Ovarian cancer is a growth of cells that forms in the ovaries. These two round, walnut-sized organs produce eggs during women’s reproductive years. Ovarian cancer can sometimes be challenging to identify because symptoms frequently don't appear until later stages. Doctors use surgery, chemotherapy, and other cancer treatments to treat ovarian cancer.
What Is Ovarian Cancer?
When abnormal cells in women’s fallopian tubes or ovaries develop and multiply uncontrollably, it leads to ovarian cancer. Ovarian cancer may take several distinct forms, with epithelial ovarian cancer being the most prevalent. Although the precise cause of ovarian cancer is unknown, there are some risk factors, including:
- Being older than 60
- Having inherited a gene mutation or having Lynch syndrome
- Family history of ovarian cancer
- hormonal variation
- Obesity
- Never bearing a child or having kids later in life
- Endometriosis
What Are the Symptoms of Ovarian Cancer?
Symptoms of ovarian cancer can include:
- Discomfort or bloating in the abdomen or pelvis.
- Alterations in eating patterns, early fullness, and loss of appetite.
- Vaginal discharge or unusual bleeding, particularly if it happens beside your regular menstrual cycle or after menopause.
- Constipation or diarrhoea.
- An expansion of the size of your abdomen.
- Frequent urine (more frequent urinating).
See a doctor immediately if you experience any of the above-mentioned ovarian cancer symptoms.
How Is Ovarian Cancer Diagnosed?
A number of tests and procedures are used to diagnose ovarian cancer. These may include a pelvic ultrasound, imaging tests (such as an MRI), blood tests (such as those for the tumour marker CA-125), CT scan, PET scan (positron emission tomography) and a biopsy to confirm the existence of cancer cells.
How Is Ovarian Cancer Treated?
The aim of cancer treatment is to remove as much cancer as possible if not all of it. The following are typical ovarian cancer treatments:
Surgery: Typically, this entails the removal of any cancerous organs as well as your reproductive organs. Your doctor may perform a laparoscopy (a minimally invasive procedure) or a laparotomy (an open procedure requiring an abdominal incision).
Chemotherapy: Before or after surgery, your doctor might suggest chemotherapy. Chemotherapy uses chemicals that are intended to target and kill malignant cells. You may receive chemotherapy orally (as pills) or intravenously (via a vein).
Targeted therapy: Targeted medication therapies concentrate on specific weaknesses in cancer cells. Targeted pharmacological therapies can kill cancer cells by targeting these vulnerabilities. Drugs are used in this cancer treatment to spot and kill cancer cells.
Hormonal therapy: Drugs are used in hormone therapy to stop the effects of the hormone estrogen on ovarian cancer cells. Eliminating estrogen may help manage the cancer because certain ovarian cancer cells use it to fuel their growth.
Radiation therapy: High energy X-rays are used in radiation therapy to kill ovarian cancer cells. It is a rarely used treatment option for ovarian cancer.
Also Read – Thyroid Disorders in Pregnancy – What Causes Thyroid Problems during Pregnancy
Can Ovarian Cancer Be Prevented?
Complete prevention of ovarian cancer is not possible. However, being aware of your biological family history might help you get ready for any potential increased risk of the disease.
Your healthcare practitioner might advise risk-reducing surgery to remove your ovaries and tubes before they develop cancer if you have a genetic mutation, such as the BRCA mutation. Ask your healthcare practitioner about genetic testing if you're unsure if you have a BRCA mutation or another mutation.
Ovarian cancer is a severe disease that requires attention and prevention measures. Being aware of the disease, detecting its symptoms, and seeking medical assistance when necessary will increase the likelihood of early detection and effective treatment.
