen. Thus, it is imperative that you check for ovarian cancer symptoms, and get the necessary and timely medical attention to avoid complications.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Ovarian cancer is one of the most common forms of cancer in women. Depending on how early the cancer is detected, your outlook and prognosis will change. The short-term prognosis of ovarian cancer patients is very good, and with regular chemotherapy, even long-term survival is significantly extended.
Abnormal abdominal bloating and distension is one of the first few signs of ovarian cancer. If you or your loved ones are worried about ovarian cancer, then talk to your doctor about your concerns. It is better to catch this disease at the early stages, than in its later forms.
Ovarian cancer is one of the more aggressive forms of cancer. It spreads quicker than breast cancer. It can only be a matter of months as the cancer progresses from one stage to the next.
Call 1860-500-1066 to book an appointment.
Our dedicated team of experienced Oncologists verify the clinical content and provide medical review regularly to ensure that you receive is accurate, evidence-based and trustworthy cancer related information