Ovarian Cancer

Ovarian Cancer

The female reproductive system includes the ovaries. They are responsible for the production of a woman’s eggs and female hormones. Each ovary is roughly the size of an almond and has a similar shape.

The sooner you are diagnosed and treated for ovarian cancer, the higher your chances of recovery are. On the other hand, it is difficult to identify the diseases early.

Doctors use one or more tests to detect ovarian cancer. A physical checkup, ultrasound, a pelvic exam, blood tests, or a biopsy are options. Surgical procedure is frequently followed by chemotherapy.

Everything You Need to Know About Ovarian Cancer

What is it?

Ovarian cancer is a condition that affects the ovaries and causes them to increase and expand abnormally. The ovaries are small female reproductive organs that produce eggs and the hormone estrogen and progesterone.

In most women, there are two ovaries in the pelvis, one on each side of the uterus. The cell grows uncontrollably and may create a tumor if the genes that govern cell proliferation in the ovaries stop working correctly.

Sub Treatments For Cancer Screening

Causes

The cause of ovarian cancer is yet to be identified. If you have any of the following, however, you may be at a greater risk of ovarian cancer:

• A family record of ovarian cancer (someone else in your family has had the condition) or a gene mutation you inherited (BRCA1 or BRCA2)
• Never had a baby
• Suffered from endometriosis
• Had breast, uterine or colorectal cancer
• As you become older, you also have a higher chance of having ovarian cancer

Symptoms

When ovarian cancer is in its early stages, it seldom manifests any symptoms. Subtle indicators of cancer occur as the disease advances, but you may not notice them immediately away, or they may be mistaken for other common ailments.

The following are some of the signs and symptoms of ovarian cancer:

• Bloating or swelling in the abdomen
• Aches and pains in the abdomen and pelvis
• Having trouble eating or being very full soon
• A lack of desire to eat
• Feeling the need to pee urgently
• Urinating too often
• Bowel habits have changed (constipation or diarrhea)
• Variation in menstrual cycles
• Vaginal bleeding between periods
• Backache
• Gaining or losing weight

Ovarian cancer symptoms might be unclear, especially in the initial stages, but they are typically consistent and signal a difference from how you regularly feel. As the cancer advances, so do the symptoms. 

Whether you have any of these symptoms daily or almost daily for more than 2 to 3 weeks, see your doctor and explicitly inquire if you might have ovarian cancer. 

Risk Factors

Understanding the risk factors for ovarian cancer may help you determine whether you’re more susceptible to the disease, so you can watch for warning signs or take steps to reduce your risk. 

The following are some of the risk factors for ovarian cancer:

• Age
• Personal and family background
• Genetic mutations such as BRCA1 and BRCA2 
• Endometriosis
• Having difficulty conceiving or never having given birth
• Hormone replacement treatment after menopause 

Diagnosis

The following tests and procedures may be indicated if ovarian cancer is indicated depending on the existence of specific signs and symptoms:

• Check for symptoms of ovarian cancer (such as lumps or swelling) and assess the size, shape, and position of the ovaries during a physical examination and pelvic exam.
• To search for abnormal growths, ultrasound and other imaging examinations are used.
• CA-125 blood tests might be elevated in ovarian cancer patients.
• A biopsy of the tumor can only diagnose ovarian cancer.

Treatment

A combination of surgery and chemotherapy is commonly used to treat ovarian cancer. In some instances, other therapies may be employed.

Surgery

The stage of your cancer determines the sort of procedure you undergo and whether it has spread.

If ovarian cancer is detected early, it is better curable. If your cancer is still in its early stages (i.e., it hasn’t gone beyond your ovaries), you may be able to undergo surgery to remove:

• Both the ovaries and the fallopian tubes are involved (bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy)
• The connection between your vagina (cervix) and your womb (abdominal hysterectomy)

If cancer has progressed to other places of your body, additional surgery may be required to eliminate as much as possible. Sections of the bowel may be removed during this surgery.

Chemotherapy

Chemotherapy is a kind of drug that is used to destroy cancer cells. It may be used both before and after surgery, or it can be used alone. It might potentially be used to treat ovarian cancer that has returned.

Radiotherapy

To destroy cancer cells, radiotherapy utilizes high-energy beams of radiation. For ovarian cancer, you may need radiation to:

• Treat advanced cancer if other forms of therapy are not suitable for you.
• Assist with symptoms including bleeding, soreness, and pain.

Targeted therapies

Targeted treatments are therapies that solely attack cancer cells’ ability to grow and survive. They could be a good alternative if you have advanced ovarian cancer that has returned.

Hormone therapy

Oestrogen is required for the development of certain ovarian malignancies. Some malignancies may be slowed down by hormone therapy that limits estrogen synthesis. These medications are seldom used. If hormone therapy is suitable for you, your doctor will explain how to monitor and manage any adverse effects.

Conclusion

If you’re concerned about any signs or symptoms, make an appointment with your medical professional or gynecologist. If your primary care physician believes you have ovarian cancer, you can be sent to a female reproductive cancers specialist (gynecological oncologist).

Our Expert Team

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